Criminal Justice - Corrections Emphasis Program
BMCC’s Criminal Justice, Corrections Emphasis program is designed to prepare students for various positions in correctional agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. The program includes a combination of theoretical, practical, and supportive courses. Courses included in this program would allow an individual to qualify for the 15 semester credits mandated by the State of Michigan for employment as a Corrections Officer in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Our instructors have years of experience working in the Department of Corrections in various competencies. This experience provides the opportunity to prepare students for what to expect when they are employed by the Department of Corrections.
Other opportunities available (Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree):
- Department of Corrections Officer
- Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer
- Michigan State Police Trooper
Criminal Justice Corrections Emphasis Degree Program
Criminal Justice Corrections Emphasis Certificate of Completion Program
AA Degree Audit Form 15-17 Catalog
AA Degree Audit Form 17-18 Catalog
Certificate Audit Form 15-17 Catalog
The Michigan Department of Corrections employment outlook is very promising. The MDOC anticipates hiring over 1000 additional officers in 2016 & 2017. Our Associate Degree will transfer to other Michigan colleges where you may earn a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree is required for Federal Correctional Officer positions.
According to the Department of Corrections webpage, http://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-68690_68794_68691-330829--,00.html, starting pay in 2016 was $16.65 per hour and progressed to $25.50 per hour (increases often). The opportunities for promotion continue to increase as motivated individuals are needed to fill the shoes of retiring employees.
Starting salary examples below:
| Corrections Officer | $34,632 |
| Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer | $40,705 |
| Michigan State Police Trooper | $44,000 |
Corrections Officer - received Feb 2017
Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer - received Feb 2017
To learn more about the Associate of Arts or Certificate of Completion for the Criminal Justice Program, contact Nancy Berkompas, Department Chair:
Email: nberkompas@bmcc.edu
Office Phone: (906) 248-8457
“The CJ program at BMCC not only gave me insight on where I wanted to be career wise, it also gave me the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to be successful as a corrections officer.”
-- Shaun Voris, Corrections Officer at Chippewa Correctional Facility
-- Shaun Voris, Corrections Officer at Chippewa Correctional Facility
“The experience of the instructors who have actually worked in corrections for a number of years gave me an insight to what was expected on the job. I felt more confident when I started working in the prison because I had a good idea what to expect.”
-- Shane McDonald, Corrections Officer at Chippewa Correctional Facility