Accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice have become a popular choice for individuals looking to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice. With the rise of online education, many options are now available for those looking to further their education in this field.
The convenience and flexibility of online education make it an ideal choice for students who have busy schedules or cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. If you’re unsure what bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to get online, you’re on the right page! We will discuss 10 accelerated online bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice that may be the best for you.
So, if you’re ready to earn your degree in the most efficient way possible, finish reading this article. We will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which accelerated online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is the best fit for you.
Top 10 Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice
Louisana State University
Louisiana State University – Alexandria has a criminal justice online program that makes it easy to transfer credits. The program is designed to be flexible and meet the needs of each student, which means the time it takes to complete the program can vary. Students can transfer a lot of credits into the program.
Why Choose Louisiana State University – Alexandria?
Louisiana State University Alexandria offers an online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, which can help improve your job opportunities. Usually, it takes four years to complete the program. Graduates of the online program will receive the same diploma as those who studied on campus.
Career Opportunities After the Program
Law Enforcement, Corrections, Probation and Parole, Juvenile Justice Administration, Private Sector Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Secret Service.
What You’ll Learn in This Program
- Students will show an understanding of the ideas, theories, rules, methods, changes, and connections between different parts of the criminal justice system.
- Students will show understanding and the ability to examine, understand and evaluate the use of laws, rules, and regulations of the courts, government, and administration in relation to criminal justice.
- Students will show an understanding of the reasons, effects, causes, and prevention of crime, including the ability to use and evaluate the major theories related to those causes.
- Students will show understanding and the ability to examine, understand and evaluate the use of research methods and statistics in relation to criminal justice.
- Students will be able to understand data, use concepts and ideas, and analyze data, theories, and relationships by using logic and observations in relation to criminal justice.
Monroe College
Monroe College’s online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program provides options to fast-track your career. The program helps students to focus on their future aspirations and opens doors to a thrilling career in the criminal justice system.
It provides students with a solid foundation to build their careers and acquire the skills they need to achieve their aspirations. Monroes’s teaching program concentrates on real-world problems and prepares you for success in your specialized duties and judgment abilities.
Career Opportunities After the Program
Police Officer, State Trooper, Undercover Investigator, Security Manager, Correctional Counselor, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Criminal Court Officer, Juvenile Counselor, Detention Facility Coordinator, Legal Assistant, and Law Office Manager.
Why Choose This Program?
Monroe offers a variety of student and faculty-led clubs, such as:
- The Criminal Justice Club
- The Law Society
- Debate Club,
- Human Services Club
- Amnesty International Club
These support students in turning classroom theory into real-world experiences.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice is renowned for its accelerated nature. Gaining a degree in this field can be done quickly because it accepts up to 90 credits from other institutions.
The application process for admission to the school is simple and can be done online. They also have a system in place to transfer credits from other educational institutions located in the United States, which involves obtaining transcripts from those schools.
Why Choose Louisiana State University – Alexandria?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a real-world perspective.
Southern New Hampshire University sets itself apart by prioritizing a student-centered experience.
Southern New Hampshire University program goes beyond the typical criminal justice curriculum and provides exposure to:
- Theories currently used in the study of crime
- The use of discretion in making choices
- Trends that are developing both within a country and internationally
- Methods for effectively conveying information
What You’ll Learn in This Program
- Understand the effects of technology on law enforcement.
- Building community partnerships.
- Communicate effectively with diverse groups.
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and ethical principles.
- Analyze and solve complex issues through research.
- Examine human behavior and motivation.
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia’s BS is a great option for those seeking a bachelor’s in criminal justice online. You can benefit from transferring up to 90 credits and shortening the duration taken to complete your studies.
The University of West Georgia provides a convenient option for students interested in criminal justice. Students can either opt for an online or on-campus degree program, and if they don’t transfer credits, they can complete the course quickly by studying full-time over a period of 3 years.
Transferring credits may shorten the time needed to complete the degree.
