Best Online Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree 2023
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- An accelerated criminal justice degree can save you months or even years in school.
- You can specialize in criminology, homeland security, law enforcement, or forensic science.
- The fastest accredited criminal justice programs meet high quality standards.
Many criminal justice careers require a bachelor's degree. With an accelerated online bachelor's degree in criminal justice, you'll graduate sooner and enter the workforce faster.
Become a federal law enforcement agent, criminal investigator, paralegal, or forensic science technician by earning your bachelor's in criminal justice degree online.
Want to know more about the fastest criminal justice degree online? Check out our resources on popular criminal justice specializations, career paths, and accelerated programs.
Popular Accelerated Criminal Justice Programs
Ready to earn your criminal justice degree online fast? Start by researching popular specializations. You can specialize your criminal justice degree in criminology, forensic science, or homeland security.
A concentration means you'll take focused coursework related to your professional goals. That means you can turn your accelerated degree into a career. Common criminal justice specializations include:
Featured Online Criminal Justice Degrees
1. Corrections
Learn about the correctional system, probation, and parole with a corrections specialization. You'll study correctional treatment methods and prepare for a career as a correctional officer.
These roles report a median annual salary of $47,920, according to May 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You'll need a bachelor's degree to work in federal prisons.
Featured Corrections Programs
2. Crime Scene Investigation
Explore the intersection of science and law enforcement with a crime scene investigation degree. You'll study toxicology, fingerprint analysis, and DNA evidence.
You can put your CSI skills to work in forensic science careers like forensic science technician, where you can earn a median salary of $61,930 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Crime Scene Investigation Programs
3. Criminal Justice
Can't decide between law enforcement, legal studies, and homeland security? Then earn a criminal justice degree to explore the field.
You'll qualify for criminal justice jobs like police officer, correctional treatment specialist, and emergency management director. As a police officer or detective, you can earn a median annual pay of $66,020 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Criminal Justice Programs
4. Criminology
Explore the criminal mind and policing strategies with a criminology degree. You'll examine criminal research and learn how to prevent crime. After graduation, you can use your degree to become a law enforcement officer or detective. As a criminal investigator, you can earn a median salary of $83,640 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Criminology Programs
5. Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is a growing threat. And a cybersecurity degree can give you the technical and law enforcement skills to stop cyber attacks. You'll prepare for network security jobs by studying the investigation and prevention of cybercrime.
You can work in law enforcement or look for jobs as an information security analyst, which reports a median wage of over $102,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Cybersecurity Programs
6. Forensic Science
You'll learn to apply scientific skills to criminal investigations with a forensic science degree. In addition to criminal justice classes, you'll work in labs to build your forensic science skills.
The specialization can lead to careers in forensic science, with entry-level titles like forensic science technician. In these roles, you can earn a median annual salary of $61,930 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Corrections Programs
7. Homeland Security
Learn how to protect national security with a bachelor's in homeland security. You'll study domestic and international threats, emergency management, and counterterrorism.
In addition to roles like emergency management director, which reports a median salary of over $76,000 per year (BLS, May 2021), you can pursue homeland security careers with the federal government.
Featured Homeland Security Programs
8. Law Enforcement
Learn how to promote public safety and investigate crime with a law enforcement degree. You'll study criminology, investigative procedures, and crime analysis.
After graduation, you'll qualify for local and federal law enforcement careers like police officer and federal law enforcement agent. These roles report a median salary of $66,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Law Enforcement Programs
9. Legal Studies
You'll examine the legal system and strengthen your research and writing skills with a legal studies degree. You'll learn about criminal law, legal research, and the court system.
With your degree, you'll qualify for legal studies careers like compliance officer or paralegal. As a paralegal, you can earn a median salary of over $56,000 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Corrections Programs
10. Paralegal
Sharpen your legal writing and legal research skills while you earn a paralegal degree. You'll learn how to assist attorneys as you explore corporate law, employment law, and criminal law.
With a paralegal degree, you can work as a paralegal or legal assistant, careers with a median salary of $56,230 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Corrections Programs
11. Public Safety Administration
Build leadership skills with a public safety administration concentration. You'll learn how to coordinate emergency responders, lead public safety teams, and work in law enforcement roles.
