Correctional Counseling Certificate

Specializing in reducing repeat offenders

When you obtain a certificate in correctional counseling, you help people see a better future for themselves.

This program is unique to CLC. In addition to classwork, gain a practicum in a professional setting. Gain specialized knowledge and skills to work with clients, including:

using the strengths perspective
developing a reintegration plan
completing a social history
documenting casework

What can you do with a Certificate in Correctional Counseling?

Become a specialist and build on your existing degree or expertise in criminal justice, psychology, human services, counseling or social work.

Just starting out in college? Complete the certificate along with an associate degree to become well-positioned for a job focused on rehabilitating individuals involved with the justice system. Your career aspirations may require additional education.

Start right away with your certificate in roles such as:

caseworker aide
probation aide
parole aide

With additional education, you can become:

treatment manager
therapist
mental health clinician

Highlights

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

This program is commended for excellence in the preparation of the 21st-century addictions professional workforce.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $60,853
  
  Median
  
  $80,776
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110,074
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29.25
  
  Median
  
  $38.83
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.92
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  92.43%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  7.57%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $79,280
  
  Median
  
  $105,729
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $154,350
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38.11
  
  Median
  
  $50.83
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $74.20
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  58.99%
  
  Certificate
  
  5.15%
  
  Some college
  
  2.28%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  22.88%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10.69%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,602
  
  Median
  
  $71,737
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107,626
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.28
  
  Median
  
  $34.49
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.74
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.85%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.67%
  
  Some college
  
  1.67%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.34%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  88.03%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.44%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32,538
  
  Median
  
  $38,728
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53,938
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.64
  
  Median
  
  $18.62
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $25.93
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  79.26%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.16%
  
