The best degrees for female felons offer affordable education programs and a chance for a fresh start with a new career. Pursuing higher education can be a transformative step for female felons seeking to rebuild their lives and open doors to new opportunities. Degrees for female felons offer the chance to gain valuable skills and knowledge, regardless of past mistakes. Online degrees for felons can be particularly advantageous, as they provide flexibility and accessibility for those balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. Fields such as business administration, computer science, and social work are popular choices, as they offer solid job prospects and allow individuals to leverage their unique experiences positively.
When considering degrees you can get with a criminal record, choosing programs that align with personal interests and career goals is essential. Many colleges and universities now have policies to support felons; some even offer specialized support services to help them succeed. Pursuing college degrees for felons can lead to career paths that promote personal growth and stability, demonstrating to potential employers that determination and education can outweigh past challenges. By selecting the right degree, female felons can effectively navigate their career transitions and build a future defined by opportunity rather than past errors.
Contents:
- What is the Best Degree to Get as a Female Felon or Person with Felony Convictions?
- 1. Culinary Arts Degree
- 2. Business Administration Degree
- 3. Graphic Design Degree
- 4. Marketing Degree
- 5. Computer Science Degree
- 6. Construction Management Degree
- 7. Social Work Degree
- 8. Paralegal Studies
- 9. Solar Energy Installation Certificate
- 10. Degree in Allied Health
- What Career Can a Female with Felony Convictions Realistically Pursue?
- What are the Best Person with Felony Convictions Degrees for Women?
- What are Employment Challenges for Femal Felons?
- Additional Tips for Success
- Your Future and Success
What is the Best Degree to Get as a Female Felon or Person with Felony Convictions?
The best degree for a female felon depends on her interests, skills, and career goals, as well as the opportunities available in her community. However, here are some degrees that tend to offer good prospects for female felons.
1. Culinary Arts Degree
A Culinary Arts degree can be a practical choice for female felons seeking to start fresh. It offers tangible skills for various career paths in the food industry, such as restaurant management, catering, food styling, and entrepreneurship. Culinary training allows for immediate application of skills, and many programs offer resources tailored for individuals with criminal records. By obtaining a degree in Culinary Arts, female felons can gain expertise in a high-demand industry and build a new identity centered around their talents and ambitions.
Moreover, many culinary schools and programs are increasingly inclusive and supportive, offering resources specifically tailored for individuals with criminal records. This includes online degrees for felons in Culinary Arts, which can offer flexibility for those juggling multiple responsibilities. The culinary field often values skill and passion over formal background checks, making it a viable option for female felons seeking to start fresh. By obtaining a degree in Culinary Arts, female felons can not only gain expertise in a high-demand industry but also build a new identity centered around their talents and ambitions, ultimately paving the way for a successful and fulfilling career.
- Jobs Available: Executive Chefs, Head Cooks, Sous Chefs, Caterer
- Education Requirement: Vocational certificate or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $28
2. Business Administration Degree
An associate or bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is versatile and applicable in many industries, providing a broad range of career options. It can be an excellent choice for female felons seeking to reshape their futures and achieve long-term success. This degree offers a comprehensive understanding of key business concepts, including management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The knowledge gained from this degree can open doors to roles in management, human resources, and even opportunities to start their own business. This journey is not just about education, but about significant personal and professional growth, offering hope and optimism for the future.
Johnson & Wales Online Business Degree
Many institutions now offer business management certificates or online Business Administration degrees. This format makes it easier for individuals with past convictions to pursue higher education without the constraints of traditional classroom settings. These programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, catering to the needs of students who may have additional responsibilities or constraints.
- Jobs Available: Project Management Specialists, Cost Estimators, Human Resources Specialists
- Education Requirement: Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $36 to $47
3. Graphic Design Degree
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in graphic design can be an excellent choice for women with a criminal record who are looking to rebuild their lives and careers. This degree equips individuals with the skills needed to pursue various opportunities in fields like advertising, web design, and branding where their unique perspectives can be valuable. E
Earning a graphic design degree shows resilience and a dedication to personal and professional development, providing access to a satisfying and stable career. This degree can lead to careers in marketing, advertising, or freelance design, combining creativity with technical skills, making it a great fit for those interested in the arts. Pursuing a graphic design degree is a viable and rewarding path for women with criminal records, offering an avenue to acquire new skills, express creativity, and establish a new career.
- Jobs Available: Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Brand Identity Designer
- Education Requirement: associate degree or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $28
4. Marketing Degree
A marketing degree can be an excellent choice for women with a criminal record. It offers diverse career opportunities and the potential for creative expression and strategic thinking. This degree equips individuals with skills in market research, digital marketing, advertising, and brand management, which are highly valued in various industries.
Additionally, marketing programs provide a great platform for community engagement and leveraging life experiences to make a positive impact on people’s lives. This educational path also provides students with hands-on learning experiences in substance abuse counseling.