Depending on the program, you can also prepare for leadership careers in fire service. The degree can lead to roles like emergency management director, which reports a median pay of $76,730 per year (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Public Safety Administration Programs
12. Security
Explore security administration and information security with a concentration in security. You'll learn how to secure property and computer networks while building leadership skills. You can look for careers in security services or network security, including titles like security manager or gambling surveillance officer.
Featured Corrections Programs
How Fast Can I Get an Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree?
An accelerated degree in criminal justice can cut traditional study times down by 1-2 years. In these programs, you still complete the standard 120 credits, but you do it in 2-3 years instead of four years.
This is typically accomplished by condensing 14- to 16-week sessions down to seven- or eight-week sessions. Course loads depend on your school and schedule. To finish a program in about two years, you need to take 4-5 classes within each of the five annual eight-week sessions.
Standard three-credit courses require about three hours of class time and six hours of study each week, so you may need to commit even more time than that.
What Can I Expect From an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program?
The training for a bachelor's in criminal justice focuses on crime and criminal behavior. You'll learn about the criminal justice system and advanced criminology while also completing practical training via internships and crime scene simulations.
These programs attract ethical and moral problem-solvers who want to support their communities. When choosing an accelerated program, you need to consider how challenging the courses and workload can get. Time management skills and a strong work ethic are essential to succeed in an accelerated program.
Featured Online Criminal Justice Degrees
What Courses Will I Take in an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program?
Want to know what you'll study while earning your criminal justice degree online fast? Here are some of the most popular courses.
Criminology
This course explores the causes and effects of criminal behavior in people. You'll examine criminal justice and behavioral theories, including the environmental and social influences on criminals.
Correctional Rehabilitation
In this course, you'll study the correctional rehabilitation system and the institutions that play a role in it. The training analyzes the leading corrections processes and their effects on law offenders of different ages.
Justice and Society
In this course, you'll learn about the function of criminal justice in society. You'll examine the different processes and institutions involved in creating and enforcing laws and the impacts they have on society.
Police Process
This course examines the structures and processes of community policing. You'll look at the leading models for crime prevention, plus the most popular theories and analyses.
Criminal Law
In this course, you'll learn about the history and development of the country's criminal law system. You'll also learn about the political institutions involved in managing criminal laws and the processes for creating, enforcing, and changing laws.
What Are Admission Requirements for an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program?
Admission requirements depend on the competitiveness of the school and program. The minimum requirement for a bachelor's in criminal justice is a high school or GED diploma.
For an accelerated online degree in criminal justice, you may need a minimum 3.0 GPA or course prerequisites that show you are capable of success in a challenging program. You'll likely need to meet the minimum technology requirements as well.
Application
After collecting all the requirements for your undergraduate application, you can submit the components to your school's online portal. To save time and manage multiple applications, you may use one of the college application systems.
Test Scores
Schools may request scores from college entrance exams as part of the application. SAT and ACT results can help schools sort through applicants. You can often receive test waivers, which allow you to forgo these tests.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation play an essential role in the application process, providing schools with relevant insight about the applicants. The best letters come from school counselors or teachers and employers in relevant subjects and professions. Applications often call for between 1-3 letters.
Essays
You can often showcase your writing abilities and discuss more about yourself in the form of college application essays. Schools may give you freedom with these essays or provide you with prompts to follow. The most common essays include personal statements, statements of interest, and statements of purpose.
Official Transcripts
Your official transcripts are especially important for accelerated programs. Transcripts provide details on previous training and grades, which help schools determine your academic capability. For transfer students, transcripts help schools assign transfer credits.
Featured Online Criminal Justice Degrees
How Do I Choose an Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program?
You've got options for your accelerated criminal justice degree. Here are some other factors to consider while finding the best program for your needs.
Cost
When using cost as a comparative tool, you can start by comparing online and on-campus programs. You may want to weigh the differences between in-state and out-of-state programs as well, plus public and private school tuition rates. You must also consider how your income may be impacted while you earn your degree.
Program Format
To find your ideal program format, you should compare synchronous vs. asynchronous delivery methods and the scheduling demands of full-time vs. part-time options.
In accelerated bachelor's degree programs, you can expect to take more courses in a shorter period. Most online programs run asynchronously.
