Key takeaways
- The fastest criminal justice degree online that a candidate can pursue is an accelerated associate’s degree in criminal justice.
- An associate’s degree takes 2 years and builds foundational knowledge in the field, but has limited scope in the professional field.
- You can also pursue an accelerated bachelors degree in criminal justice and complete the four year program in 3 years or less.
- Some universities also offer an accelerated bachelors to masters program allowing you to complete both degrees in one go and a shorter time frame.
- Lewis University offers an accelerated bachelor’s program for working officers.
- Keiser University, Arizona State University, and the University of North Dakota all offer an accelerated criminal justice degree online.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice takes around 4 years to complete for full-time students enrolled in an on-campus program. However, those enrolled in an asynchronous online degree can complete the program quickly as they have the flexibility to control their learning pace. Moreover, some colleges and universities also offer accelerated online degrees, and you can also pursue a shorter program, such as an associate’s degree.
In this article, we discuss what the fastest criminal justice degree online is, the pros and cons of available options, and how to select one that meets your needs. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what accelerated criminal justice degrees are.
What is an accelerated criminal justice degree online?
An accelerated criminal justice degree online is essentially a bachelor’s degree that is completed in less than 4 years. How accelerated the program is and how quickly you complete it depends on your capabilities and the amount of time you are willing and able to commit to your bachelor’s education. Generally, a bachelor’s program takes 4 years, but an accelerated program can be completed in 2 to 3 years.
Moreover, some universities also offer the option to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree combined in 5 years. Here are the different types of available accelerated criminal justice degrees online.
Accelerated bachelors
An accelerated bachelor’s program is any program that can be completed in 3 years or less. Generally, online students enrolled in an asynchronous program can take up a faster learning pace, completing their classes, assignments, and courses as fast as they want. Moreover, they don’t have to wait for the term break to end or a new session to formally begin, as they can access classes whenever they decide to pay for them.
Accelerated bachelor’s and master’s
Some US colleges and universities offer the accelerated bachelor’s to master’s track, allowing students to complete both degrees in around 5 years or less. Again, the exact learning pace varies by student and the amount of time they invest in the program. With an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program, you get to enter the job market with an advanced degree, making it an attractive option for those aspiring to obtain leadership roles in the criminal justice field.
Accelerated masters
Some universities, such as Arizona State University, also allow you to pursue an accelerated master’s program. Again, this means that you can complete the degree in a shorter time frame than a traditional time frame. For a one-year master’s program, that can even mean completing it in as little as 6 to 8 months. However, if you want an accelerated program, consider a fully online and asynchronous master’s program, as that offers the maximum level of flexibility and convenience.
Associate’s degree in criminal justice
An associate’s degree in criminal justice is a two-year program offered by community colleges and 2 year universities in the United States. It is the fastest criminal justice degree online that you can take at the undergraduate level. It is the ideal option for students who do not want to commit to a four-year bachelor’s and are looking for a shorter degree to enroll in at the undergraduate level.
You can pursue the program both on campus and online, and even opt for an accelerated program allowing you to complete it in around a year. However, an associate’s degree does not make available the complete range of criminal justice job opportunities a bachelor’s degree does.
Find the fastest criminal justice degree online
Four years is a long time to commit to a program and may seem never-ending for those excited about joining the workforce. Moreover, those with student loans may be in a hurry to graduate, start earning, and repay their debt. For them, an accelerated degree track is the best option. Here are a few you can consider.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an accelerated Master’s program, meaning those students who show exemplary performance in their bachelor’s degree can complete both programs in one go and in a shorter time frame than the two programs would take otherwise. The university’s online Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice can be paired with either a Master of Arts in criminal justice or a Master of Science in Crime Analysis.
Through the programs, you will develop a deeper understanding of what crime is, its causes, consequences, and how to manage it. You will also learn about the laws, the role of the criminal justice system, and other related topics. What makes these accelerated programs better is the fact that upon graduation, your diploma will not specify that you took these programs online, which eliminates any chances of you being discriminated against in the professional field.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Tempe, Arizona | 89.8% | 66.3% | $12,223 in-state
$33,139 out-of-state |
Purdue Global University
Purdue University offers an accelerated criminal justice degree online. It can prove to be the fastest criminal justice degree online, provided you are a fast learner. The university’s Excel Track allows students to take tests to demonstrate the knowledge they possess and quickly move on to advanced courses. If you have a Law Enforcement Peace Operations Specialized Training Certificate, you can use that to earn additional credit toward your degree, completing it even faster.
Moreover, Purdue University is an internationally recognized and accredited online university. Whether you choose the Excel Track or the regular track, you will earn the same Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. However, with an Excel Track, you can save time and money, all the while receiving high-quality education.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| West Lafayette, Indiana | 100% | 20% | $13,356 |
University of North Dakota
At the University of North Dakota, students excelling in the academic field can pursue a combined bachelors and masters in criminal justice at an accelerated pace. Doing so can not only give you an edge in the job market and can help you secure better positions right after graduation. You can pursue the program online or even on-campus which is an excellent choice to have.
The program curriculum combines both the bachelor’s and master’s courses and features 138 credit hours. You will not only develop comprehensive knowledge of the subjects in the field, but also leadership skills that will help you take on leadership roles. Moreover, pursuing an accelerated program online can not only help you secure managerial-level positions.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Grand Forks, North Dakota | 77% | 42% | $10,951 in-state
$15,570 out-of-state |
Lewis University
If you are looking for a bachelor’s degree designed for working professionals, this is the one for you. At Lewis University you can pursue an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice online and earn your degree while working. The university offers discounted rates for sworn in officers, making it even more convenient and affordable.
The program features 8-week sessions. Once a session is finished, students are required to take tests to demonstrate their knowledge and what they have learned. If they pass, they can move on to the next session right away. Here, you will not only develop a basic understanding of the field of criminal justice but also take a broader look at the field to better understand all the factors that influence it.
Since the program is designed for working professionals and adults, it focuses heavily on building job-relevant skills. It is one of the best available accelerated bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and is available 100% online.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Romeoville, Illinois | 74.1% | 66.4% | $39,200 |
Keiser University
Keiser University offers a Bachelor of Arts to a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, which is an accelerated bachelors and masters program. The program features 150 credits and is available in 3 formats – 100% online, hybrid, and on-campus. The accelerated dual-degree program is ideal for those who aspire to have a progressive career but doubt being able to join the educational field again.
Through the program, you will cover 50 different courses in the field of criminal justice and develop a comprehensive understanding of the field along job job-relevant skills. The program features 8-week terms and allows students to learn at their own pace. You can take as many classes as you want in a day, at any time, and from anywhere.
Even if the learning flexibility is not an attractive option, the affordability definitely is. Being able to graduate with a master’s degree without having to pay for two separate degrees is definitely an attractive offer.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 96.5% | 69.5% | $24,136 |
Join the fastest criminal justice degree online to fast-track your career!
By opting to pursue the fastest criminal justice degree online, you can truly fast-track your career progression. Competition in the job market is high and the faster you enter the job market, the better it can be for your career. Being the youngest in the application pool and having a master’s degree can both add to your credibility and enhance the appeal of your application. So, enrolling in an accelerated bachelors to masters program is an excellent option and can be the best decision you make for your career!