How to Finish Your BS in Criminal Justice at Liberty University in 6–12 Months

Why Liberty University’s BS in Criminal Justice Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Liberty University’s BS in Criminal Justice program blends theory, law, and applied practice. Its transfer-friendly system and online flexibility make it a strong candidate for degree hacking.  

‍

Here’s what makes it hackable:

Competency-Based & Transfer-Friendly

• Transfer up to 90 credits from approved providers

• 100% online in 8-week terms, giving students flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule within each term

• Military and prior learning credits often accepted, so previous training and professional experience can be evaluated for college credit

Career & Criminal Justice Preparation

• Build knowledge in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and criminology

• Analyze and address complex challenges in the criminal justice system

• Gain academic preparation for specialized training or academy programs (completed separately)

‍

Why Most People Take 3–4 Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)

Why Most People Take 3-4 Years

Most students delay graduation and spend over $46,000 to get their bachelor's in criminal justice because they follow the standard course sequence and don’t know that the system can be hacked.  

‍

Here’s what typically happens:

‍

• They pay LU tuition for general education: Many students enroll in Liberty University without realizing they could complete general ed courses at a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

• They miss out on the 90-credit transfer policy: Students often transfer too few credits, not taking advantage of LU’s generous credit transfer limit, which can increase time and cost.

• They assume all electives must be taken at LU: There's a misconception that LU requires all criminal justice electives to be done in-house, leading to unnecessary expenses.

• They overlook alternative credit options: Cost-effective resources like Study.com, CLEP, and DSST can fulfill prerequisites but are often ignored.

Here’s What Degree Hackers Do That Others Don’t

• They transfer the full 90 credits before enrolling: Strategic students load up on affordable credits first, then transfer the maximum allowed to LU.

• They use Study.com: Study.com offers self-paced, accredited general education and criminal justice survey courses that satisfy many LU degree requirements affordably.

• They reserve LU tuition for high-value courses: By transferring lower-level credits, they save LU tuition for advanced classes and the capstone, where LU's instruction adds the most value.

• Result: Graduate in 6–12 months for ~$11,000 instead of $46,000+.

The difference between a four-year and one-year journey to your criminal justice degree is strategy. By front-loading affordable transfer credits and saving LU tuition for only the final requirements, you can finish your degree in 6–12 months for a fraction of the usual cost.

‍

Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack LU’s BS in Criminal Justice

We’ve developed a clear, step-by-step roadmap to earning your BS in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, built from the experience of graduates, academic advisors, and students who have successfully accelerated their degrees.

‍

‍

his guide shows you how to avoid common delays, keep costs low, and concentrate on the core criminal justice skills that can launch you into a rewarding career faster.

Liberty University Criminal Justice Pre-Enrollment Hacks

• Complete general education through online courses - Study.com offers affordable online courses with transferable credits. With a $95/month subscription, you can knock out general education credits before enrolling at LU.  

• Take CLEP or DSST exams - These nationally recognized exams let you earn college credit by proving what you already know. At about $97 for CLEP and $100 for DSST, they can replace expensive courses and shorten your path to graduation.

• Plan your courses - You can use resources like DegreeHack.org to receive a personalized strategy on how to complete your degree faster and cheaper without compromising the quality of education.

• Maximize the 90-credit transfer before enrolling - Review your previous courses and exam credits and check if LU accepts them to cut thousands off your tuition.  

Liberty University BS in Criminal Justice Degree Hacking Plan

BS in Criminal Justice Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

You don’t have to overload your schedule to complete the 120 credit hours required to finish your degree in criminal justice at Liberty University. All you have to do is prepare a well-planned approach and know what courses to take at LU and which ones to complete externally.  

‍

Here’s how LU’s 120 credits break down:

‍

• ~42 credits: General Education (transferable)

• ~45 credits: Major Requirements (upper-level must be LU)

• ~39 credits: Electives (transferable)

LU Criminal Justice Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

Why Degree Hacking Works for LU Criminal Justice Students

• Finish Years Faster: Instead of spending the usual 3–4 years earning your degree, you can complete it in as little as 6–12 months by transferring affordable credits for prerequisites and electives.

• Front-Load Low-Cost Credits: Knock out general education and lower-level criminal justice requirements through providers like Study.com or CLEP/DSST exams before enrolling at LU, reducing your total cost to about $11,000 while still earning the same LU diploma.

• Keep the LU Quality: Core criminal justice courses remain with LU, so you graduate with the same respected degree, just on a shorter, more cost-effective path.

Get Your Complete Degree Hacking Plan

Your full Liberty University BS in Criminal Justice plan includes:

‍

✓ All 120 credits mapped with transfer equivalencies

✓ Study.com course codes + CLEP/DSST exam IDs

✓ Cost breakdown and timeline for completion

✓ Backup alternatives if transfer rules change

‍

Applying to Liberty University for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

When to Apply: Finding the Best Time for Enrollment

Liberty University offers flexible start dates so you can start whenever you’re ready. The best time to apply is when you’ve already completed all gen ed and other transferable courses. This way, you can focus on advanced criminal justice courses at LU.

Liberty University Admissions and Transfer Logistics

• Apply online in under 20 minutes

• Submit transcripts and transfer documentation

• LU typically provides transfer evaluations within ~1 week after receiving the transcripts

Liberty University Tuition and Other Aid Information

• Full-time, undergraduate (online): $390 per credit; part-time, undergraduate (online): $455 per credit

• LU accepts FAFSA, scholarships, military benefits, and employer reimbursement

• Save thousands by transferring up to 90 credit hours before enrolling

Liberty University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Career ROI

• Median Annual Salary: $77,270 per year for Police and Detectives

• Degree Payback Time: Often under 2 years  

• Long-Term Growth: Demand for law enforcement and security professionals is projected to remain steady, offering stable employment and opportunities for advancement well beyond your first role

• Typical Roles: Caseworker, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Analyst, Homeland Security Agent, Immigration Services Agent, Police Detective, Private Security Officer, or Social Services Worker

‍