Why Choose the University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges for its online degree programs.
Troy University
Troy University takes pride in providing flexible and accessible learning experiences for its students. Through the online degree program, you can study at your own pace and attain quality knowledge.
Why Choose Troy University?
Majoring in Criminal Justice will give you an in-depth look into the components of administering legal justice. This includes exploring law enforcement, corrections, constitutional law, criminology, and criminal procedure. Not only will you be learning about these topics but also their importance to the judicial process.
The courses needed to pursue a criminal justice degree are designed to provide you with an overarching knowledge of the required components.
You can then use that overview to investigate the various branches and find the one that best suits your ambition, be it a career as a police officer, crime scene investigator, or something else such as becoming an attorney.
King University
King University’s program utilizes an accelerated online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, allowing you to achieve your educational goals in 16 months. This is made possible through the program’s shorter, five-week courses.
Additionally, what sets King University apart from other programs is its emphasis on providing a thorough understanding of the American justice system.
Finally, King University offers a well-rounded curriculum focused on giving you an in-depth knowledge of the American justice system. The program covers a variety of topics, such as
- Criminal law
- Criminology theories
- Juvenile justice
- Law enforcement
- Criminal procedures
Courses and Requirements
For the online criminal justice degree, 48 semester hours of major coursework (12 courses) are needed.
To earn their degree from King University, students must complete a total of 124 semester hours. This includes courses related to their major, general education classes, and additional credits that may be obtained through credit transfers or electives.
To be eligible for the online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Despite having a low GPA in high school, students with strong ambitions can still be accepted on a conditional basis. This will only happen if they can prove through their plans that they have the capacity to succeed in the program.
- To be considered, applicants must have achieved at least a 2.2 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Desales University
This online university for criminal justice offers different tracks to help you focus on a specific career objective, which allows you to gain the specialized skills that fit their industries and the situation at your jobs.
DeSales offers accelerated courses on-campus through a night and weekend program. The option allows you to devise a plan that is sustainable and will help you achieve your long-term objectives, no matter what the circumstances may be.
You are eligible to apply if you:
- have graduated from high school over 5 years.
- have served in the military or currently serving.
- have a full-time job and/or other responsibilities that take up a significant amount of time, such as being financially independent or having dependents.
- already have completed a bachelor’s degree and are now seeking a certificate or another undergraduate degree.
Tuition and Fees
- Audit a Class: $270.00/credit
- Adult Studies Tuition: $540/credit*
- Nursing courses: $617/Credit
Norwich University
Norwich University’s well-designed curriculum will equip you with the necessary skills for social science data analysis, research, ethical problem-solving, and writing. With your degree, you’ll have the option to specialize in intelligence and security management.
Alternatively, an array of electives can be chosen for more tailored learning goals. To top it off, this program ends with a capstone project examining unique legal & ethical issues related to criminal justice.
Why Choose Norwich University?
- Fast-track your career by transferring up to 90 credits and earning your criminal justice degree in less than two years.
- Select from various start dates that align with your schedule.
- Get specialized knowledge by taking electives such as Cyber Forensics and Predictive Analytics.
- Gain insight from experienced professionals in law enforcement, policy, and intelligence.
Tuition Cost
- Credit Hours: 30-90
- Credits Per Term: 3-12
- The cost per credit hour is $375 for general students or $250 for active military students.
Career Paths
Chief of Police, Company Commander, Correctional Officer, Criminal Investigator, Criminal Justice Department Chair, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Director of Public Safety, Major, Field Force Commander, Patrol Officer, Police Captain, Security Officer, Senior Special Agent.
Ball State University
BS in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University may help with your goals when you are looking for an accelerated online criminal justice degree that fits your personal schedule.
You only need to finish the last 30 credits at the university to obtain your bachelor’s degree.
Ball State University is recognized by U.S. News and World Reports as one of the best schools for its online criminal justice degree program.
Career Paths
Law enforcement positions, Probation officers, Institutional counselors, Correctional officers, Parole officers, and Victim or witness advocates.
