How Can an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Prepare You for Grad School?
Choosing an accelerated bachelor's degree program can feel like a smart way to save time and money, but you may wonder... Read More
90-Credit Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Leadership
Lead the future of criminal justice.
The 90-credit online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota helps you accelerate your career — whether you’re a police officer, public safety professional, or entering the field. We also support Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified professionals looking to advance their careers or pursue a second career.
Whether you’re starting with no prior college experience or transferring up to 66 previously earned credits, this FastTrack 90™ program prepares you to lead and strengthen criminal justice organizations while building a meaningful, service-driven career.
You’ll gain a strong foundation in criminal justice policy, leadership, research, and human resource management while exploring legal, social, and organizational facets. This criminal justice program also develops skills in data analysis, criminology statistics, leadership, legislative processes, training and risk management, and the evolving role of justice professionals.
Here, you’ll build knowledge, character, and wisdom every step of the way. You’ll cultivate empathy, resilience, and ethical reasoning — preparing you to serve diverse communities with integrity.
With our FastTrack 90 degree program, you’ll finish faster with 25% fewer credits than other bachelor’s programs, helping you save time and move forward in your career.
Prepare to lead and make a greater impact. Apply today.
Admissions start May 2026.
Note: This criminal justice degree program does not provide POST certification. Students seeking to become POST-certified must attend a school with a POST-approved curriculum.
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$440
cost per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
Online
$440
cost per credit
Aug•Oct•Jan
Mar•May•Jun
start dates
Online
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
degree program highlights
- Are you a member of Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) or the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA)? Saint Mary’s is proud to partner with both organizations to offer unique scholarships.
- Earn credit for Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) continuing education requirements, military training, and more.
- Earn digital badges and showcase them on LinkedIn, your CV, or résumé to verify your skills to employers.
- Apply your coursework through online training and earn proof of completion in Critical Incident Stress Management, Culturally Responsive Practice, First Aid, and De-escalation: Core Skills.
- Take approved graduate-level business courses during your bachelor’s program and apply them toward your master’s degree — all at undergraduate tuition rates. Ask your enrollment counselor for details.
Life moves fast. Your criminal justice degree should too.
Accelerate your career with a 100% online bachelor’s degree that requires only 90 credits instead of the traditional 120. Why wait?
- Graduate sooner
- Enter the workforce earlier
- Start earning income sooner
- Gain real-world experience faster
- Advance in your field while others are still completing their final year
Time is money. Save both with an accelerated bachelor’s degree.
With 25% fewer credits, that means lower tuition costs and finishing sooner. Transfer up to 66 credits to maximize your time and money.
What you’ll learn in the B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership degree program
- Various aspects of the criminal justice system
- Criminal investigation and criminal behavior
- Leadership and management principles to empower
- Inclusion, adaptability, and respect for diversity
- Critical thinking, self-evaluation, and resilience
- Ethical and professional conduct
Information Sessions
How to apply for the B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership program
Saint Mary’s accepts applications for online bachelor’s degree programs year-round. You can start your degree program in the fall, spring, or summer semester once accepted for enrollment.
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
- Completed application form
- Official high school or GED transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Transfer students who, following high school completion, have earned 12 or more college-level credits and at least C/2.0 or above grades are not required to submit official high school transcripts.
- Official transcripts from all post-high school coursework including technical and community colleges. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
- Applicants with transcripts from countries outside the U.S. must submit an official course-by-course evaluation by an approved evaluation service.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), Interview with a program administrator (if requested)
It must be sent directly to Saint Mary’s by the issuing institution.
You have two possible options for obtaining official transcripts:
- Order official transcripts from all institutions yourself.
- Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a university-accepted evaluation service, such as
World Education Services,
Educational Credential Evaluators,
Educational Perspectives, or
One Earth International Credential Evaluators,
and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards. Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.Send Materials To:
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
tcadmission@smumn.edu
- Fall Term 1 — Aug. 1
- Fall Term 2 — Oct. 1
- Spring Term 1 — Dec. 1
- Spring Term 2 — Feb. 1
- Summer Term 1 — April 1
- Summer Term 2 — June 1
Tuition and financial aid for online bachelor's degree programs
Course catalog
Careers and salary: B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice leadership prepares you to advance your career in the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, corrections, or federal agencies such as Border Patrol or Homeland Security. And with only 90 credits to complete, you’ll be able to start your new career faster!
Border patrol officer
Corrections officer
Private detective
Explore more careers and see how this program can help you reach your goals.
Visit the blogFrequently asked questions
Access to Student Central, Career Services for law enforcement résumé building, and 24/7 library access.
Absolutely. The program is designed to accommodate the irregular schedules often found in criminal justice professions.
Yes, students can transfer up to 66 credits from prior college or technical training.
Yes, these degrees are fully accredited. Saint Mary’s graduate programs accept them; check with other schools for specific requirements.
Adult learners and those already in the criminal justice field looking to earn a leadership-focused degree quickly.
It emphasizes the core competencies of leadership within the justice system, requiring 90 total credits for graduation.
The FastTrack 90™ format allows for rapid completion, depending on how many credits you transfer in.
By completing your degree in a shorter timeframe, you reduce the total cost of your education.
News from the School of Advancing Studies
What Can You Accomplish with a 90-Credit Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree?
Students exploring accelerated bachelor’s degrees often have important questions such as: Is the degree fully accredited? What can I accomplish... Read MoreSaint Mary’s School of Advancing Studies is off to a ‘fast start’ with plans for 90-credit degrees
When Holly Tapper, J.D., joined Saint Mary’s Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs as the inaugural dean of the School... Read More