Best Online Accelerated Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $492-$511
Out-of-State | $888-$907

Credits to Graduate: 48-66 (120 total)

As a student in SDSU's online BS in criminal justice program, you can finish your degree in as few as 15 months. The degree-completion program features courses in criminal and social justice, plus the option of an 18-credit public administration minor.

SDSU's online program features asynchronous courses in 10-week sessions and start dates every semester. For admission, you need at least 60 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Cost per Credit: $385

Credits to Graduate: 120

In UMass Lowell's online BS in criminal justice program, you'll study systemic issues in criminal justice and develop research and statistical skills. You'll also complete a criminology capstone project at the end of the program.

Online courses run asynchronously through sessions lasting six, eight, 10, 12, and 15 weeks, depending on the semester. In total, you can complete your bachelor's degree within just 1-3 years. Or, you can opt for an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program and finish both degrees together in less than five years.

Cost per Credit Hour:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500

Credits to Graduate: 55+ (120 total)

Citadel's online BA in criminal justice allows transfer students to complete their bachelor's degrees in less than two years. The program consists of 55 credits of upper-level criminal justice courses, plus an optional internship and a recommended leadership minor.

For admission, you'll need 30-65 credits from one of Citadel's partner technical colleges and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Citadel charges flat-rate tuition for fully online students taking 12-21 credits a semester, meaning learners with heavier course loads can save money.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | Not Available

Credits to Graduate: 30+ (120 total)

Depending on your transfer credits, you might be able to complete OU's online BA in interdisciplinary studies with a major in criminal justice leadership in fewer than 12 months. The program features courses in the U.S. judicial process and conflict resolution, along with an interdisciplinary portfolio requirement.

OU's online program offers asynchronous eight-week classes and five start date options. For admission, you need to be five years removed from high school and have at least 60 undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Cost per Credit: $350

Credits to Graduate: 60 (120 total)

UNI's online BAS in criminal justice provides you with practical training you can apply to various law enforcement careers. Required courses include advanced crime theory and crime and social inequality. There's also a criminology seminar that focuses on criminology career preparation.

UNI's program features full-time and part-time tracks, along with primarily asynchronous online classes and the occasional synchronous session. For admission, you must have an associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Cost per Credit: $626-$678

Credits to Graduate: 120

Penn State's online BS in criminal justice leadership draws from over 100 years of distance-learning experience. The program covers topics in criminal justice ethics and alternatives to incarceration. You can even pursue an internship. Though online classes run asynchronously, you'll enjoy plenty of opportunities to engage with classmates and instructors throughout your studies.

Since Penn State charges a flat-rate tuition between 12 and 19 credits, heavier course loads can lead to savings. Even if you live out of state, you pay the same tuition rates as in-state students.

Cost per Credit: $525

Credits to Graduate: 42+ (120 total)

Designed for busy and working students, Mercer's online BS in criminal justice leadership equips you to make ethical decisions in your field. Mercer offers students accelerated and asynchronous classes in four- and eight-week sessions, along with five annual start dates. Program graduates may be eligible for a tuition discount in the school's MS in criminal justice and public safety leadership program.

For admission, you must possess a minimum GPA of 2.25. Candidates with over two years of professional experience may qualify for transfer credits via competency tests.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,535
Out-of-State | $4,240

Credits to Graduate: 57+ (120 total)

In SUNY Oswego's online BA in criminal justice program, you can earn your degree on your own schedule as a part- or full-time student. The program includes core courses in corrections, courts, and crime theories and victimization. Students can also participate in an optional internship with supervised fieldwork.

The school's online courses may run asynchronously or synchronously. For admission, you'll need an associate degree or the equivalent number of credits, as well as a minimum GPA of 2.3.

Cost per Credit: $650

Credits to Graduate: 54+ (120 total)

Sacred Heart's online BS in criminal justice allows part-time students to earn their bachelor's degree in less than two years. You'll take courses in subjects like police-community relations and the juvenile justice system. You'll also complete a supervised criminal justice placement before the end of the program.

Sacred Heart boasts flexible online delivery, accelerated 7.5-week sessions, and small class sizes. Applicants can put a maximum of 66 credits toward their degree.

Cost per Credit: $560

Credits to Graduate: 48+ (120 total)

DeSales' online BA in criminal justice is an accelerated program with rehabilitation and intelligence specializations available. In this program, you'll take courses in social problems and applied data analysis. You'll also get access to 10 annual start dates, evening classes once per week, and one-credit workshops.

The private university charges all students the same tuition rate, no matter where they live. For admission, you need to be one of the following: a minimum of five years removed from high school, a full-time professional, or a veteran. Accepted students may apply up to 75 transfer credits toward the program.