Why Choose Ball State University?
Ball State University emphasizes best practices and data-driven decision-making, ethics, and cultural competency courses. Also, it focuses on theory, politics, public perceptions, policy development, and policy implementation.
This degree reveals the theoretical, philosophical, and practical aspects of the law and the policies that directly and indirectly impact society, social control, and public safety. Program priorities include:
- Gaining an understanding of how the criminal justice system works and its processes.
- Exploring how criminology informs public policy.
- Learning and implementing effective practices.
University of Oklahoma
The accelerated criminal justice degree online from the university allows you to finish your degree in 18 months or at a pace that fits your goals. The program offers eight-week courses that allow students to finish a bachelor’s degree quickly.
The University of Oklahoma’s program differentiates itself by emphasizing law enforcement and its related skills. The program teaches students the basics of forensic science as it applies to investigations, as well as the way the justice system works and different types of crimes.
What to Expect
Once you’re admitted to the program, you can choose from four concentration areas—Homeland Security, Restorative Justice, Administrative Leadership, and Investigations and Intelligence Analysis—that will allow you to specialize in the focus of your studies.
Degree Topics
- Introduction to forensic science
- Deviance and social control
- Drugs and society
- Statistics in criminal justice
- Comparative justice systems
- Ethics
Why Should You Take Your Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Online?
Flexibility
Online criminal justice programs offer a flexible schedule that allows students to complete coursework at their own pace and around their other commitments, such as work or family obligations.
This is especially beneficial for students who live far away from campus or have demanding schedules. In contrast, traditional on-campus programs typically require students to attend classes during specific times, making it difficult for students with competing priorities to pursue their education.
Cost-Effectiveness
Pursuing a criminal justice degree online can be more cost-effective than enrolling in an on-campus program. Online programs typically have lower tuition fees and reduced costs for textbooks, transportation, and housing.
Additionally, students can save money by not having to relocate to attend college, as well as reducing the cost of meals and other living expenses.
Access to a Wide Range of Resources
Online criminal justice programs provide students with access to a wide range of resources, including online libraries, virtual classrooms, and e-textbooks. This enables students to access the same materials and resources that are available to traditional on-campus students, but from the comfort of their own homes.
In addition, online programs often have a larger pool of instructors and guest speakers, allowing students to learn from experts in the field from around the world. This expands the range of educational opportunities for online students, compared to those attending on-campus programs.
What is it Like to Obtain a Master’s in Criminal Justice
Master’s degree programs in criminal justice typically take 2 years full-time, but can take longer if studied part-time or be completed faster in an accelerated format. They are often designed for working adults and offer flexible scheduling through evening, weekend, online or hybrid classes.
Admissions
To enroll in a master’s degree program, a bachelor’s degree is required, though not necessarily in criminal justice. Admissions requirements may include transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, resumes, and GRE scores. Specific requirements can be found on the university’s website.
Required Classes
Master’s degree programs in criminal justice offer similar content, but the specific classes taken may vary based on the school and the chosen concentration. Some programs focus on theory and policy while others focus on management.
Thesis or Capstone Project
Upon completion of the program, a thesis or capstone project is required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. The option to choose between a thesis and capstone may be available in some programs.
A thesis involves researching and writing a scholarly paper on a criminal justice topic under the mentorship of a professor. Original and secondary research may be required.
A capstone project evaluates knowledge and understanding of the program content and may involve research and writing under the guidance of a mentor. The format of the capstone may be a shorter paper, report or presentation and is generally less intensive than a thesis.
Advance Your Career Now on an Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Earning your bachelor of science in criminology and criminal justice is like opening the door to a new world of advantage and opportunity. You should note that not all online criminal justice programs are created equal. Choose a program mentioned in this article to help you achieve your career goal.
The key is to find an accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice that offers a relevant and up-to-date curriculum, experienced faculty, and valuable resources and support. So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to choose what program best fits you!
