Criminal Justice Schools in Kentucky
Programs, Resources and Careers for Kentucky StudentsThe 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.
2017 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Kentucky
OUR METHODOLOGY +
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 bachelor’s or master’s degree in subject area for 4-year schools
- Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.
Although there are many notable criminal justice schools in Kentucky, how can students find which training program, college or university offers the best program? This list rates Kentucky's best criminal justice programs on factors like tuition, financial aid opportunities, student-teacher ratios and location. Students can sort the list based on their top priorities, just click for more information on each program.
| Rank | School Title | Net Price | Financial Aid | Total Programs | Student-Teacher ratio | Ranking Score | School Description | Additional Benefits: | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 2% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 99.74 |
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Bluegrass Community and Technical College offers both an AAS degree in criminal justice and certificate options. In order to graduate, students must complete the Criminal Justice KCTCS Curriculum Committee post-exit exam. Program checklists are available to help students succeed in selecting the right courses and in developing a successful schedule. Free tutoring is available from peer tutors and faculty members, and the college is home to a mentor program. The BCTC Library provides not just books, articles and journals, but databases, research tools and other learning materials. Students can connect with classmates through a variety of clubs and organizations. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 2 | Maysville Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 9% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 95.22 |
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The associate in applied science degree at Maysville Community and Technical College has four different specializations: security and loss prevention, law enforcement, criminal justice and corrections. Full-time students taking 15 credits per semester can complete any of the four programs in two years. Students can get involved in social events, academic teams and intramural athletics. The school maintains an office of cultural diversity, and tutoring assistance is available on all campuses. Students can earn credit for prior learning, and a dual credit program is also available. The MCTC Library maintains databases, research materials and other academic resources. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 3 | Madisonville Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 22% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.84 |
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Students can earn an associate in applied science degree at Madisonville Community college with a focus on either criminal justice or law enforcement. There are also several certificate programs available. Graduates should be eligible for the workforce or can pursue further education at a four-year university. The applied science degree, which can also serve as a foundation for a future law degree, should prepare graduates for work in a range of professions, including institutional corrections, court administration and law enforcement. The college maintains a career services office, as well as many clubs and organizations that students can join. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 4 | Hazard Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 19% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.83 |
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Criminal justice students at Hazard Community and Technical College have several options to choose from in pursuit of an associate in applied science degree. They can specialize in security and loss prevention, corrections, criminal justice and law enforcement. There is also a certificate in computer forensics. The college provides students with access to computers, and tutoring services are available for a range of subjects and coursework. Placement testing is available, as are specialty services for students with disabilities. Student support services include career counseling, transfer advising, workshops, cultural enrichment trips and academic advising. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 5 | West Kentucky Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 1% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 92.15 |
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Upon graduating, students who complete an associate in applied science degree will be qualified for entry-level work in corrections and policing, and will be ready to advance into supervisory positions, whether they choose the criminal justice track, the law enforcement track, the security and loss prevention track or the corrections track. Students not seeking an associate degree can participate in one of five certificate programs. Academic assistance and tutoring is available to all students through the tutoring center, and students can utilize the FOCUS Assessment, an online, self-paced education and career planning tool. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 6 | Owensboro Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 4% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 91.61 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 7 | Ashland Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 7% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 91.22 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 8 | Somerset Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 8% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 90.99 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 9 | Gateway Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 9% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 90.92 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 10 | Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 6% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 90.53 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 11 | Hopkinsville Community College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 10% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 88.15 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 12 | Jefferson Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 1% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 87.45 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 13 | Big Sandy Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 18% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 86.38 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 14 | Elizabethtown Community and Technical College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 4% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
Ranking SCORE 86.27 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| Rank | School Title | Net Price | Financial Aid | Total Programs | Student-Teacher ratio | Grad Rate | Ranking Score | School Description | Additional Benefits: | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eastern Kentucky University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 41% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 4 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 37% |
Ranking SCORE 99.30 |
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The criminal justice programs at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) include a bachelor of science in criminal justice or a master of science in criminal justice. By attending Eastern Kentucky, criminal justice majors can choose to specialize in the following areas of expertise: drug control, police liability, ethics, administration and management, organized crime, white-collar crime, property crime, international criminal justice and media and criminal justice. Career options for students include law enforcement, crime policy analyst, family service counselor, corrections and juvenile/youth care worker. EKU students have also done internships and co-op experiences with the FBI, Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to name a few. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 2 | Campbellsville University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 90% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 44% |
Ranking SCORE 95.96 |