  Some college
  
  9.56%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.06%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.96%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HUS 123	HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics Class Description This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.	3
HUS 128	HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.	3
HUS 140	HUS 140 Drugs and Society Class Description This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.	3
CRJ 121	CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice Class Description This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.	3
CRJ 227	CRJ 227 Community-Based Corrections Class Description This course examines the use of the community in the treatment and control of individuals in the correctional process. Students are exposed to such topics as probation, parole, restitution, community service, deferred prosecution, work release, halfway houses, group homes, and other strategies designed for community corrections.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 123
Course Title	HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics Class Description This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 128
Course Title	HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 140
Course Title	HUS 140 Drugs and Society Class Description This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 121
Course Title	CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice Class Description This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 227
Course Title	CRJ 227 Community-Based Corrections Class Description This course examines the use of the community in the treatment and control of individuals in the correctional process. Students are exposed to such topics as probation, parole, restitution, community service, deferred prosecution, work release, halfway houses, group homes, and other strategies designed for community corrections.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
HUS 253	HUS 253 Advanced Addictions Counseling Skills Class Description This course is a study of the major theoretical approaches used in counseling alcoholism, substance abuse, and addictive disorders. Theories and principles of both group work and individual counseling in a variety of human service settings are explored. Students are expected to participate as both clients and counselors in role plays to apply this knowledge. Client problems that often coincide with addictive disorders will be addressed.	3
CRJ 214	CRJ 214 Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice Class Description This course examines drugs in American society from a criminal justice perspective, including the nature and extent of drug-taking behavior, the history and theories of drug use and abuse, the relationship between drugs and crime, drugs and the criminal justice system, the specific legally-restricted drugs in our society, drug prevention and treatment, and drug policy.	3
HUS 219	HUS 219 Human Services Internship Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.	3
HUS 154	HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)	2
HUS 274	HUS 274 Human Services Practicum Orientation Class Description This course prepares students for the practicum experience in the various Human Services Programs. Students will gain an understanding of the practicum process, required paperwork, ethical considerations, and the supervision requirements. In addition, students will prepare resumes, practice interviewing skills, develop professional demeanor, and begin the interview process with potential practicum sites.NOTE: Application for HUS 274 must be submitted to the HUS Department Chair. Prerequisites for HUS 274 may be taken concurrently or waived upon course review and determination by HUS Department Chair.	1
HUS 152	HUS 152 Process Addictions/Impulse Disorders Class Description This course will examine the addictive process as it is manifested in diverse social behaviors. Students will study similarities and differences of process/behavioral addictions, impulse control disorders, and compulsive behaviors. Focus will be on etiology, assessment, treatment, legal issues, and family issues. These various behaviors and disorders will include, but not be limited to the following: gambling, eating disorders, work, sex, compulsive buying, shoplifting, pyromania, and intermittent explosive disorder. The relationship of these disorders will be compared and contrasted with alcohol and other drug addictions.	2
HUS 299	HUS 299 Special Topics in Human Services Class Description Special topics will be developed for the different Human Services Options. Topics developed will focus on a specific current issue in the areas of adult services or alcohol and substance abuse. NOTE: A maximum of six (6) credit hours of HUS 299 may be used as elective credit toward an A.A.S. degree in Human Services.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 253
Course Title	HUS 253 Advanced Addictions Counseling Skills Class Description This course is a study of the major theoretical approaches used in counseling alcoholism, substance abuse, and addictive disorders. Theories and principles of both group work and individual counseling in a variety of human service settings are explored. Students are expected to participate as both clients and counselors in role plays to apply this knowledge. Client problems that often coincide with addictive disorders will be addressed.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 214
Course Title	CRJ 214 Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice Class Description This course examines drugs in American society from a criminal justice perspective, including the nature and extent of drug-taking behavior, the history and theories of drug use and abuse, the relationship between drugs and crime, drugs and the criminal justice system, the specific legally-restricted drugs in our society, drug prevention and treatment, and drug policy.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 219
Course Title	HUS 219 Human Services Internship Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised internship experience working directly with clients, family members, groups, and the community in community social service agencies. This course includes field work, supervision hours, assignments, and a supervision seminar class. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours at an approved agency. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 internship hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 154
Course Title	HUS 154 Ethics in Human Services Class Description This course provides the student with an introduction to multiple ethical considerations in the counselor-client relationship. Topics considered will include personal values of professional staff, confidentiality, sexual and social contact with clients, self-determination, conflicts of interest, dual relationships, and more. Students will also consider application of agency policies, professional ethics, and the law. Recommended Prerequisite: HUS 140 (C or better) and HUS 128 (C or better)
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 274
Course Title	HUS 274 Human Services Practicum Orientation Class Description This course prepares students for the practicum experience in the various Human Services Programs. Students will gain an understanding of the practicum process, required paperwork, ethical considerations, and the supervision requirements. In addition, students will prepare resumes, practice interviewing skills, develop professional demeanor, and begin the interview process with potential practicum sites.NOTE: Application for HUS 274 must be submitted to the HUS Department Chair. Prerequisites for HUS 274 may be taken concurrently or waived upon course review and determination by HUS Department Chair.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 152
Course Title	HUS 152 Process Addictions/Impulse Disorders Class Description This course will examine the addictive process as it is manifested in diverse social behaviors. Students will study similarities and differences of process/behavioral addictions, impulse control disorders, and compulsive behaviors. Focus will be on etiology, assessment, treatment, legal issues, and family issues. These various behaviors and disorders will include, but not be limited to the following: gambling, eating disorders, work, sex, compulsive buying, shoplifting, pyromania, and intermittent explosive disorder. The relationship of these disorders will be compared and contrasted with alcohol and other drug addictions.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 299
Course Title	HUS 299 Special Topics in Human Services Class Description Special topics will be developed for the different Human Services Options. Topics developed will focus on a specific current issue in the areas of adult services or alcohol and substance abuse. NOTE: A maximum of six (6) credit hours of HUS 299 may be used as elective credit toward an A.A.S. degree in Human Services.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

35

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Human Services at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study human services. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Human Services Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

The certificate in correctional counseling is 33-34 total credit hours and takes an average of 1.5 years to complete. Before beginning your program, consult a department advisor to identify coursework that will meet your career goals. Develop knowledge and competencies in:
- verbal and written communication skills
- adolescent development
- group dynamics
- ethical practices
- supervision
You can choose from 19 electives in courses that include a Criminal Justice Assessment Seminar and cover topics such as:
- substance abuse
- child maltreatment
- criminal law
You can complete your correctional counseling degree 100% online or in person. Attend class in the way that works best for your learning style.
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time by taking classes that are taught in a live virtual classroom via Zoom during scheduled times.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Absolutely! You want to shape your second act and others’, which makes this program a great fit. Most students taking these courses are over 24 years old and a majority hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

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Specializing in reducing repeat offenders

What can you do with a Certificate in Correctional Counseling?

Highlights

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Security Guards

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 2 Credits

Semester 2 18 Credits

Semester 3 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Human Services at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

It’s been a long time since I was in a classroom. Is this program for me?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

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