Probation officers supervise released offenders and ensure they are following the terms of their probation.
They might also connect the offender with community resources and job placement as needed.
If this sounds like a good career for you, look into some of the classes and courses available online.
Ultimately, if you decide to become a probation officer, you'll want to get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Best Online Probation Officer Classes and Courses
Keep reading for more details about some of the top probation officer courses and degree programs available online.
1. Hilbert College
At Hilbert College, you could earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice 100% online through the Hilbert College Global platform.
Hilbert's program is designed to give you a broad background in criminal justice and law enforcement to prepare you for many different careers.
The program consists of asynchronous, self-paced courses, so you can earn your degree when it's convenient for you.
Tuition starts at $450 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available for all qualifying students.
2. Ivy Tech Community College
At Ivy Tech Community College, you could earn a certificate or No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "??https"! through 100% online study.
In some locations, an associate degree is all you need to start training as a probation officer.
The accelerated, asynchronous coursework can be completed in as little as four semesters of full-time study.
Tuition starts at $170.07 per credit hour for Indiana students or $332.71 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available.
3. Maryville University
Maryville University's online criminal justice degree prepares students for a variety of law enforcement careers, including probation officer.
The program is 100% online with no campus visits required and asynchronous courses you can work into your own schedule.
If you go through probation officer training or police academy training, you might be able to use those hours toward your degree.
Tuition starts at $525 per credit hour for the 128-credit program. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a 100% online bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
This program includes a communication certificate, providing you with the tools you need to write and speak effectively as a probation officer.
Courses are asynchronous so you can earn your degree on your own terms with 24/7 access to the classroom and materials.
Tuition for the program starts at $330 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid options are available for qualifying students.
5. Strayer University
At Strayer University, you can earn a bachelor's degree specifically in probation and parole 100% online.
If your goal is to become a probation officer, this degree can provide you with an excellent foundation for your career.
The program includes 40 11-week programs with credit hours granted based on your contact hours spent with the course.
Tuition starts at a flat rate of $1,525 per course. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.
6. Yuba College
Yuba College hosts a Probation Academy with both online and in-person instruction available through a hybrid program.
Online courses last four weeks, then training concludes with one week on the Yuba College campus in Marysville, CA.
The online courses are synchronous with lectures Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 19 days.
This is not a degree program and is only open to California state resident students. Tuition starts at $414 for the entire program.
7. University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has an online probation officer degree that's ranked one of the best in the country.
Online students have access to the same material as on-campus students, adapted for the online format.
UTC does require online students to attend classes through fall, spring, and summer due to the course rotation schedule.
Tuition for the program starts at $436 per credit hour for Tennessee residents or $462 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
FAQs About Probation Officer Classes
Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online probation officer courses and training programs.
What Degree Is Best for Probation Officers?
Most law enforcement agencies require probation officers to have at least a bachelor's degree.
Criminal justice is the most common bachelor's degree for probation officers, but some might study social work or a related field.
Can You Train To Be a Probation Officer 100% Online?
You can get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field 100% online, which will prepare you to be a probation officer.
However, probation officers typically have to go through extensive on-the-job training before they become badged officers.
Are Online Criminal Justice Degrees Respected?
Absolutely. The important thing to consider is that you get a degree from an accredited institution.
Most of these degrees are no different from those awarded to on-campus students, so you don't need to worry.
Find the Right School for Probation Officer Courses Today
If you're interested in becoming a probation officer, start with online degrees and courses from an accredited institution.
