Fastest Criminal Justice Degree

If you’re looking to complete a criminal justice degree as quickly as possible, consider the following pathways:

1. Accelerated Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

• Duration: 2-3 years (compared to the traditional 4 years)
• Format: Many schools offer accelerated programs, often online, that allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree faster by taking condensed, year-round classes.
• Schools with Accelerated Criminal Justice Programs:
  • Purdue University Global
  • Liberty University
  • Arizona State University

2. Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

• Duration: About 18-24 months
• Format: Available at community colleges and online, this two-year degree offers foundational knowledge in criminal justice and allows you to start working sooner, often in entry-level roles in law enforcement or corrections.
• Transferable Credits: If you later decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree, credits often transfer, reducing the time needed for a full degree.

3. Prior Learning Credit

• Many colleges allow you to earn credits for prior learning, military service, relevant work experience, or police academy training, which can cut down the degree completion time.

4. Online Programs with Self-Paced Options

• Duration: Varies, typically can be completed in as little as 12-18 months for a bachelor’s if you go full-time.
• Schools with Self-Paced Options:
  • Western Governors University (WGU)
  • Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Consider programs that offer rolling admissions or start dates every few weeks, as they allow you to begin sooner and progress at your own pace.

Here are some universities that offer accelerated, online, or self-paced criminal justice degree programs to help you complete your degree more quickly:

1. Purdue University Global

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (accelerated and online options)
• Highlights: Offers multiple start dates, allowing flexibility and a faster pace. Focuses on applied learning and real-world skills in criminal justice.
• Location: Online

2. Liberty University

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (accelerated online program)
• Highlights: 100% online format, with 8-week courses and up to 75% transfer credits allowed. Liberty offers a military-friendly environment with credits for prior service.
• Location: Online

3. Arizona State University (ASU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (accelerated and online)
• Highlights: Courses are 7.5 weeks long, allowing students to finish faster. Known for a reputable criminal justice program with experienced faculty.
• Location: Online

4. Western Governors University (WGU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (competency-based, self-paced)
• Highlights: WGU’s competency-based education lets you move through coursework as fast as you master it, making it ideal for quick completion.
• Location: Online

5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (self-paced online)
• Highlights: Offers a generous transfer policy, with up to 90 credits accepted. SNHU has year-round enrollment, allowing you to start classes at multiple points throughout the year.
• Location: Online

6. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (accelerated online program)
• Highlights: Known for serving adult learners and military students, UMGC provides flexible schedules with frequent start dates, making it easier to finish faster.
• Location: Online

7. Florida State University (FSU)

• Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminology (online)
• Highlights: Known for a strong criminology program, FSU offers online classes in a structured format, and students can transfer prior credits to expedite completion.
• Location: Online

8. Capella University

• Program: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice (FlexPath format available)
• Highlights: FlexPath lets you set your pace, paying per session rather than per credit hour, which can speed up your degree if you’re a fast learner.
• Location: Online

When choosing a program, it’s a good idea to check their credit transfer policies and prior learning assessments, which can shorten your degree duration.