- Jobs Available: Marketing Coordinator, Digital Marketer, Social Media Manager, Brand Strategist, and Sales Manager
- Education Requirement: bachelor’s degree or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $36
5. Computer Science Degree
A degree in Computer Science equips female felons with valuable technical skills and knowledge in programming, software development, and data analysis. This field presents numerous career opportunities in tech companies, startups, and various industries seeking IT expertise. Their unique backgrounds can offer diverse perspectives to problem-solving and innovation.
Pursuing a computer science degree demonstrates resilience and a commitment to redefining one’s future, providing a path to a stable and prosperous career. An associate or bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Computer Programming offers pathways into a wide range of technology-related careers. IT roles, such as computer support specialists or network administrators, are in high demand.
- Jobs Available: Computer Support Specialists, Network Administrators, Computer Programmer, Information Technology (IT) Specialist
- Education Requirement: associate degree or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $29 to $48
6. Construction Management Degree
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management provides an opportunity for women with a criminal record to develop leadership and technical skills necessary for overseeing building projects from start to finish. This field offers various career paths in construction firms, project management, and real estate development, where their unique experiences can contribute to effective team management and problem-solving. Pursuing this degree demonstrates determination and a commitment to personal and professional growth, opening doors to stable and rewarding job opportunities.
In some states, construction managers are required to be licensed. For more information, please contact your state licensing board. The Construction Management Association of America grants the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential to individuals with the necessary experience who pass a technical exam.
- Jobs Available: career paths in construction firms, project management, and real estate development
- Education Requirement: Certificate or Associate Degree
- Average Hourly Pay: $35 to $55
7. Social Work Degree
Women with felony backgrounds can leverage their unique experiences to connect with clients on a deeper level, offering valuable insights and building trust and understanding. A social work degree can be an extremely fulfilling option for women with felony convictions. It provides a path to meaningful employment and the chance to have a positive impact on the lives of others.
This degree equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work in various settings, including community organizations, schools, hospitals, and government agencies, where personal experiences can enhance empathy and effectiveness in helping others. Social work degrees open up opportunities for roles such as case managers, counselors, and social service coordinators, allowing individuals to advocate for and support vulnerable populations.
- Jobs Available: Case Managers, Counselors, and Social Service Coordinators
- Education Requirement: bachelor’s degree or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $28
8. Paralegal Studies
A degree in Paralegal Studies equips female felons with the skills to support legal professionals, enhancing their understanding of the legal system and improving their career prospects. This educational path provides opportunities to work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, where their unique perspectives can be invaluable. Pursuing a paralegal degree demonstrates resilience and a commitment to reintegration, paving the way for a meaningful and impactful career.
An associate degree in Paralegal Studies prepares individuals to assist lawyers with research, documentation, and case preparation. It offers a pathway into the legal field without requiring a law degree.
- Jobs Available: Paralegal, Legal Assistant
- Education Requirement: associate or bachelor’s degree
- Average Hourly Pay: $29
9. Solar Energy Installation Certificate
Earning a Solar Energy Installation Certificate is a great choice for women with felony convictions. It provides a pathway to a fast-growing and impactful industry. This certification equips individuals with the necessary skills for installing and maintaining solar energy systems. The field is rapidly expanding due to the increasing demand for renewable energy.
Working in solar energy contributes to environmental sustainability and energy independence. It provides a sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute to positive change in the world. Pursuing a Solar Energy Installation Certificate can lead to a practical and fulfilling career path, showcasing resilience and dedication to building a sustainable future.
- Jobs Available: Photovoltaic Installers, System Designers, and Maintenance Technicians
- Education Requirement: certificate or higher
- Average Hourly Pay: $23.50
10. Degree in Allied Health
With a degree in Allied Health, you can work as a Hearing Aid Specialist. These professionals select and fit hearing aids for customers, administer and interpret tests of hearing, and assess hearing instrument efficacy. They also take ear impressions and prepare, design, and modify ear molds.
- Jobs Available: Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS), Audiology Technician, Hearing Specialist, Hearing Health Technician (Hearing Health Tech)
- Education Requirement: training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree in Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
- Average Hourly Pay: $25.00
What Career Can a Female with Felony Convictions Realistically Pursue?
For women with felony convictions seeking to improve their future prospects, choosing a degree that offers good job opportunities and aligns with their interests can be crucial. Here are ten degrees that can provide a strong foundation for building a new career:
These degrees are often chosen for their practicality and the availability of opportunities for individuals with various backgrounds. Many of these fields also offer certifications or additional training that can further enhance job prospects and career advancement.
What are the Best Person with Felony Convictions Degrees for Women?
A career that’s friendly to person with felony convictions typically has characteristics that make it more accessible to individuals with felony convictions. Here are some key factors that contribute to a career being considered friendly for a person with felony convictions:
1. High Demand for Skills:
Careers in fields with a high demand for skilled workers, such as technology, healthcare, or skilled trades, often have more flexibility regarding criminal records. Employers in these fields may be more focused on skills and experience rather than background.
