On-Campus
Program
120 Credit Hours
to Graduate
Full-Time, In-State Tutition
$5,010 Per Semester
Free Books
for All Students
Earn your forensic science degree from one of the longest-running forensic science programs in the United States. EKU boasts a well-established program with an excellent national reputation as one of 18 undergraduate programs accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. You’ll learn how to apply your scientific knowledge to solve real-world chemistry problems in support of investigative work. You will understand the role in the criminal justice system and practice the written and oral communication skills necessary to share your findings with others.
State and local governments are expected to continue to hire forensic science technicians to process their high caseloads. Additionally, scientific and technological advances are expected to increase the availability, reliability, and usefulness of objective forensic information used as evidence in trials. As a result, more forensic science technicians will be needed to provide forensics information to law enforcement agencies and courts.
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032.
– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Choose between two specialty concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the state, regional, or national job market. Options include:
A Forensic Science Internship involves field placement — it is a first hand work experience in which students have the opportunity to learn how academic knowledge is applied in the work place. Some people learn more through experience and an internship provides that opportunity. As an intern, students become participants-observers in the field, while earning academic credit under the direction of an Internship Coordinator and a designated Laboratory Supervisor. If electing to do an internship, students can pick the amount of college credit hours. The career paths and goals of the student are considered when planning an internship placement. Because of this fact, students may be employed in a variety of settings. The diversity of internship possibilities reflects the range of employment opportunities open to students who graduate with a degree in Forensic Science.
While internships should not be considered an apprenticeship, valuable work experience is gained which often provides a competitive advantage when applying for employment after graduation. Internships may vary from laboratory to laboratory. During some internships time may be spent rotating through each section of the laboratory, observing work in the various areas and disciplines. In other internships time may be devoted specifically to one project.
Internships are normally done only in the Spring and Summer semesters. The internship is strongly encouraged, but is optional. The internship requires departmental approval. Approval for many internship positions require a GPA in the major core courses of 3.0. Students also have to either have taken or be registered for FOR 310 Training for Internships and have junior level status.
During the fall semester of your third year, you should sign up for FOR 310 Training for Internships class. As part of this class you can begin thinking about where you might like to intern, and do some preliminary research into the labs.
The history and background of students applying for internships has come under increased scrutiny. Students should be aware that some laboratories have very strict rules about previous history of drug use, theft, DUI, or other criminal history. You may be required to take a polygraph test even for an internship. You must give the internship coordinator truthful information about any past problems in these areas. Lying and misrepresenting yourself will often be sufficient cause to deny an internship.
For more information concerning internships, contact Dr. Jamie Fredericks.
| Academic Year | Independent Studies | Internships |
|---|---|---|
| AY23 | 4 | 9 |
| AY22 | 4 | 11 |
| AY21 | 5 | 8 |
The Forensic Science degree program at EKU is a comprehensive science-based undergraduate education that prepares students to become leaders in the forensic science discipline. Forensic analytical work requires patience and diligence, with attention to detail and high-quality standards that will stand up in court. A forensic scientist must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, have personal integrity and high ethical standards, and have no history of drug abuse or criminal activity. Because the program provides a strong knowledge base and skill set in both molecular biology and analytical chemistry, graduates can also pursue careers in a variety of laboratory settings in industry, academic research labs, environmental work, or pharmaceutical science.
A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science.
View the degree requirements:
Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.
Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.
Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | August 1 | August |
| Spring | December 1 | January |
| Summer | May 1 | May |
All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.
Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.
The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:
• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment
To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:
Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.
Note: All forensic science majors utilize the regular admission policy of the University for students taking courses offered during the first 60 earned hours of the program. In order to continue in the program after 60 earned hours, the student must maintain an overall earned GPA of 2.50 or better on a 4.0 scale. Students who fail to meet this criterion will be removed from the Forensic Science degree program and placed in the B.S. Chemistry, Chemistry Option, degree program.
Number of students enrolled in each concentration
Number of students that have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Number of students that enrolled at EKU and graduated
Percentage of graduates that found full time employment within 12 months (n=51)
The field that graduates found employment (n=49)
The field of forensic science graduates have found employment (n=28)
The Forensic Science program at EKU offers students the advantage of earning your degree with faculty and staff under the longest running forensic science program in the nation. Our program has maintained accreditation from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences for the Forensic Chemistry option for many years and obtained accreditation for the Forensic Biology option in 2019.
This program is approved for in-state tuition on the Academic Common Market.
EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.
Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.
Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345
Common Job Titles: laboratory technician, clinical scientist, toxicologist
Modalities: on-campus
Credit Hours: 120
Common Job Titles: animal scientist, biologist, ecologist
Modalities: on-campus
Credit Hours: 120
521 Lancaster Ave
NSCB 4126
Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-1456
Fax: 859-622-8197
forensics@eku.edu