Point Park University

What you'll study

The programme combines theoretical foundations of punishment and rehabilitation with applied skills for working in adult and juvenile correctional systems. Coursework typically covers a blend of core criminal justice subjects, specialised corrections modules and applied research or practicum components.

• Corrections theory and practice — historical and contemporary models of punishment, institutional and community corrections, offender management strategies.
• Juvenile justice — developmentally informed assessment, diversion and rehabilitation approaches for youth, juvenile court processes.
• Reentry and offender transition — planning and delivery of reentry programmes, risk and needs assessment, community supervision and support services.
• Treatment and rehabilitation — cognitive‑behavioural interventions, substance misuse treatment, mental health in correctional populations.
• Research methods and policy analysis — quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluation, programme assessment, and evidence‑based policy development.
• Legal and ethical issues — constitutional and statutory frameworks affecting corrections, inmates' rights, ethics in practice.
• Practicum or capstone — applied placement in a local correctional or community agency, or a research capstone addressing a real‑world corrections problem.

Courses are delivered through seminar‑style classes, case studies and partnerships with local agencies. Students may be able to tailor electives to focus on administration, assessment and treatment, or policy and research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a satisfactory academic record. The programme considers candidates with undergraduate degrees in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, legal studies or related fields; applicants with professional experience in corrections, law enforcement or social services are also encouraged to apply.

• Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
• A personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing graduate study in corrections.
• One or two professional or academic references.
• A current résumé or CV detailing relevant work or volunteer experience.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional alternatives.

Standardised tests are not universally required; applicants should consult the programme for current testing and conditional admission policies. Because practicum placements may involve work with vulnerable populations, offers of admission can be contingent on background checks or health clearances where required.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across corrections, community supervision and related fields in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Corrections administrator or facility manager
• Probation and parole officer / community supervision specialist
• Reentry coordinator or case manager
• Treatment programme coordinator in substance misuse, mental health or cognitive interventions
• Juvenile justice specialist or youth services administrator
• Policy analyst, researcher or evaluator for government agencies and NGOs
• Positions with federal, state or county correctional agencies, community corrections organisations, and private reentry providers
• Preparation for doctoral study or roles in academia and advanced research

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park's downtown Pittsburgh location provides strong regional connections to courts, correctional facilities and community agencies, supporting practicum placements and local partnerships. The programme is delivered by faculty with a mix of scholarly and practitioner backgrounds, offering applied perspectives grounded in real‑world operations.

• Hands‑on learning through practicum and community partnerships in the Pittsburgh region.
• Small class sizes that enable mentorship and close faculty supervision of applied projects.
• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate working professionals, including evening and hybrid course delivery where available.
• Career services and university networks that help students secure internships and employment in corrections and related fields.

Together these elements make the programme suitable for those seeking to advance careers in corrections practice, administration or policy, or to prepare for further graduate study.