Location
Location should be a consideration even for online programs. While location has a different impact depending on how you choose between online and on-campus programs, it still plays a role. You may need to attend classes on campus, or you may want to use the school's facilities.
Accreditation
You should ensure your school of interest holds online college accreditation. By attending a school without this, you may not have access to federal financial aid, and your credentials may not be respected.
Though not mandatory, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences accredits criminal justice programs.
Student Support
By looking for schools with high-quality student services, you can ensure you will have access to various support channels if needed.
Online student services, such as career services, college mentorships, mental health services, and academic support programs, can greatly enhance your experience. In-program internships and practicums also add many layers of support.
What Can I Do With an Accelerated Bachelor's in Criminal Justice? 6 Career Paths
A degree in criminal justice can lead to careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system. You can work as a paralegal, police officer, correctional treatment specialist, or mediator with an accelerated criminal justice degree.
Consider your career path when choosing a program. A concentration in your field can demonstrate specialized knowledge and dedication. And look for programs with hands-on training opportunities to build your professional network and round out your resume.
| Career Path | Median Annual Salary (2021) |
|---|---|
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | $49,410 |
| Correctional Officers | $47,920 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $56,230 |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
| Probation Officers | $60,250 |
| Protective Service Occupations | $46,590 |
Career Outlook
Criminal justice professionals are in demand, even in the safest communities. The flexibility of the training, which you can use to pursue many career paths, also helps make it one of the most popular college majors in the social sciences department.
The BLS also projects 10% growth for all legal occupations between 2021-2031, which is faster than the average 5% growth rate for all occupations. The BLS also projects 14% growth for paralegals and legal assistants during that same time period.
Discover how a bachelor's in criminal justice can transform your future with the programs below.
Fastest Accredited Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Programs
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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $280
Out of State | $280
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
UA Little Rock offers many degree completion programs, including the BA in criminal justice for students with prior college credit. The major introduces students to concepts like corrections and research methods.
Students use elective credit for specialized training in areas such as cybercrime. They also learn crime prevention strategies and security management techniques.
This accelerated degree in criminal justice allows students to participate in an internship. Seven-week classes quicken degree completion. Applicants must possess the prerequisite coursework and a minimum 2.25 GPA.
Ashland University
Ashland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $370
Out of State | $370
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Located in Ohio, AU offers a BS in criminal justice with five specialization tracks. AU has a very generous transfer policy, allowing transfer students to complete their degrees in less time. The school also awards credit for training in law enforcement and corrections.
Students can choose a generalist track or a more specialized one like law enforcement administration or correctional administration. Seven-week courses can allow students to finish the degree faster.
AU accepts all credits with at least a C- grade from a regionally accredited school. Transfer students must possess a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
NMSU's BA in criminal justice (CJ) is a degree completion program. Students can take the program's upper division courses online. The curriculum consists of 33 credits that blend theoretical knowledge and applied learning.
Students examine topics like criminal law and advanced research methods. Learners can complete internships in their communities to receive on-the-job experience.
Online learners can use the CJ mentoring center to explore job opportunities and get advice on mentorship and internships. Admission to the accelerated degree in criminal justice requires a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and all college transcripts.
Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $460
Out of State | $460
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Pfeiffer, located in North Carolina, offers a suite of degree completion programs. The BS in criminal justice requires 48 credits of upper-division coursework. Students learn about corrections, criminal law, and forensic evidence.
The sweeping number of elective courses include cybersecurity and disaster management and planning. Students can also pursue an internship to get real experience at an agency.
Enrollees can earn their degrees faster by transferring up to 75 credits and taking eight-week sessions. Admission to this bachelor's in criminal justice requires all college transcripts for transfer applicants.
Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $440
Out of State | $440
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
LBC offers an accelerated BA in criminal justice for busy nontraditional students. The program offers focus areas in legal studies, victim advocacy, law enforcement, and forensic investigation.
Six-week courses allow students to finish the BA faster. How long a student takes to complete this accelerated criminal justice program largely depends on transfer credits. Students may also get up to 30 credits for life experience.
All enrollees pay the same affordable tuition regardless of where they live. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA for transfer applicants.
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
MU welcomes transfer students who want to earn a BS in criminal justice entirely online. The completion timeframe varies depending on the credits transferred. This major requires students to earn 45 credits in core courses that explore topics like juvenile justice and Constitutional law.
