Best Online Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2026
An accelerated criminal justice degree can save you time and money while also preparing you for a fulfilling career in public safety.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
2026Accelerated criminal justice degrees provide the same quality education as on-campus programs — but they can save you time and even money. Additionally, an accelerated degree can help you break into the workforce more quickly.
So how do you find the best accelerated criminal justice degree? We’ve done some of that work for you. Our rankings below use data from the National Center for Education Statistics to help you identify the best online accelerated bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.
Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online Programs
How We Rank Schools
Lindenwood University — Best Accelerated Program for First-Time College Students
- Saint Charles, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: You can complete Lindenwood’s accelerated online program in two years without transferring prior college credits or an associate degree.
Lindenwood University’s accelerated online bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice is the only program on this list that allows true first-time college students to finish a bachelor’s degree in as few as two years. Unlike the other programs on our list, which require students to have already earned an associate degree or have prior college credits, Lindenwood admits students straight from high school.
The program is structured around five-week accelerated courses, with students typically taking two classes per term. Full-time students can complete the required 120 credits in about two years. With 10 flexible start dates throughout the year, you can begin at a time that suits your schedule and maintain a pace that works for you.
What We Like About Lindenwood
- Lindenwood partners with community and professional organizations, including the Criminal Justice Student Association and the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy.
- At $400 per credit for all students, regardless of residency, the accelerated online program is more affordable than Lindenwood’s traditional on-campus bachelor’s program, which costs $525 per credit.
- Lindenwood accepts up to 90 transfer credits, enabling students with prior college coursework or relevant professional training (including police academy experience) to complete the degree even faster.
What We Don't Like
- The program does not offer concentrations or specializations, limiting opportunities to tailor your studies to a specific area within criminal justice.
- Because courses are 100% asynchronous, students who prefer structured, live class sessions may find that another program better fits their needs.
85%
$19,900
66%
$19,900
- Acceptance Rate
- 57%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,826
- Institution Type
- Private
Ohio University — Most Affordable Criminal Justice Program
- Athens, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: With tuition under $350 per credit, Ohio’s online criminal justice program is the most affordable on this list.
Ohio University’s online bachelor of science in criminal justice charges one of the lowest tuition rates among accredited online programs. Ohio's affordability, combined with flexibility and transfer-friendly admission, makes it a great option for those who already hold an associate degree in criminal justice or a related field and are looking to earn a bachelor’s without accruing excessive debt.
The university also participates in the Guarantee+ program, allowing in-state undergraduates to lock in a fixed tuition rate for 12 consecutive semesters. For online students, the institution’s OHIO Online Incentive Scholarship may further reduce costs. Eligible applicants (including Ohio University alumni, employees of certain partner organizations, military veterans, or active-duty service members) can receive a 10% discount on their online tuition.
What We Like About Ohio
- The degree completion program is structured to be completed in around two years, an efficient path if you’re ready to enter (or re-enter) the workforce.
- Unlike many criminal justice programs, Ohio University offers students a wide range of electives, including security studies, forensics-related coursework, administrative justice, and sociology or psychology courses focused on offender behavior.
- The online, accelerated format is flexible, accommodating students who balance work, family, or other life commitments.
What We Don't Like
- An associate degree in a relevant technical or law-enforcement field (e.g., law enforcement technology) is required for admission to the program.
- It typically takes around two years to qualify for transfer into this accelerated bachelor’s program.
- Out-of-state online students pay an additional $10 per credit, bringing the cost to approximately $344 per credit.
62%
$12,942
84%
$24,156
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 25,767
- Institution Type
- Public
Sacred Heart University — Best Program for Part-time Students
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This program is structured for part-time learners, using eight-week terms that allow students to complete major requirements in about two years.
Sacred Heart University’s part-time, online criminal justice program is structured around what it calls eight-week AHEAD terms, enabling students to take up to eight courses per year while maintaining a manageable course load. This structure makes SHU one of the few schools that offer a clearly defined, accelerated pathway specifically for part-time online learners.
Students may also enroll in additional summer and winter sessions, which can further shorten the timeline. SHU accepts a generous number of transfer credits — up to 66 credits from two-year institutions and up to 90 credits from four-year colleges — allowing many students to graduate in fewer than two years if they have completed previous coursework.
What We Like About SHU
- By taking AHEAD terms plus summer or winter courses, or by transferring prior credits, students can earn the degree in under two years.
- In the final term, students complete a supervised internship in a criminal justice agency to gain real-world experience.
- Students with municipal, state, or FBI/law enforcement training may receive advanced standing and can apply that experience toward degree requirements.
What We Don't Like
- This program is structured exclusively for part-time students and does not include a full-time online option.
- Students who don’t take summer/winter courses and don’t possess transfer credits may take longer than two years to graduate.
