Forensic Science Degrees in Kentucky

Forensic Science

Forensic science combines science and investigation in order to aid and support the prosecution or defense in criminal and civil investigations. While the profession has been widely romanticized by various TV shows, make no mistake – this job is most likely different that you expect. In contrast with popular perception, this is a highly scientific role, which often involves detailed, painstaking work. Field duties are limited to a few areas of expertise, and most often than not a forensic scientist will spend his time in the lab.

If you made it this far, though, congratulations! You’re taking the first steps in joining a very rewarding profession and itsGOV is here to guide you through what you need to know and what you need to do to join a forensic science program in Kentucky.

Depending on the type of forensic science practiced, different degrees and educational backgrounds may help a candidate get a job and excel in this field. Regarding formal education, requirements vary across jobs, but you should definitely have a solid background in mathematics, biology and chemistry.

The National Institute of Justice, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, offers guidelines for model undergraduate and graduate forensic science degree programs. According to the American Academy of Forensic Science, strong programs should offer a curriculum that concentrates on scientific writing, laboratory skills, public speaking, and computer software application training.

The State of Kentucky, which is home to one of the oldest forensic science programs in the nation, has a number of undergraduate and graduate forensic science colleges and degree-granting schools, including a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, with a Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry concentration.

Forensic Science Requirements in Kentucky

The Forensic Chemistry option is often chosen by students seeking careers in crime labs in such specialties as toxicology, trace evidence, and firearms, while the Forensic Biology option is often chosen by students seeking forensic science careers that are focused on DNA and biology work.

Core requirements in a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science programs typically include:

General Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biophysical Chemistry
Instrumental Analysis
Forensic Instrumental Lab
Forensic DNA Analysis

If a Forensic Chemistry option is chosen, students are required to complete a number of other courses, such as:

Forensic Trace Evidence
Forensic Analytical Toxicology
Drug Chemistry
Drugs and Toxicology Lab
Forensic Microscopic Analysis
Mass Spectrometry

Candidates for forensic science jobs in Kentucky must possess a bachelor’s degree in one of the following programs (or a closely related field):

Chemistry
Forensic science
Biology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Medical technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Criminal justice

For advanced forensic scientist jobs in Kentucky, candidates must have professional laboratory experience working in a specialty area of forensic science. A master’s degree in one of the natural sciences, however, may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirement.

Achieving a forensic scientist job may also include undergoing a background investigation, drug screen, and fingerprinting, among others. Depending on the forensic science specialty, candidates may also be required to possess specific college coursework or professional certification.

Forensic Science Training in Kentucky

Students wanting to enter the field of forensic science will find a variety of degree options through forensic science colleges in Kentucky and through online schools. Nationwide, opportunities are growing for forensic science technicians, and graduates of forensic science programs could look for jobs in crime labs and with police departments, and perhaps in larger cities, such as Lexington and Louisville. The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) also provides additional resources to students, with these ranging from information about upcoming events to fellowship and employment opportunities. Students of forensics colleges in Kentucky should likely be eligible for student affiliate status.

Forensic Science Salary in Kentucky

Fifty forensic science technicians were employed in Kentucky in 2012 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They earned an annual median wage of $39,930. Experienced professionals made substantially higher wages. The average salary of forensic scientists in the top tenth of their profession was $50,420 in 2012.

The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet estimates employment in this field will increase 14.29% in the period from 2010 to 2020. Jobs for forensic scientists in Kentucky are located all around the state, since the Kentucky State Police has six different forensic labs. They are located in the following cities:

Ashland
Cold Springs
Frankfort
London
Louisville
Madisonville

In addition to those forensic scientists who work for the state of Kentucky, others are employed by municipal and county law enforcement organizations.

While many forensic scientists work as technicians in the lab, others work in the field. The latter group is comprised of crime scene investigators (CSIs). Some CSIs are police officers with special training in forensics, while other positions go to civilians.

The wages of CSIs can vary dramatically, depending on how specialized the technician is and their years of experience. One typical crime scene investigator job is an evidence technician. Such a position in Paducah paid from $29,700 to $43,100 in 2013.

Forensic Science Schools and Colleges in Kentucky

Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Kentucky

University	Murray State University, Chemistry Major with Forensic Track B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$17,580 per year
Program link

The Major in chemistry has many options to meet your career aspirations and the Area in chemistry is for students who want to work in the chemical industry or pursue graduate studies in the chemical sciences. The Area degree is certified by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training. We also offer a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Chemistry for students to pursue graduate work in chemistry and related areas. There is a thesis and a non-thesis option with this degree.

