Gogebic Community College

Corrections Officer

Guard on duty in a prison
Fisherman

Corrections Officer Program Overview

  • Certificate Program
  • 1 Year
  • Both Campuses

Overview

The Corrections Officer Certificate Program prepares graduates for jobs in a prison setting as a corrections officer. Corrections officers ensure the safety and security of incarcerated persons. Correctional officers may be expected to maintain order within the prison institution, enforce rules and regulations, escort prisoners within the facility and in transit, and supplement counseling and programming for prisoners. 

Unique Features

  • This program meets and exceeds the State of Michigan requirements for local and state corrections officers and is certified through the Michigan Correctional Officers' Training Council. Courses included in this program would allow an individual to qualify for the 15 semester credits required by the State of Michigan in the Michigan Department of Corrections.   
  • One year certificate with the option for a one semester Occupational Certificate in Corrections to prepare students for immediate employment 
  • Certificate credits can be used toward an Associate degree as well 

Requirements

  • Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. MDOC certified courses must be completed with the minimum grade of a C 
  • Background investigations for MDOC employment are conducted for most work positions in this field. The MDOC may screen out applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for MDOC employment until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.  
  • Drug and alcohol testing for and during employment are conducted for most work positions in this field.  
  • MDOC applicants must pass a post-job-offer medical exam, drug screen, and physical fitness test.  
  • MDOC applicants must finish an 8-week corrections officer training academy, followed by 8 weeks of on-the-job training.  

Program Learning Outcomes

 

Learn What GCC Students Say About This Program:

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Courses at Gogebic

Prefix Title Credits
COL 102 College and Career Success 1
CJC 101 Introduction to Corrections 3
CJC 102 Correctional Institutions/Facilities 3
ENG 101 OR ENG 105 English Composition I OR Technical English 3
PSY 101 General Psychology 4
PED 202 Responding to Emergencies 2
Prefix Title Credits
CJC 103 Criminology 3
CJC 104 Diversity and Inclusivity in Public Safety 3
CJC 105 Legal Issues 3
ENG 102 OR SPE 101 OR SPE 105 English Composition II OR Communications Course 3
MTH 100 or higher Mathematics 3-4
SOC 101 OR SOC 102 Introduction to Sociology OR Social Problems 3
Total Credits: 34-35
Scenic Background