Students can use electives to learn about subjects such as forensic psychology and criminal investigation procedures. Participants get online peer tutoring and have easy access to professors.
Students receive credit for military experience in this accelerated degree in criminal justice. Admission requires a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA for transfer applicants.
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $8,174
Out of State | $8,174 plus $396 more per unit
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Students can earn the BS in criminal justice at SDSU in just 15 months. Enrollees can build on an associate degree or significant credits. Students examine issues like investigation and reporting and administrative behavior.
The program offers an optional minor in public administration. Students in this program also learn about social justice issues, such as accessibility.
Eight-week courses can help students finish their bachelor's in criminal justice faster. Applicants must possess at least 60 transferable semester units and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
Portland State University
Portland, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $279
Out of State | $279
Credits to Graduate
180
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
PSU's criminology and criminal justice bachelor's program enrolls students with prior college experience. The core curriculum covers topics such as policing in America and crime control strategies.
Students can gain more specialized training through elective classes like applied crime mapping. All enrollees complete an internship placement at an agency in their community.
Five-week courses can help students quickly move through this online bachelor's in criminal justice. Admission requires at least 20 transferable semester credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
Hampton University
Hampton, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $300
Out of State | $300
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Virginia-based HU delivers an accelerated BS program in criminal justice online. The major explores issues like juvenile delinquency, criminal law, and victimology. An internship gives learners an opportunity to apply lessons learned in the workplace.
Enrollees can transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Students can also earn credit for military training, for life experience, and through exams. The degree completion timeframe varies for each student depending on these two factors.
Transfer applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $9,808
Out of State | $22,110
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A
Students can complete the BAAS in criminal justice administration at Tarleton in just two years. This degree is intended for working professionals with some criminal justice experience. Students accelerate degree completion by transferring prior college credits. Enrollees can also earn up to 33 credits for relevant work experience like some military training.
The accelerated degree in criminal justice explores topics such as homeland security, criminal justice ethics, and rules of criminal evidence. An internship option provides hands-on training. Applicants must possess at least 30 transferable credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Featured Online Criminal Justice Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Criminal Justice Degrees
Can I get a bachelor's degree in one year?
Yes. You can earn a bachelor's degree in one year through various degree-completion programs. In these programs, you can bring in up to three years' worth of transfer credits to reduce your study time.
In a true accelerated degree in criminal justice, however, the quickest graduation times are about two years. In these accelerated bachelor's degree programs, you must complete the full 120 credits for the degree, so it is not possible to reduce study times to one year.
Are accelerated degree classes worth it?
Accelerated degree classes can be very worthwhile if time is vital for you. For example, if you are looking to complete your training and enter the workforce quickly, you may find accelerated training beneficial.
While a bachelor's in criminal justice is not always required for protective services employment, the credentials can help you secure jobs and advance in your career more easily. Through the flexible and valuable online training, you may even study while employed.
Are accelerated bachelor's degrees as valuable as traditional degrees?
Yes. An accelerated bachelor's degree in criminal justice is just as valuable as a traditional degree. Accelerated degree programs cover the same materials as standard programs in a shorter time. Though they are usually more challenging, the fast graduation times make them worth it for many students.
Employers typically view candidates who completed an accelerated online bachelor's in criminal justice similarly to candidates who completed a traditional, on-campus degree. After all, you demonstrated that you can handle heavy workloads with success.
Is an accelerated bachelor's degree in criminal justice right for me?
Determining if an accelerated bachelor's degree in criminal justice is the right choice requires you to evaluate if you can handle the heavy workload.
In these programs, you should expect to master the material twice as fast as students in traditional programs, which can mean twice the workload in a shorter time.
In addition to more classes, shorter breaks, and more projects, you need to think about your home and work scheduling needs. An accelerated degree program can dominate your schedule, leaving little time for work and leisure.
Are accelerated degree programs affordable?
Many online accelerated programs offer an affordable route to a bachelor's degree. Choosing an accelerated criminal justice degree can even save you money.
Many programs award credit for work experience and training, including police academy or military training. That can potentially save you thousands in tuition.
Online students at accredited colleges also qualify for federal financial aid programs like the Pell Grant. When researching programs, make sure to check the per-credit tuition rate and the total cost of the degree.