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Campbellsville University in Somerset, Kentucky, offers students a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration. It is a blended program (online and at the Larry and Beverly Noe Somerset Education Center) on an accelerated timeline, where classes meet two weekday nights for four-hour sessions. Financial aid programs are available for students, including those transferring from Somerset Community College. Upon graduation, students should be eligible for career options as a bailiff, legal specialist, paralegal, court reporter, or similar careers within criminal justice. If students wish to continue on to earn a graduate degree, they may qualify for careers as a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney or private investigator after graduating. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 3 | University of Louisville |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 56% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 52% |
Ranking SCORE 95.95 |
Read more
The University of Louisville in Kentucky offers students both undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. In addition, the University also offers online programs in criminal justice for both undergraduate and degree programs. Students can apply for the J. Allen Lamb and Edward S. Pocock Foundation Criminal Justice Scholarship, along with other financial aid options. In addition, students can also get involved with campus activities including becoming a member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon or Alpha Phi Sigma, which are criminal justice honor societies. The Southern Police Institute is a division within the department, which gives students opportunities for hands-on learning. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 4 | Northern Kentucky University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 51% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 37% |
Ranking SCORE 95.04 |
Read more
Northern Kentucky University offers both a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice and offers courses focused on the three major aspects of the criminal justice system: police, courts and corrections. In addition, students can choose to pursue a minor in criminalistics and is designed for students who are majoring in biology or chemistry and want to take the forensic track. Along with traditional classroom learning, Northern Kentucky University also offers students the ability to take courses completely online. The programs will prepare students for careers in politics and government, law enforcement, public administration, foreign service or international business. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 5 | Thomas More College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 98% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 49% |
Ranking SCORE 94.24 |
Read more
Students who enroll at Thomas More College will enjoy smaller class sizes, personalized attention, internship opportunities and many resources for student activities. The College offers two programs in the criminal justice field: a bachelor of arts in criminal justice (typically consists of 36 credit hours) or an associate of arts in criminal justice (typically consists of 18 credit hours). Occupation opportunities include youth counselor, police officer, attorney, parole officer, correctional counselor, U.S. Deputy Marshal, private investigator, court administrator, wildlife enforcement officer, IRS fraud investigator, etc. Some of the career options may require further training, work experience and education. |
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 6 | University of the Cumberlands |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 45% |
Ranking SCORE 93.80 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesNo | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 7 | Murray State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 70% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 54% |
Ranking SCORE 89.40 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 8 | University of Pikeville |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 99% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 28% |
Ranking SCORE 88.75 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 9 | Kentucky State University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 61% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 14% |
Ranking SCORE 88.29 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 10 | Bellarmine University |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 62% |
Ranking SCORE 87.83 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceYes |
| 11 | Lindsey Wilson College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 99% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 2 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 32% |
Ranking SCORE 87.71 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 12 | Kentucky Wesleyan College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS 1 |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 36% |
Ranking SCORE 86.93 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
| 13 | Union College |
Net Price |
FINANCIAL AID % 100% |
TOTAL PROGRAMS N/A |
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO |
GRAD RATE 36% |
Ranking SCORE 86.66 |
Read more
|
Additional Benefits: | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Credit for ExperienceNo |
Search Kentucky's Criminal Justice Schools
With Kentucky's selection of criminal justice degrees and programs, choosing the right school or specialization can be a confusing process. Aspiring criminal justice students can search in-state programs, both on campus and online, by factors most important to them to help narrow their search below. This tool also provides an opportunity to explore different specializations offered within each criminal justice program, for students who are still uncertain about exactly what they're interested in doing.
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.
- Total Employed in Kentucky6,930
- Median Salary in Kentucky$42,200
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyAcademy Program
- Total Employed in Kentucky6,600
- Median Salary in Kentucky$29,130
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyVaries; up to Bachelor's
- Total Employed in Kentucky3,150
- Median Salary in Kentucky$45,200
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyBachelor's
- Total Employed in Kentucky2,970
- Median Salary in Kentucky$29,990
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyVaries; up to Associate
- Total Employed in Kentucky2,730
- Median Salary in Kentucky$52,160
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyVaries; up to Bachelor's
- Total Employed in Kentucky890
- Median Salary in Kentucky$36,350
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyBachelor's
- Total Employed in Kentucky700
- Median Salary in Kentucky$50,650
- Degree Level Required in KentuckyBachelor's
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.
- National
- Kentucky
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
- National
- Kentucky
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.
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Protective Services
Potential EmployersKentucky Supreme Court; Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife; Fayette County Jail; Parking Authority (PARC); Kentucky State Police; Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control; various private investigation offices; Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming; various private security companies; Lexington Parks and Recreation; Louisville International Airport
Total Number of Employees in Kentucky: 36,220 -
Legal Occupations
Potential EmployersPrivate practice law firms; Kentucky Court of Appeals; Kentucky Supreme Court; Kentucky Bar Association; Kentucky Insurance Arbitration Association; Kentucky Paralegal Association; Kentucky Court Reporters Association; State of Kentucky Human Resources
Total Number of Employees in Kentucky: 9,680
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This association represents a front for all of Kentucky’s Fiscal Courts. They advocate for effective legislation by promoting education and programming.
This site provides information about state law enforcement and corrections as well as information about those serving on the cabinet.
This association works primarily to serve and represent county judges and executives. They have served all 120 county judges since 1982.
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.
This department offers legal training, leadership opportunities and other career opportunities. If interested in the criminal justice system, check out this website.
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.
This is a resource for all Chiefs of police and offers testing materials, job opportunities, legislative updates, information on accreditation and membership.
This is a site that offers information on current events for law enforcement officers. They promote ethical behavior and work towards crime prevention.
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.
Visit here to learn about the enforcement and education of fish and wildlife resources. Learn about the duties of game wardens and county officers.
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.
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.
