Kaplan University offers the Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice to individuals interested in becoming qualified criminal justice professionals. This online degree program provides an understanding of the philosophy and development of the US Criminal Justice System; opportunities to explore applied research, methods and techniques; and the chance to examine criminal law development as well as criminal offense types and principles pertaining to criminal culpability. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The program is offered in the Forensic Psychology Specialization which focuses on the relevance of psychology in the criminal justice system. Students will be educated in the proper interaction with mentally disabled individuals, how to handle crisis situations, and how to understand and address the effects of crime on society. Graduates can expect to find career opportunities in police departments, law enforcement agencies, social service organizations, and the judicial system and may qualify for advanced positions in these work environments.

The Advanced Start Option is a fast-track way of completing a bachelor’s degree. It allows associate degree holders or bachelor degree holders from other fields to complete the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice for as short as twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) months. The program provides the advantageous combination of the two-year degree having a career-oriented focus and a four-year degree having a comprehensive academic curriculum. The program length is ninety (90) credit hours as compared to the regular bachelor’s degree program which requires students to complete one hundred eighty (180) credit hours. The remaining ninety (90) credit hours are expected to come from qualified transfer credits from previous learning.

Tuition cost is $ 425.00 pre credit for an estimated total program cost of $ 38,250.00. Since the program is offered entirely in the online format, working professionals need not be prevented from pursuing this program. Completion of the program opens up a wider range of career advancement opportunities.