90-Credit Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Leadership
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.
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 can I transfer my credits? How long will it take me to finish my business administration degree? Sign up for an online information session to get these questions answered and more or watch a recorded session on your time.
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.
Transfer Credits
Students can transfer a maximum of 66 credits toward our 90 credit FastTrack90 programs. A grade of C- or better must have been earned in a course to qualify for transfer.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form
There is no application fee. For eligible degree-seeking applicants, Saint Mary’s may be able to order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests.
Applicants must submit official high school, GED, or secondary school credentials for admission review.
Transfer students who have completed high school and earned 12 or more college-level credits after high school, with grades of C/2.0 or higher, are not required to submit official high school transcripts.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-high school coursework, including technical and community colleges. An official transcript is one sent directly to the university by the credit-granting institution.
Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S.
Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S. may not need a credential evaluation if the Admissions team is able to verify and evaluate the transcript, including U.S. equivalency and GPA conversion.
Applicants seeking transfer credit from post-secondary coursework completed outside the U.S. must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved service. Students are responsible for any associated costs.
Application materials should be directed to:
Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically to: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester term 1 – August 1
Fall semester term 2 – October 1
Spring semester term 1 – December 1
Spring semester term 2 – February 1
Summer semester term 1 – April 1
Summer semester term 2 – June 1
Notice of Acceptance
Get your admission decision within one to two weeks.
Tuition and financial aid for online bachelor's degree programs
With only 90 credits required, you can save up to $13,500 — money you can put toward a home, grad school, or your child’s education. It’s an investment in your future.
Financial aid is available through grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and possibly even employer reimbursement.
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.
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