Hatfield School Programs

The Hatfield School is a dynamic, fast-growing public affairs institution with a national reputation. With an outstanding faculty, 13 degree programs including a Ph.D., three academic divisions and six institutes and centers, the Hatfield School is an intellectually rich institution that carefully nurtures its students.

The Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice has its roots in Portland State University's earliest years when, in the late 1940s, the institution that became PSU offered professional courses to police officers. The degree programs under the Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice have evolved and broadened over the years to provide a solid foundation for students seeking careers in local and federal law enforcement, in corrections (probation and parole, correctional administration), in crime prevention, in human services (offender counseling, victim assistance), and in fields such as security and investigation within the business community. Graduates from the program also go on to pursue advanced degrees in such areas as law, criminal justice, psychology, social work, public administration, and urban planning.

The primary role of the Division of Political Science is to develop citizens who can respond effectively to issues of diversity, ambiguity, and conflict as natural parts of American politics. These skills apply not only to Portland's urban setting, but to the nation as a whole.

The Division of Public Administration prepares professionals in government, health, and nonprofit organizations. Students perform internships in a wide array of governmental, health, nonprofit, and related organizations.

In addition to these programs, the Hatfield School offers a Ph.D. in public affairs and policy, an interdisciplinary program that involves faculty throughout the entire College of Urban and Public Affairs and other units of the University. Graduates of this program are well prepared to teach at the college level, perform advanced research, consult, and administer public policy at the executive or senior staff level.