Bachelor in Criminal Justice Degrees in Kentucky

No matter which aspect you want to focus on in your career, you can get started with a bachelor’s degree in Kentucky. Contact the schools below to learn more about your options for getting a bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in Kentucky.

As the face of criminal justice changes in this state, many state agencies have a growing need for graduates who thoroughly understand up-to-date research and standards in this industry. One movement in Kentucky moves to minimize crime against children and lower the state’s prison population by preventing and treating problems that lead to crime, rather than increasing criminal sentences.

With a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to tackle some of the biggest problems facing Kentucky. Legislators in the state note that there is a significant heroin problem that is spreading throughout the state. Whether you contribute with drug education efforts, catching dealers and users, or shaping drug policy, there’s plenty of room for skilled graduates in this area.

A good deal of critical thinking is required in this industry. Criminal justice professionals in Kentucky recently used their tracking and reasoning skills to catch a man responsible for a multi-state crime spree. You may work on similar cases after graduation.

Earning a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Kentucky

To earn a bachelor’s degree in this field, you must gain experience in a variety of settings and specialties. This requires you to learn about justice in America and specifically in Kentucky. Some of the classes you may be required to take include Police in America, Corrections in America, Legal Research, Police Management, Police in the Community, Institutional Corrections, Juvenile Justice, and Alternatives to Incarceration.

Of course, the courses available to you depend on which school you decide to attend. Many schools in Kentucky offer general criminal justice bachelor’s degrees, but some also give you the opportunity to specialize in one area of study. Look at the options available at nearby schools, and choose from fields like corrections, juvenile justice, crimes against children, and cyber crime. Going this route may allow you to select an internship experience that fits with your career goals and puts you in touch with leaders in your chosen career path.

Once you have selected a school to attend, you may begin applying for financial aid. This may include applying for federal aid, looking into grants offered by community organizations, and applying for school-specific grants. An example of such a grant is the College of Justice & Safety Program of Distinction Academic Scholarship, which is worth $1,300 per semester.

Working With Your Criminal Justice Degree in Kentucky

The national job outlook for criminal justice graduates is strong, but it’s particularly promising in Kentucky. By the year 2030, CareerOneStop estimates a 7% increase in policing jobs. The demand for criminal investigators is expected to increase by 3% (CareerOneStop, 2022).

As is the case in many other states, salaries in Kentucky are dependent on experience and education level. Police officers and correctional officers earn average salaries of $48,170 per year and $37,870 per year, respectively (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The median annual income for criminal investigators is $58,430 per year (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Kentucky counts on dedicated professionals to uphold laws and keep residents safe. Get your start in this field now by contacting criminal justice programs in Kentucky for more information.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Kentucky contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.