Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online: Earn Your Degree Quickly from Accredited Colleges

If you’re looking for the fastest criminal justice degree online, you want to complete your education quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re aiming to enter law enforcement, corrections, legal services, or related careers, fast-track programs allow you to graduate in as little as 12–18 months—much sooner than traditional four-year timelines.

In this guide, we’ll explore accredited institutions offering the fastest criminal justice degree online, admissions tips, career options, and how to choose the right program for your goals.

What Makes a Degree the Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online?

Not all online programs are equally speedy. Accelerated criminal justice programs typically offer:

• Shorter course sessions (e.g., 8–10 week terms)

• Multiple start dates per year

• Degree-completion formats for students with transfer credits

• Self-paced or competency-based formats

These features help you finish a fastest criminal justice degree online in 12 to 18 months if you’ve already completed some credits—or in a focused timeline if you’re starting fresh.

Leading Schools for the Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online

San Diego State University

SDSU’s online BS in Criminal Justice allows degree completion in as few as 15 months. The program uses 10-week asynchronous terms and requires 60+ transferable credits to enroll, making it one of the fastest criminal justice degree online options available.

University of Massachusetts–Lowell

UMass Lowell offers a fully online BS in Criminal Justice that can be completed in 1–3 years depending on your pace. Some students finish in about 14 months, qualifying it as one of the fastest criminal justice degree online options for driven learners.

Eastern Kentucky University & Others

Several accredited universities—including Eastern Kentucky University, New Mexico State University, and Peirce College—offer extremely accelerated tracks that can allow you to finish in 8–12 months, though availability may depend on transfer credits and enrollment policies.

UMass Global, University of Oklahoma

These institutions also provide fast-track formats and multiple start times. The University of Oklahoma, for example, offers a self-paced program that ranks among the top 14 fastest criminal justice degree online options in the country.

What to Expect in an Accelerated Criminal Justice Program

A fastest criminal justice degree online generally emphasizes critical subjects such as:

• Criminal Law & Procedure

• Criminology Theory

• Corrections & Rehabilitation

• Policing Strategies

• Juvenile Justice & Ethics

• Research Methods & Administration

Accelerated formats often have condensed sessions, but they cover the same core curriculum as longer programs. Expect high engagement and substantial coursework.

Admission Requirements & How to Qualify

To enroll in one of the fastest criminal justice degree online programs, you’ll usually need:

• A high school diploma or GED

• Transferable college credits (60+ for degree completion options)

• Minimum GPA (often around 2.5–2.8)

• Statement of purpose or personal essay

• Proof of residency if applicable

Some schools waive GRE/SAT for accelerated formats. Completion timelines depend heavily on how many transfer credits students bring into the program.

Pros & Cons of Pursuing the Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online

Advantages:

• Graduate quickly and start your career sooner

• Cost savings due to reduced tuition and term counts

• Flexibility with online delivery and multiple start dates

Disadvantages:

• Intense course load with faster pace

• Less time for extracurriculars, internships, or networking

• Requires strong self-discipline and time management

Career Outcomes After the Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online

With an accelerated online criminal justice degree, graduates often qualify for roles such as:

• Police Officer or Detective

• Probation or Correctional Officer

• Paralegal or Legal Assistant

• Security Specialist

• Crime Analyst or Juvenile Justice Worker

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, common roles in criminal justice offer median salaries between $60,000 and $77,000, with steady demand for qualified professionals.

Tips for Successfully Completing the Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online

• Use every transfer credit possible to reduce total coursework

• Stay organized and committed to weekly coursework

• Engage actively in online forums and group projects

• Use support resources like tutoring or academic advising when needed

Balancing speed and quality is key—these programs are rigorous but manageable with dedication.

Financial Aid & Cost Considerations

Accelerated programs often come with competitive pricing, but tuition can vary widely depending on residency. Some of the fastest criminal justice degree online programs offer flat per-credit pricing and accept federal aid via FAFSA. Transfer credit acceptance also helps reduce overall tuition costs.

Scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and military benefits (GI Bill) may also be available depending on eligibility.

How to Choose the Right Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online Program

When evaluating options, consider:

• Accreditation: Must be regionally accredited.

• Transfer credit policies: More accepted means fewer credits needed.

• Pace and format: Are sessions short? Are schedules flexible?

• Student support: Access to advising, tech support, and career services.

• Popular reputation: Schools like SDSU or UMass Lowell are recognized for delivering fast, quality programs.

Selecting the right school ensures you graduate quickly without sacrificing academic quality.

External Resource for More Information

For an official, detailed ranking and methodology on the fastest online criminal justice degrees, check out BestColleges.com’s Fastest Criminal Justice Degree Online Programs overview.

Final Verdict

If you’re ready to earn the fastest criminal justice degree online, accelerated programs at institutions like San Diego State University and UMass Lowell make it possible to graduate in 12–18 months, especially if you’ve already earned college credits.

It’s a flexible and cost-efficient path for motivated students seeking careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal systems, or security services. With proper planning, fast-track programs can accelerate your degree and career with credible credentials and valuable knowledge.