Juvenile Corrections: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to work within systems dedicated to the rehabilitation and supervision of youth involved in the justice system. Focused on the unique needs of minors, it prepares professionals to navigate complex legal, psychological, and social dynamics inherent in juvenile corrections.
- Corrections in Juvenile Contexts: Explores the design, implementation, and ethical application of correctional strategies tailored specifically for minors, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.
- Juvenile Delinquency: Analyzes the causes, patterns, and societal impacts of youth crime, including risk factors, prevention models, and intervention frameworks.
- Developmental and Psychological Foundations: Examines cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development in adolescents to inform effective, age-appropriate intervention and support practices.
- Juvenile Law and Justice Administration: Covers legal rights of minors, court procedures, sentencing alternatives, and the structure of juvenile justice systems at local, state, and federal levels.
- Social Services Integration: Focuses on connecting youth with community-based resources such as counseling, education, housing, and family support to promote long-term stability.
- Record-Keeping and Data Management: Teaches accurate documentation, confidentiality protocols, and the use of digital systems for tracking cases, compliance, and program outcomes.
- Professional Communication Skills: Develops clear, empathetic, and culturally responsive communication techniques essential for working with youth, families, legal professionals, and multidisciplinary teams.
Juvenile Corrections Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Juvenile Corrections Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Juvenile Corrections degrees, including Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary, Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Correctional Officers and Jailers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 761,900 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1111 | $71,470 | $45,640 - $143,130 | 13,560 | N/A |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021 | $58,570 | $40,580 - $94,030 | 382,960 | $28.16 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers 33-3012 | $57,970 | $41,750 - $93,000 | 365,380 | $27.87 |
Juvenile Corrections Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $46,967 in Arkansas to $100,443 in California—a 114% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 761,900 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Juvenile Corrections by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Juvenile Corrections programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Juvenile Corrections is found at Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) (32 graduates), Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship) (9 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (6 graduates), Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) (5 graduates), and Southeast Community College Area (SCC) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 68 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
32 | Prairie View, Texas | Public | pvamu.edu |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship) |
Master's
|
9 | Shippensburg, Pennsylvania | Public | ship.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Other Award
|
6 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Western Oregon University (WOU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Monmouth, Oregon | Public | wou.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Other Award
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Arnold, Maryland | Public | aacc.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Joplin, Missouri | Public | mssu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Juvenile Corrections programs
How much can I earn with a Juvenile Corrections degree?
Salaries for Juvenile Corrections graduates vary by role and location. Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $71,470 annually, while Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn around $58,570. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $100,443 compared to $46,967 in Arkansas. Approximately 761,900 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Juvenile Corrections programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Juvenile Corrections degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Prairie View A & M University (PVAMU) (32 graduates), Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Ship) (9 graduates), and Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Juvenile Corrections growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 54 in 2010 to a peak of 155 in 2020, before declining slightly to 68 in 2023-24. This represents a 26% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Juvenile Corrections degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Correctional Officers and Jailers. Related occupations employ approximately 761,900 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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