2. Emphasis on Skills and Certifications:
Jobs that prioritize skills, certifications, or portfolios over traditional educational backgrounds or criminal records can be more accessible. For example, in fields like IT, graphic design, or culinary arts, practical skills and credentials often weigh heavily in hiring decisions.
3. Second-Chance Policies:
Some industries and employers have specific second-chance hiring policies that are designed to provide opportunities for individuals with criminal records. These policies are often in place to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.
4. Non-Regulated Fields:
Careers in industries that are not heavily regulated by state or federal laws regarding criminal background checks may be more open to hiring individuals with felonies. This can include certain freelance or entrepreneurial ventures.
5. Supportive Employers:
Some organizations and companies have missions or values focused on social justice and supporting reintegration. These employers may be more open to hiring individuals with felony convictions and offer supportive work environments.
6. Career Fields with High Turnover:
Industries with high employee turnover may be more willing to consider applicants with criminal records due to the ongoing need for new hires. These fields often include sectors like retail, hospitality, and certain manual labor jobs.
7. Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Programs:
Careers in fields related to social work, counseling, or community support may be more accessible, particularly for individuals who have undergone significant rehabilitation and want to help others facing similar challenges.
8. Flexibility in Criminal Background Checks:
Careers that involve less stringent background checks or that are governed by local rather than federal regulations may be more accessible. For example, some positions may only perform basic checks or consider convictions that occurred many years ago.
9. Entrepreneurial Opportunities:
Starting a business or working as an independent contractor can offer more freedom and fewer barriers related to criminal records. Entrepreneurship allows individuals to create their own opportunities and control their career path.
10. Union or Trade Organizations:
Some trade unions or professional organizations advocate for fair hiring practices and may have programs or support systems for individuals with felony convictions. These organizations can help with job placement and offer additional training.
Ultimately, a person with felony convictions is one that considers the individual’s skills, experience, and potential for rehabilitation, rather than focusing solely on their criminal record. Finding a path that aligns with personal strengths and interests while seeking out supportive employers and industries can greatly enhance career prospects.
Resources
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is where you can find financial aid to help you pay for college. They are government grants, loans, and work-study programs.
US Dept of Labor
The United States Department of Labor sponsors the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). This is an incentive program that targets individuals who face obstacles to employment.
Federal Bonding
Federal Bonding Program is another form of job assistance. This program offers bonds for free to you and your employer. It is for all-wage jobs, and you can be bonded the same day you get a job offer. The bond is basically an insurance policy for your employer. It protects them from the perceived risk that you may steal and makes them feel more comfortable about hiring you.
Career One Stop
Career One Stop provides job search advice for formerly incarcerated people looking for work.
Project HOPE
Project HOPE assists formerly incarcerated people with re-entry into society. Participants get help with housing, education, and employment in many states.
Help for Felons
Help For Felons is a state-by-state listing that has education and job resource guides for formerly incarcerated people in each state.
What are Employment Challenges for Femal Felons?
The state of employment for female ex-felons is influenced by various factors including legal barriers, societal attitudes, and available support systems. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the current landscape:
Legal and Regulatory Barriers
Background Checks: Many employers conduct background checks, and certain felonies can disqualify candidates from specific positions, particularly in fields that require security clearances or involve working with vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly).
Licensing Restrictions: Some professions require state licenses or certifications, and a felony conviction can disqualify individuals from obtaining these credentials. This can be a significant barrier in fields like healthcare, finance, and legal services.
Societal Stigma
Discrimination: Female ex-felons often face stigma and discrimination during the job search process. Employers may have biases against hiring individuals with criminal records, which can affect hiring decisions and workplace integration.
Lack of Understanding: There may be a lack of awareness or understanding about the challenges faced by ex-felons, which can lead to misconceptions and reluctance to hire.
Limited Networks
Professional Connections: Ex-felons may have limited professional networks and references, which can make it harder to find job opportunities and advance in their careers.
Employment Gaps
Resume Gaps: Time spent incarcerated can lead to gaps in employment history, which can be a red flag for potential employers.
Additional Tips for Success
Pursuing relevant certifications and vocational training can enhance employability and demonstrate commitment. Building professional connections through industry groups, job fairs, or community organizations can improve job prospects. Engage with reentry programs that offer job placement assistance, resume writing, and interview preparation. Look for companies with known second-chance hiring policies or those actively involved in criminal justice reform.
Finding a career that aligns with your skills and interests while being open to those with a felony record can be highly rewarding. Leveraging available resources and continuing to develop professionally can significantly improve career prospects and stability.
Your Future and Success
Now is as good a time as any to take a step in the right direction. Vocational schools and community colleges offer technical training that can lead to a rewarding career. You can also earn an online liberal arts degree to gain employment. Invest in a new beginning; invest in yourself. With post-secondary education, a fulfilling career and meaningful employment await!
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