48%
$48,160
85%
$48,160
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,179
- Institution Type
- Private
San Francisco State University — Best Flexible Program for Finishing Your Degree
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This fully online, asynchronous degree-completion program accepts students with at least 60 transferable credits and allows them to transfer up to 90 credits.
San Francisco State University’s online criminal justice bachelor’s degree is designed for students who want the flexibility of asynchronous coursework and the benefits of a well-established, justice-focused program with strong ties to Bay Area agencies. Designed for students who have already earned at least 60 college credits, the program combines the convenience of online learning with the academic depth and regional connections of a major public university.
SFSU offers one of the most generous transfer-credit pathways on this list. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from a mix of prior college coursework, relevant professional or military experience, and credit for prior learning. Those with substantial on-the-job experience can complete a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio, demonstrating how their work aligns with specific course outcomes in SFSU's criminal justice curriculum.
What We Like About SFSU
- At $415 per credit, SFSU is one of the more affordable options among the programs on this list.
- Students do not need a prior criminal justice major to qualify for this degree-completion pathway.
- The curriculum includes a “field course in criminal justice,” giving online students some applied, practical exposure.
What We Don't Like
- While asynchronous, the program follows a cohort model with a set course sequence; if you prefer working independently at your own pace and schedule, it may not be the right fit for you.
- Students typically must have at least four years of professional experience to qualify for prior learning credit.
65%
$ 5,742
84%
$17,622
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,908
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like pace, affordability, transfer credit policies, flexibility, and admission requirements. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in December 2025.
How Fast Is an Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree? Program Length
Pursuing an accelerated criminal justice degree online generally means studying for roughly 2-3 years instead of the typical four years.
In an accelerated degree program, you’ll still complete the standard 120 credits needed for a bachelor’s degree — just on a tighter schedule. Usually, this means coursework is condensed into seven- or eight-week sessions. Additionally, you’ll probably need to take classes over the summer. Your exact course load will depend on your school and your schedule.
Some accelerated programs may be offered as degree-completion programs. This means you can earn your criminal justice degree in a shorter time frame — sometimes in as little as one year! — by transferring credits from previous college coursework.
To earn an accelerated criminal justice degree in two years, you must meet transfer credit requirements and take approximately 4-5 classes during each accelerated term.
Common Courses for an Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree
Coursework in an accelerated criminal justice degree program prepares you for careers in the public and private sectors, including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, and private security.
Here are common classes you can expect to take in a fast criminal justice degree program:
- Criminology: This introductory course covers the principles of sociology, theories of criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. The class surveys the basic areas of study and provides a solid foundation for upper-level coursework.
- Cybercrime: This class provides a deeper look into crime theories, specific laws regarding technology, and investigative techniques. With the FBI reporting more than $4 billion lost in the U.S. alone in 2020 to cybercrimes, this course prepares you to work in the modern era.
- Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice: This course discusses ethical issues and how the Constitution works concerning personal rights, civil liberties, and institutional policies. You’ll learn how to perform your job ethically while upholding the tenets of the law.
- Forensic Science: An introductory course to crime scene investigation, evidence gathering, and preservation, this class typically features a combination of lectures and labs. You’ll study techniques in crime scene preservation and develop an understanding of crime lab operations.
Find Financial Aid for Your Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Careers You Can Pursue with an Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree.
Although the job outlook for many criminal justice careers is average or below average, you can benefit from steady job security and reliable pay, with opportunities for professional advancement.
Criminal justice students can consider many career paths. Graduates often choose jobs focused on upholding the law. Police officers and detectives, for example, earn a median annual salary of $77,270.
Other graduates of accelerated criminal justice degree programs may work within the judicial system as paralegals and legal assistants — these professionals earn a median salary of $61,010.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Projected Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Detectives | $77,270 | 4% |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | $67,710 | 6% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,520/td> | 4% |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,010 | 1% |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $93,580 | 4% |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $57,950 | -6% |
| Bailiffs | $57,050 | -1% |
Want More Options? Check Out These Corrections Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree Programs
If you’re passionate about law enforcement and crime prevention, you may find pursuing a criminal justice degree worthwhile. The degree can help you establish a successful career in fields such as law enforcement, private security, the judicial system, advocacy, and counseling.
A criminal justice degree also opens doors for career advancement, where consideration for promotions often requires a degree and field certifications.
Explore More College Resources
How to Become a Criminal Investigator
Learn about requirements, salary, and career paths for becoming a criminal investigator.
by Jennifer Lee
Updated September 26, 2025
Scholarships for Criminal Justice Majors
Criminal justice majors qualify for dozens of scholarships. Save money on your degree by learning about these scholarships for criminal justice majors.
Updated April 19, 2024
What to Know About Being a Police Officer
Police officers keep their communities safe and uphold laws. Learn more about what they do, their training, and their job outlook.
Updated February 29, 2024
Other Criminal Justice & Legal Resources
Criminal Justice
programs
careers