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.
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.
Best 50 Accredited Fast Online Criminal Justice Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s fastest online criminal justice degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the fastest online criminal justice degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
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.