Many students seek a convenient way to earn their degree while maintaining a full-time job or family obligations. Accelerated programs are a great way to earn your degree in less time without sacrificing quality. Many schools offer online accelerated degree programs, which allow students to complete their coursework at a time that’s convenient for them.

Accelerated Criminal Justice Degrees

The criminal justice field is a rewarding career choice for those who want to make a difference in their community. A degree in this field can lead you down many different paths, including law enforcement, corrections, and probation.

Also check our post on 17 affordable online criminal justice degrees in Florida.

Online Accelerated Criminal Justice Degrees.

There are plenty of accelerated programs for criminal justice which are available online. The following chart highlights some widely available options in several accredited schools.

Degree	Duration	Admission Requirements
Associates Degree	6-10 weeks (60 credits)	Official transcripts from previously attended schools.
Bachelor’s degree	2.5-3 years (30% less time)	High School or GED transcript
BS/BA- MS/MA	4-5 years	A personal statement, a current resume, unofficial transcript.
Masters Degree	12-18 months	Unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement.

Schools With Accelerated Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Criminal justice is a demanding field, and many professionals in this line of work don’t have time to earn traditional degrees. The online criminal justice degrees listed here are all designed to help professionals advance their careers. To learn more about Criminal Justice degrees, careers,  and salaries, check out our article on jobs and salaries for Criminal justice degrees

5 Accelerated Online Criminal Justice Associate’s Degrees.

At this level, students acquire basic knowledge and skills. Courses include roughly 60 credits of coursework in law, crime theory, and psychology.

#1. Louisiana State University Eunice

Program:  Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (Louisiana Transfer)

Tuition: $197.10 per credit hour (In-state); $420.60 per credit hour (Out of state)

Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC

Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving aid.

This Associate of Arts Louisiana Transfer (AA/LT) degree allows students to complete their first 60 units toward a baccalaureate degree at a two-year or community college. Upon successful completion of a designated transfer associate degree program, students are eligible to enroll in a four-year public university as juniors, with all 60 credits (non-developmental) transferring.

#2. NHTI – Concord’s Community College

Program:  Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $215 per credit hour (In-state); $490 per credit hour (Out of State /International)

Accreditation And Ranking: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks #4 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Financial Aid: Available, with 75% of students receiving aid.

By studying this AS in Criminal Justice program, students will learn how law enforcement, the judicial system, and correctional agencies work together. With NHTI’s Accelerated Programs, students can be full- or part-time and begin during any given semester of courses offered by the school.

#3. Southern New Hampshire University

Program:  AS in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $320 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving aid.

This Criminal Justice AS program is designed to provide a solid foundation and can provide the foundational principles to help you start or advance your career.  One of the best things about this online program at SNHU is that you can choose 12 free elective credits.

#4. LeTourneau University

Program:  Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $380 per credit hour

Accreditation And Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #8 Top Private Universities in Texas.

Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving aid.

Through LeTourneau University’s criminal justice degree programs, students will gain a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities in serving their community, state, and nation.  Most online Criminal Justice classes are accelerated and are usually completed in 5 weeks.

#5. Rosemont College

Program:  Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $19,890 per year

Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial Aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving aid.

The Online Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice offered by Rosemont College is ideal for working professionals looking to change careers. Whether students enter college for the first time or continue their education, this seven-week accelerated online program provides the flexibility they need.

10 Accelerated Online Criminal Justice Bachelors & Bachelor To Masters Degrees.

Undergraduate students may earn the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice as part of a simultaneous pursuit with their Master’s degree. This list includes BA/BS-MA/MS programs which allow students to earn graduate credit hours while completing their bachelor’s degree, allowing them to finish the MCJ degree on an accelerated timeline.

#1. Faulkner University

Program:  BS in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $335 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC

Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Faulkner University will prepare students for a rewarding career in law enforcement, corrections, security, or further studies such as law. The program is offered in an accelerated format that takes one year (three semesters) to complete.

#2. William Paterson University

Program: BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Tuition: $360 per credit hour

Accreditation And Ranking: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ranked #8 Top Public Universities in New Jersey.

Financial Aid: Available, with 86% of students receiving aid.

In addition to providing in-depth knowledge of the U.S. justice system, criminal law, the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour, evidence-based harm reduction strategies, and data analysis skills, William Paterson University offers the BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice – Accelerated Professional Track online program. Earn up to 30 hours of credit toward this online degree by leveraging your police academy or department of corrections training from any state.

#3. Concordia University St. Paul

Program:  B.A. in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $420 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.

By incorporating the General Education core and 42 credits in the major, the online 2-year criminal justice degree program offers a liberal arts perspective. Having met the academic licensure requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), students will be on their way to becoming Minnesota police officers.

#4. Bellevue University

Program:  BS in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $440 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial Aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving aid.

With this online criminal justice degree, you will develop critical thinking skills and practical field knowledge for a career in criminal justice. While earning this criminal justice degree, students can take one class at a time in 3- or 6-week sessions and meet a consistent group of peers. Students will share expertise from diverse backgrounds through the accelerated cohort path and gain valuable knowledge.

#5. University of Arizona Global Campus

Program: BA in Social and Criminal Justice

Tuition: $510 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving aid.

An undergraduate degree in Social and Criminal Justice offers the opportunity to study both the legal and social aspects of working in criminal justice. Through this course, students will develop a deeper understanding of how social issues affect maintaining a just society and the criminal justice system. The program features accelerated 5- to 6-week courses.

#6. DeSales University

Program:  B.A. in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $540 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.

