Criminal Justice Schools in Kentucky
Programs, Resources and Careers for Kentucky Students
The FBI ranks Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, 33rd in the nation when it comes to violent crime, but the Kentucky State Police report 50% of all violent crimes and 26% of property crimes reported were successfully solved in 2014. These stats show there is an ever-present need for criminal justice workers in the state. With law enforcement agencies and legal services spread throughout 120 counties, there are a number of different opportunities for those interested in attending criminal justice school in Kentucky. Whether students are interested in representing legal cases as a lawyer, teaching students as a police academy professor or researching evidence as an investigator, this page explores different educational paths and degree requirements for criminal justice in Kentucky.
Best Criminal Justice Schools in Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,266
- Out-of-state$19,338
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$13,950
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled14,980
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled12,381
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,732
- Out-of-state$27,758
- In-State$13,000
- Out-of-state$27,114
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled21,670
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Kentucky University
- Highland Heights, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,912
- Out-of-state$19,872
- In-State$11,034
- Out-of-state$16,974
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled15,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- Merrimack, NH
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$21,600
- Out-of-state$21,600
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled88
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of the Cumberlands
- Williamsburg, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,875
- Out-of-state$9,875
- In-State$5,670
- Out-of-state$5,670
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled16,966
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,974
- Out-of-state$23,592
- In-State$8,214
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled9,556
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pikeville
- Pikeville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$21,400
- Out-of-state$21,400
- In-State$8,100
- Out-of-state$8,100
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,261
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Kentucky State University
- Frankfort, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,700
- Out-of-state$11,550
- In-State$7,560
- Out-of-state$11,550
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled2,171
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Bellarmine University
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,880
- Out-of-state$40,880
- In-State$11,734
- Out-of-state$11,734
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled3,331
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Lindsey Wilson College
- Columbia, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,080
- Out-of-state$25,080
- In-State$8,735
- Out-of-state$8,735
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,591
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Owensboro, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,270
- Out-of-state$26,270
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled863
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Union College
- Barbourville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,330
- Out-of-state$26,330
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$9,600
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled1,140
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
- Lexington, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,143
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Maysville Community and Technical College
- Maysville, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,889
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Madisonville Community College
- Madisonville, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,737
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Hazard Community and Technical College
- Hazard, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,245
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
- Paducah, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Owensboro, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,004
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Ashland Community and Technical College
- Ashland, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,176
- Out-of-state$14,616
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,598
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in Kentucky
In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were around 45,000 people working in protective and legal service occupations in the state of Kentucky, including police officers, correctional officers, detectives and many more. Students interested in exploring different specialties before enrolling in criminal justice school in Kentucky can take a look at some of the state’s most popular criminal justice careers below. Click the corner of each box to find out how many people are employed in each sector in Kentucky, their average salary and the degree level they need to work.
Side by Side: Kentucky Compared with Criminal Justice Nationally
A career upholding the law and providing peace and justice can be very rewarding for students planning to attend criminal justice school in Kentucky. With a higher-than-average job growth potential in several criminal justice careers, grads have the chance for major successes in the state of Kentucky. There are many careers that can emerge from a criminal justice degree; here are a few career options, with information on where Kentucky bests the national stats in growth and salary. Scroll over the bars on this graph for details on which type of degree each of these careers requires.
