Forensic Science Degrees in Kentucky

Updated October 1, 2026

Eastern Kentucky University and Thomas More University both report bachelor’s-level programs in the federal Security Science and Technology CIP family, the broader code that includes forensic science, according to U.S. Department of Education data. Forensic science technicians earn a median $61,470 in Kentucky (BLS, May 2025), well below the $72,060 national figure, with modest in-state job growth through 2034.

A forensic science credential in Kentucky won’t put you in a crime lab tomorrow, but it signals to an employer that you can handle the technical side of an investigation, from chain of custody to digital evidence recovery. Here’s what the two in-state programs cover and what forensic science and detective work actually pay in Kentucky.

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What a Forensic Science Career Looks Like in Kentucky

One growing subfield in the state is vehicle forensics, the practice of pulling data off a car’s infotainment system after a phone has been paired to it. Investigators can recover call logs, deleted messages, travel speed at the time of an incident, and which apps were installed on a paired phone, which helps establish a timeline or motive in a case (Herald Dispatch, 2017).

Forensic science technicians work across a range of settings, including crime labs, medical examiner’s offices, and police departments, and specialize in different evidence types, from fingerprints and trace materials to digital devices. Which duties any one technician handles depends on their employer and specialty, and protocol matters more than speed. Mishandling one piece of evidence can undercut a prosecution regardless of how strong the rest of the case is.

Forensic Science Programs in Kentucky: Where to Study

Two Kentucky institutions report a bachelor’s-level program in Security Science and Technology, the federal CIP family that includes forensic science but also covers security science and computer forensics more broadly, per U.S. Department of Education data. That’s not the same as a dedicated “forensic science” credential title, so confirm the actual program name, current curriculum, and admission requirements directly with the school before applying.

Institution	City	Control	Credential Reported in CIP Family
Eastern Kentucky University	Richmond	Public	Bachelor’s
Thomas More University	Crestview Hills	Private nonprofit	Bachelor’s

School and program data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, institution file May 2025 and field-of-study file April 2025. Data accessed September 2026.

Forensic Science Careers and Pay in Kentucky

As of the May 2025 BLS wage data, forensic science technicians in Kentucky earn a median of $61,470 a year, compared to $72,060 nationally. Long-term job growth for the occupation in Kentucky is projected at 1.6% from 2024 to 2034, well under the 12.6% national rate for the same period.

Detectives and criminal investigators in Kentucky earn a median of $71,670 (BLS, May 2025), compared with $93,790 nationally, with job growth projected at -0.1% through 2034, essentially flat. Forensic science technician and detective are distinct occupations. Investigator positions typically carry their own agency-specific hiring, training, and experience requirements, so what qualifies someone varies by department.

Occupation	Kentucky Median Salary	National Median Salary	Kentucky Job Growth (2024-34)
Forensic Science Technicians	$61,470	$72,060	1.6%
Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$71,670	$93,790	-0.1%

May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for Forensic Science Technicians and Detectives and Criminal Investigators. Long-term (2024-34) job growth projections from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, ProjectionsCentral. Figures reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a forensic science degree to work in a Kentucky crime lab?

Forensic science technicians typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, often in a physical science, biology, or forensic science field (BLS). Kentucky employers set their own exact coursework and qualifications, and requirements vary by discipline, so confirm them directly with the lab or agency you’re targeting.

What’s the difference between a forensic science technician and a criminal investigator?

A forensic science technician handles physical and digital evidence in a lab or at a scene, and duties vary by specialty and employer. A criminal investigator builds a case file and interviews witnesses. The two are distinct occupations, and investigator positions carry their own agency-specific hiring, training, and experience requirements in Kentucky.

Is forensic science a good career in Kentucky specifically?

The pay runs below the national median, and job growth is modest for both occupations covered here. Weigh that against tuition, residency rules, and the broader employment picture in any state you’re comparing before choosing where to study.

Key Takeaways

Two in-state bachelor’s options – Eastern Kentucky University and Thomas More University both report a program in the Security Science and Technology CIP family, per federal education data, not a dedicated forensic science credential title specifically.
Kentucky pay trails the national figure – $61,470 for forensic science technicians and $71,670 for detectives and criminal investigators, both below their national counterparts (BLS, May 2025).
Job growth is flat to modest – 1.6% for forensic science technicians and -0.1% for detectives and criminal investigators through 2034, well under the national pace.
Technician and detective are distinct occupations – each carries its own employer- or agency-specific hiring, training, and qualification requirements in Kentucky.

If the degree cost is what’s giving you pause, compare each school’s net price calculator and ask the financial aid office about criminal-justice-specific scholarships before you take out loans.

Looking for a Criminal Justice Program in Another State?

Want the bigger picture? Read the full guide to Compare Forensic Scientist Schools & Training Programs.