With the Nation’s prison and jail populations rapidly increasing and the depletion of resources due to the fight on global terrorism and war, new solutions must be considered in meeting institutional and public safety needs of communities and providing inmate services. One such solution is the correctional officer. This research examined the potential role higher education may have in facilitating the preparation of the correctional officer. Results are presented from a series of studies conducted in New Mexico at two regional universities to determine if the criminal justice curricula was meeting current and future expectations related to employer needs for entry-level employees. Three general themes emerged with significant implications for current and future criminal justice curricula. It is suggested that agencies value an entry-level employee who is a highly effective communicator, can demonstrate ability to assess complex problems and apply effective strategies to resolve the problem, and has the knowledge unique to the profession and working with at-risk populations. There is clearly a role for higher education in partnering with correctional accreditation associations and correctional facilities in professionalizing the role of the correctional officer. If improvements are made in the curricula that reflect the educational needs of employers, the universities will be better prepared to respond to program effectiveness. This in turn may promote a more positive perception of the respective programs, and employers will seek out university program graduates. References