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Probation agent education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a probation agent. Probation agents usually study criminal justice, sociology, or business. 73% of probation agents hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 246 real probation agent resumes to see exactly what probation agent education sections show.

The most common colleges for probation agents are the Coppin State University and the Coppin State University.

There are also many online probation agent courses to help get the education required to be a probation agent.

What education do you need to become a probation agent?

What degree do you need to be a probation agent?

The most common degree for probation agents is bachelor's degree, with 73% of probation agents earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 15% and master's degree degree at 8%.
  • Bachelor's, 73%
  • Master's, 15%
  • Associate, 8%
  • High School Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a probation agent?

You should major in criminal justice to become a probation agent. 44% of probation agents major in criminal justice. Other common majors for a probation agent include sociology and business.

Most common colleges for probation agents

Probation agents often get their degrees at Coppin State University, Wayne State University, and University of Maryland - Eastern Shore. Here are the most common colleges for probation agents in the US based on their resumes.
Probation agent common collegePercentages
Coppin State University12.87%
Wayne State University9.90%
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore9.90%
University of Baltimore8.91%
Towson University6.93%

Best majors for probation agents

RankMajorPercentages
1Criminal Justice44.3%
2Sociology10.4%
3Business7.7%
4Psychology5.5%
5Social Work4.4%

Best colleges for probation agents

The best colleges for probation agents are University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, and Boston College.

A probation agent with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for probation agents. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become probation agents.

1. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

4. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

5. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

7. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$58,230

Enrollment

6,600

8. Howard University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$26,756

Enrollment

6,166

9. SUNY at Albany

Albany, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$10,011

Enrollment

13,434

10. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

20 best online courses for probation agents

Advertising disclosure

1. International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

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International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of...

2. International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes

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‘Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is the second course in Leiden University’s new series on International Law in Action. The first course covered international courts and tribunals in The Hague in general. This second course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague. Atrocities produce unspeakable forms of violence. We will explore...

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5. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health

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Effective communication is a core skill that nearly every health professional will need and use during their careers. Yet, few health professionals receive even basic training in how to design communications to be clear and successful. As “foundational skills,” the content in this course can be applied to both oral and written communication, within and beyond health. Learners will develop the skills to: analyze and tailor a communication effort for different audiences, develop clear messages,...

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SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, poses a high risk for senior housing communities and the people who live and work there. The COVID-19 response has largely focused on nursing homes, leaving independent living communities serving older adults in the United States with fragmented guidance on how to respond to COVID-19 challenges. This course provides comprehensive instruction and resources for property owners and managers, senior housing staff, service coordinators and providers,...

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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

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Everything you need to know to succeed in the probate real estate investing niche!...

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10. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system

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14. Complete Health and Safety Auditor Course. OHSAS 18001.

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How to implement and audit a health & safety management system and obtain certification to OHSAS 18001 Standard...

15. Criminal Law in 120 Minutes: A Fast Track Course

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16. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

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17. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning

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18. Strategic Planning Basics for Human Resources

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19. Strategic Planning Skills

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Strategic Planning Skills...

20. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide

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How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for probation agents

The most affordable schools for probation agents are California State University - Bakersfield, baruch college of the city university of new york, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for probation agents are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for probation agents.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

5. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for probation agents

The hardest universities for probation agents to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, and Boston College.

Some great schools for probation agents are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for probation agents based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

2. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

3. Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • Private

Admissions rate

28%

SAT average

1,429

4. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

5. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

Admissions rate

40%

SAT average

1,376

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

Admissions rate

23%

SAT average

1,398

10. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for probation agents

The easiest schools for probation agents to get into are Wayland Baptist University, mount saint mary's university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a probation agent without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for probation agents.

1. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

2. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

4. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

5. University of Houston - Downtown

Houston, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,012

6. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

7. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

8. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

9. Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,002

10. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

992

Average probation agent salary by education level

According to our data, probation agents with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $51,290 annually. Probation agents with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $46,519.
Probation agent education levelProbation agent salary
Master's Degree$51,290
Bachelor's Degree$46,519

Probation agent education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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