The Department of Chemistry has 13 faculty members with a wide variety of experience and expertise. Many faculty members are involved in research and mentor undergraduate and graduate projects spanning all areas of chemistry. Much of this research is supported through grants and contracts and conducted in a Jesse D. Jones Hall, a modern facility that houses technology-enhanced classrooms and over a million dollars worth of chemical instrumentation. Much of our instrumentation was purchased through a generous gift from Dr. Jesse D. Jones (Chemistry ‘64) and is housed in the Jones/Ross Research Center. The core modules are:

General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis
Criminal Investigation
Programming in C++
Basic Physical Chemistry
Law Enforcement
Crime and Criminals
Organic Chemistry II
Introduction to Criminal Justice

Beyond research, there are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in the department. The Student Members of the American Chemical Society organization has been recognized nationally for its efforts to promote chemistry in the region including the Area Collegiate Chemistry Meeting (ACCM) and the Annual Chemistry Scholarship Tournament for high school seniors. There is also a chemistry honor society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, which sponsors various chemistry-related activities such as tutoring and mentoring.

Pre-health chemistry majors are also active in the Pre-Health Professionals (PHP) club which provides information to students interested in becoming doctors, dentists, pharmacists or professionals in other health-related fields. This interdisciplinary club brings in professional schools and local health-care providers to disseminate valuable information on future careers.

University	Thomas More College, Forensic Chemistry B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$26,500 per year
Program link

Thomas More College offers two degrees in Forensic Science – a B.S. in Forensic Biology (which involves identifying bodily fluids, DNA, genetics and botanical materials) and a B.S. in Forensic Chemistry (identifying drug substances, as well as explosive and unknown residues). Both degrees require the same core science courses in biology, chemistry, physics and forensic science. Advanced course work does not occur until your junior and senior years, so you don’t need to decide which degree to pursue until the end of your sophomore year. Both of Thomas More’s Forensic Science programs are designed to meet degree requirements as defined by the National Institute of Justice and the American Academy of Forensic Science, so you know you’ll be fully prepared for the workplace. Forensic scientists usually work for government (city, state or federal) crime laboratories or private laboratories. With the extensive training you receive at Thomas More, you may also choose to pursue medical school, an advanced degree in chemistry or biology, or a career in private industry. The core modules are:

General Chemistry I & Lab
Organic Chemistry I & Lab
General Biology I & II & Lab
Forensic Lab Techniques
Statistics
Forensic Internship
Forensic Survey
General Physics I & II & Lab
Legal Issues

Whether you plan to earn an advanced degree at another university, go on to medical school, law school, or pursue your career upon graduation, a degree from Thomas More College prepares you well for your next challenge in life.

Measure the value of a Thomas More education by the extraordinary achievements of our graduates. Leading employers seek out Thomas More graduates, many of whom receive job offers prior to graduation.

The Thomas More College campus is friendly and comfortable creating a peaceful community committed to nurturing the whole person. Just 10 minutes from downtown Cincinnati, the campus is situated on 100 acres of beautiful rolling hills, with the scenic Ohio River nearby. Student activities are as diverse as the student body itself. Commuters and on-campus residents alike can depend on a safe and fun learning environment on the Thomas More campus.

University	Thomas More College, Forensic Biology B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$26,500 per year
Program link

General Biology I
General Chemistry I
Applied Ethics
Physiology
Molecular Genetics
Genetics
Forensic Science Internship
Forensic Science Biology
Basic Calculus

Measure the value of a Thomas More education by the extraordinary achievements of our graduates. Leading employers seek out Thomas More graduates, many of whom receive job offers prior to graduation.

University	Eastern Kentucky University, Forensic Science B.S.
Duration	24 months
Type	Full time, Part time
Tuition and fees	$25,968 per year
Program link

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The Forensic Chemistry Option provides a strong foundation in chemistry and laboratory techniques if you wish to pursue a career in crime labs in both the public and private sector. It is also possible to double major in this option and the B.S. Chemistry, Chemistry option which will provide increased opportunities in the job market.Career opportunities may include positions in drug, toxicology, trace evidence, arson and firearms sections of state, federal and private crime laboratories. Due to the strong chemistry background, you are also well suited for positions in related fields such as chemical technicians in environmental, pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories. The Forensic Biology Option offers a strong core academic curriculum in Chemistry, but also offers a sound background in the biological sciences, making it the perfect option if you are interested in DNA and biology work. Career opportunities may include positions in DNA and biology sections of state, federal and private crime laboratories or as technicians in environmental, pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories. The core modules are:

Introduction to Forensic Science
Forensic Professional Practice
Instrumental Analysis
Forensic Instrumental Lab
Forensic Trace Evidence
Forensic Trace Evidence Lab
Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic Analytical Toxicology
Drug Chemistry
Drugs and Toxicology Lab
Forensic Microscopic Analysis
Selected Topics in Forensic Science

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The mission of the Forensic Science program at Eastern Kentucky University is to provide a rigorous science-based undergraduate education that will prepare students for careers in forensic science or other careers requiring scientific backgrounds.

In order to fulfill the mission and maintain the high standard of professional excellence, the student will be able to: obtain a knowledge base sufficient to explain the fundamental science of work typically performed in forensic science, chemical or other science laboratories; demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary to work successfully as a forensic scientist, chemist, or other related science professional; model appropriate attitudes, values and ethics for a forensic scientist, chemist or other related science professional.

Master’s Degree Programs in Kentucky

There are currently no master’s programs offered in Kentucky.

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Forensic Science Degrees in Kentucky