DeSales’ bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Depending on your career goals, you can choose from different tracks within the discipline. Students learn through the practical application so that they can apply their knowledge and skills right away, beyond textbooks and theory. The program is offered evenings or on campus as well as entirely online.

#7. Arizona State University

Program: B.S./M.S. or M.A Criminology and Criminal Justice (4+1)

Tuition: $561–$661 per credit hour

Accreditation And Ranking: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranked #1 .

Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving aid.

This accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program in criminology and criminal justice is available to students who are currently enrolled in the bachelor’s program. Students can graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, or an MS /MA in criminology and criminal justice. This program can be completed in 5 years.

#8. Central Connecticut State University

Program: BA/MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Tuition: $595 per credit (in-state); $610.00 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Financial Aid: Available, with 93% of students receiving aid.

In this BA/MS program, graduates will gain a deeper understanding of the causes and treatment of criminal behaviour. In addition, graduates will be able to critique crime theories and interventions designed to reduce crime. The program also prepares students to analyze and evaluate data related to criminal justice policies and programs. Students can earn a Bachelor’s in Criminology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice in just five years.

#9. Eastern University

Program:  B.A. in Criminal Justice

Tuition: $628. per credit hour

Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.

Working adults can earn a BA in Criminal Justice through this accelerated program designed to prepare them for entry-level careers, career advancement, or graduate study. The program can be completed in two years, depending on transfer credits and the number of courses taken each term.

#10. Keiser University

Program: Criminal Justice, BA to MACJ

Tuition: $8,744.00 per semester

Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC

Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving aid.

In the areas of law enforcement, corrections, and the court system, Keiser University offers a fast-track dual-degree program that gives students the insight, skills, and credentials they need to begin and advance their careers. With this accelerated dual-degree program, students are able to earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in less than four years instead of six or seven years in two separate programs.

5 Accelerated Online Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees.

Accelerated programs available at this level are usually found online and may be offered on multiple start dates (such as every 8 weeks). The accelerated format and year-round scheduling options allow students to accelerate their degree plans.

School	Program	Duration And Tuition
NC Wesleyan University	M.S in Criminal Justice	Duration: 12 months Tuition: $425 per credit hour
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.	M.S. in Criminal Justice	Duration: 12 months Tuition: $444 per credit hour
California State University Long Beach	M.S Criminology and Criminal Justice	Duration: 12 months Tuition: $575 per credit hour
Albertus Magnus College	M.S Criminal Justice	Duration: 12 months Tuition: $924 per credit hour
University of Texas Permian Basin	M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration	Duration: 12 months Tuition: $6,840 Per Year

Advantages Of An Accelerated Degree

There are many benefits to pursuing an accelerated criminal justice online degree. Here are a few reasons why you should consider it:

Earn your degree in less time. This means you can move more quickly toward your career goals. Accelerated degrees give you an edge if you’re seeking employment in a competitive job market. By completing your degree more quickly, you’ll save money. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, it costs approximately $13,700 to attend a year of public college and $22,100 at private schools. By finishing one year’s worth of school in six months, you could save yourself between $7,000 and $11,000.

Flexible Start Times. Not waiting for a semester to begin, many accelerated degree programs start their semesters at various times throughout the year. With multiple start dates available and applications processed regularly, you won’t have to wait as long compared with traditional programs.

Flexible Scheduling. Online degree programs are convenient for busy people, and you can work on assignments during your lunch break or over the weekend without disrupting your nine-to-five. A flexible schedule allows you to attend classes and care for your family while working full-time.

How To Further Accelerate Your Criminal Justice Degree

If your time is limited and you need to get a degree quickly, here are three tips that can help shave off years of academic work.

Students can earn Credits by Examination: If you have previously studied the material that will be taught in your degree program, you may be able to take fewer courses. While this choice is available at many different accredited schools, policies regarding the number of credits a student may earn through examination vary from institution to institution.

Credit for Life Experience: People who have been working for years in a field related to their online degree, military members with prior work experience or people who have lived abroad and learned another language, may be able to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment.

Competency-Based Learning: This type of platform is designed around the student mastering a subject—so that they can test out modules that they understand and spend more time working on challenging ones. There are no deadlines for coursework, making it an ideal environment for people who learn best without time constraints.

What Can You Do With An Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree

The competition for criminal justice jobs has increased as employers seek more educated and experienced candidates. Police officers, detectives, parole/probation officers, bailiffs and correctional treatment specialists are expected to have the best opportunities with a degree in Criminal Justice.

The chart below illustrates the level of education most people in criminal justice and corrections jobs have attained.

Criminal Justice Degree Careers.

A criminal justice degree can lead to a number of jobs where you may be required to handle cybercrime, counterterrorism, crime scene investigation, detention, fraud and many more. Here are a few high-paying careers that you can consider with a criminal justice degree.

Career Outlook For Criminal Justice Graduates

For those seeking stability, good benefits, and opportunities for personal growth, few careers can match criminal justice and law enforcement. Even in trying times—when budgets are tight, or crime rates high—government organizations rely on qualified professionals to protect communities from exploitation by bad guys who seek to take advantage of them.

Between 2020 and 2030, the BLS projects a 6% job increase in private detectives and investigator occupations—roughly equal to the projected rate for all occupations. Legal careers are also expected to grow by 9%.

Is A Degree In Criminal Justice Worth It?

Criminal justice jobs often entail working in a dangerous environment, where you may be exposed to crime scenes and potentially violent suspects. While working in criminal justice isn’t for everyone, it can be an extremely rewarding field for the right person. And earning a Criminal Justice Degree gives students a significant competitive edge when they pursue careers in law enforcement and the courts. Furthermore, high-level jobs in this ad many other fields require a postsecondary degree.