Criminal justice offers steady careers, and demand is only expected to grow over the next decade, making it an appealing choice for those seeking job security and advancement opportunities. Fast-paced online criminal justice degree programs are an excellent fit for highly motivated individuals looking to kickstart their careers.
Graduates of these programs can pursue roles such as police officers and detectives, with a median salary of $74,910. With further education, opportunities include college professors earning a median salary of $69,030, forensic psychologists at $92,740, and practicing attorneys at $145,760.
These accelerated programs allow students to complete their undergraduate degree in two to three years and graduate degrees in 18 months to two years, expediting entry into this field.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the Fastest Online Criminal Justice degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 14 Accredited Fast Online Criminal Justice Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
The University of Oklahoma
Intelligent Score: 99.45In-state: $4,788
Out-of-state: $20,169
In-state: $6,943
Out-of-state: $6,943
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$367
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
San Diego State University
Intelligent Score: 98.40In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 22-29
$492 - $511
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
120.0
UMass Lowell
Intelligent Score: 98.17In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$385
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
Lamar University
Intelligent Score: 97.82In-state: $6,129
Out-of-state: $15,945
In-state: $6,397
Out-of-state: $6,397
SAT: 943-1140
ACT: 17-23
$314
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Faulkner University
Intelligent Score: 97.66In-state: $21,000
Out-of-state: $21,000
In-state: $10,350
Out-of-state: $10,350
SAT: 1020-1175
ACT: 18-23
$325
Online, Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
DeSales University
Intelligent Score: 97.11In-state: $38,500
Out-of-state: $38,500
In-state: $20,520
Out-of-state: $20,520
SAT: 1010-1240
ACT: 22-28
$575
Online, On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120
Norwich University
Intelligent Score: 96.81In-state: $40,608
Out-of-state: $40,608
In-state: $18,614
Out-of-state: $18,614
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$375
Online, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
Georgia Highlands College
Intelligent Score: 95.21In-state: $20,340
Out-of-state: $26,692
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 17 or higher
$199
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
124-126
Sacred Heart University
Intelligent Score: 93.86In-state: $44,080
Out-of-state: $44,080
In-state: $34,806
Out-of-state: $34,806
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$650
Hybrid, On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 93.68In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $235
Out-of-State: $648
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120.0
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 90.92In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$574
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120
University of Cincinnati
Intelligent Score: 90.81In-state: $9,723
Out-of-state: $25,057
In-state: $13,224
Out-of-state: $13,224
SAT: 1120-1330
ACT: 23-29
Resident: $583
Non-Resident: $598
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120.0
Troy University
Intelligent Score: 89.77In-state: $7,800
Out-of-state: $15,600
In-state: $7,650
Out-of-state: $7,650
SAT: 935-1105
ACT: 18-25
$408
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Lewis University
Intelligent Score: 88.29In-state: $34,268
Out-of-state: $34,268
In-state: $14,580
Out-of-state: $14,580
SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 21-27
$625
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
128
How to Choose a Fast Online Criminal Justice Program
Choose your area of study
As a field, criminal justice is relatively broad – encapsulating various majors and specializations ideal for specific careers. Ask yourself what interests you most: law enforcement, forensic science, or legal studies? Do you prefer working directly with people or behind the scenes?
For those drawn to policy work, a major in law enforcement is ideal. If analyzing evidence is exciting to you, consider forensic science. Those interested in the judicial system might find legal studies or criminology a perfect fit.
Research schools and programs
To research schools and programs for your intended specialization, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What is the curriculum focus, and does it align with my career goals?
- Are there experienced faculty in my area of interest?
- What are the graduation and employment rates for the program?
You can find answers to these questions on school websites, through virtual open houses, and by speaking with an admissions counselor.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist in hand, it’s time to begin preparing for tests and applications. Start by gathering letters of recommendation and transcripts early, as these can take time to collect. Allow ample time to write your personal statement or essay responses, and, if required, enroll in a test prep program to boost your standardized test scores. This typically includes programs that uniquely prepare you for the SAT or ACT if you’re an undergraduate or the GRE for graduate students.