Salary
| Job | National | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detective | 65,900 | 79,620 |
| Correctional Officers | 32,420 | 45,320 |
| Police, Sheriff & Patrol Officers | 42,030 | 61,270 |
| Court Clerks | 32,170 | 38,230 |
| Lawyers | 93,560 | 136,260 |
| Security Guards | 23,950 | 28,460 |
| Court Reporters | 32,750 | 54,720 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors | 39,790 | 49,840 |
| Judges, Magistrates | 116,100 | 125,320 |
| Paralegals, Legal Assistants | 46,430 | 52,390 |
| Fire Inspectors, Investigators | 47,330 | 59,800 |
Job Growth
| Job | National | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detective | 0.052 | 0.083 |
| Criminal Justice Professor | 0.213 | 0.352 |
| Paralegals | 0.076 | 0.138 |
| Bailiff | 0.046 | 0.132 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | 0.032 | 0.159 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 0.05 | 0.215 |
| Crossing Guards | 0.063 | 0.114 |
| Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers | -0.029 | 0.05 |
| Lawyer | 0.056 | 0.121 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | -0.09 | 0.089 |
| Judges and Magistrates | 0.007 | 0.144 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
Where to Get Hired After Criminal Justice School in Kentucky
Whether pursuing a career in protective or legal services after criminal justice school in Kentucky, there are many job opportunities for each. The map below is a reflection of locations in Kentucky where these careers can be put to work, the employment numbers in these areas, and the annual wage students can aim for in each after getting their degree.
Largest areas of employment in descending order
Protective service
- Louisville
- Lexington, Fayette
- Central Kentucky Non-Metro Area
- South Central Kentucky Non-Metro Area
- West Kentucky Non-Metro Area
Legal service
- Louisville
- Lexington, Fayette
- Central Kentucky Non-Metro Area
- West Kentucky Non-Metro Area
- South Central Kentucky Non-Metro Area
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Kentucky
Business Compliance Resources
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Through partnerships and networking, the KCC seeks to support Kentucky businesses through community advocacy. They assess business policy to create beneficial resources for businesses and also offer events and training.
Louisville Community Development
This organization provides community resources for residents of the state, information for visitors, government programs and initiatives, and business and economic development information among many other services.
Kentucky Secretary of State
For a list of business services, election services, and business forms head to this page. It offers information on tax filing, business lookups and registering to vote.
Kentucky Small Business Development Center
The KSBDC acts as a resource for aspiring and active small business local entrepreneurs by providing consulting, training and other information for success. Check here for information from experienced professionals.
Correctional Resources
Kentucky Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections employs individuals who will help uphold community protection standards. This site can also provide resources for individuals to find institutions and programs for community assistance. To learn more visit here.
Louisville Metro Department of Corrections
For those interested in learning more about joining the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, this page will offer information on career opportunities, job descriptions and other resources.
Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex
Located in Morgan County, this complex acts as a secure space for the growing need for correctional housing. Visit this website for more information on possible careers and opportunities.
Court & Judicial Resources
Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association
This association represents a front for all of Kentucky’s Fiscal Courts. They advocate for effective legislation by promoting education and programming.
Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
This site provides information about state law enforcement and corrections as well as information about those serving on the cabinet.
Kentucky County Judge Executive Association
This association works primarily to serve and represent county judges and executives. They have served all 120 county judges since 1982.
Legal Resources
American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky
Kentucky’s branch of the ACLU advocates for fair community and individual legal practices. Learn more about ACLU events, resources, information and ways to volunteer here.
Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
This department offers legal training, leadership opportunities and other career opportunities. If interested in the criminal justice system, check out this website.
Kentucky Bar Association
Students looking to practice law in Kentucky will want to visit this website for all the information they need to become practicing lawyers in the state.
Law Enforcement Resources
Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police
This is a resource for all Chiefs of police and offers testing materials, job opportunities, legislative updates, information on accreditation and membership.
Kentucky Peace Officers Association
This is a site that offers information on current events for law enforcement officers. They promote ethical behavior and work towards crime prevention.
Kentucky State Police
This site offers many resources for students interested in crime prevention in Kentucky. Go to this website to see updates on crime and traffic data, view the sex offender registry and look for career opportunities.
Wildlife & Environmental Resources
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Visit here to learn about the enforcement and education of fish and wildlife resources. Learn about the duties of game wardens and county officers.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation
This charitable organization seeks to empower and educate Kentucky youth on ways to preserve fish and wildlife habitats through camps and community engagement. Use this link to learn more about their mission, resources and how to get involved with youth programs.
Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection
DEP works educate and involve businesses with environmental preservation. Check out this site to learn more about environmental regulations and emergencies, potential careers, and public notices and hearings.