Select your program
Once acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial research criteria and focus on what matters most to you, like program quality, faculty you’re excited to learn from, and career support services. This is also an excellent time to reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it with any financial aid offers — especially those that don’t need to be repaid, like scholarships and grants.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For most students, paying for their degree without accruing a significant debt burden is a top priority. Start by filing the FAFSA to access federal aid, including grants like the Pell Grant for undergraduates. Then, apply for scholarships from institutional and external sources to gain aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. If financial gaps persist, prioritize federal loans over private loans to help cover expenses while minimizing debt.
Depending on your situation and degree level, you may also be eligible for veterans’ benefits or employer tuition reimbursement programs.
What Can You Expect From a Fast Online Criminal Justice Program?
An accelerated online criminal justice program provides a comprehensive education in a condensed timeframe, ideal for those seeking to advance their careers quickly. As a student, you’ll delve into topics like criminal law, forensic science, corrections, criminology, and law enforcement practices. The most innovative curriculums emphasize skills like critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication — essential regardless of the career you pursue. These careers might include roles in law enforcement, corrections, forensic analysis, homeland security, and legal services. Specializations and further education can lead to high-level positions in criminal profiling, federal agencies, or academic research.
With coursework primarily completed online, it’s easier to balance your education with other obligations, making this an attractive option for those with a full-time job or caretaking responsibilities. Programs often offer both thesis and non-thesis tracks, catering to different academic and career goals.
Potential courses you’ll take in a fast online criminal justice program
- Introduction to Criminal Justice: A fundamental course for undergraduate students, this class provides an overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Syllabi typically covers each component’s history, structure, and function, along with contemporary issues and challenges facing the system.
- Criminology: Another standard course for undergraduates, this course focuses on the sociological and psychological theories behind criminal behavior. Participants analyze factors contributing to crime, like environment, social structures, and individual psychology, and study the effectiveness of varying crime prevention strategies.
- Advanced Criminological Theory: Building on undergraduate criminology, this graduate-level course delves further into the theoretical frameworks and contemporary research in criminology. Students critically examine and compare advanced theories and their applications to current criminal justice policies and practices.
- Forensic Psychology: This master’s-level class focuses on the intersection of psychology and the criminal justice system. Learners study psychological assessment, criminal profiling, and the treatment of offenders. This course also covers the psychological impact of crime on victims and the role of mental health in criminal behavior and rehabilitation.
What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue careers with steady employment and salaries above the national median, like police officers and detectives. However, you’ll want to research the job market, as some fields, like correction officers and bailiffs, are expected to experience declining demand.
Career outlook
- Police Officer — Although a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary to obtain this role, it can be helpful. Police officers enforce laws, maintain public order, and protect citizens by responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, and preventing crime.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 64,500
- Detective — Individuals in this role investigate crimes by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing information to solve cases and identify suspects.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 64,500
- Forensic Psychologist — With further education, like a master’s in psychology, students will be on track to become licensed forensic psychologists. These professionals assess and treat criminal behavior, working in correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, or private practice.
- Median annual salary: $92,740
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,800
Fast Online Criminal Justice Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
These programs condense the same curriculum into a shorter time frame, allowing students to complete their education more quickly than traditional programs. These programs are intensive and require high dedication and time management, making them ideal for motivated individuals who can handle a fast-paced learning environment. However, they may not be a good fit for everyone. To explore the pros and cons of accelerated degree programs and determine if it’s right for you, visit our page, which details this further.
How long does it take to earn an online criminal justice degree?
Obtaining an online criminal justice degree takes about two to three years for an accelerated bachelor’s program and 18 months to two years for an accelerated master’s program. However, completion timelines can vary based on your pace and the program’s specifics. It’s crucial to review each program’s credit requirements, especially for graduate degrees, as variations in credit load and course offerings can affect how quickly you can finish your degree.