If you’re passionate about making a difference in your community, Portland State University’s Criminology & Criminal Justice program is the place to start. You’ll learn from award-winning professors who bring real-world experience into every class, connecting what you study to what’s happening in today’s world. Dive into the American court systems, explore how laws are enforced, and discover what truly helps prevent crime and promote rehabilitation.
At PSU, you can choose the learning experience that fits your life—study on campus in the heart of Portland or complete your degree fully online. Either way, you’ll get the same high-quality education and personal support that PSU is known for. Along the way, you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills that prepare you for careers in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, policy reform, or wherever your passion for justice takes you.
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We blend rigorous academic excellence with hands-on, real-world experience. Our curriculum is designed to move education beyond the classroom and into the city, providing meaningful insights into how justice systems function and how they can be improved.
- Award-Winning Faculty: Learn directly from experts deeply engaged in cutting-edge research, public policy, and active community partnerships.
- The City as Your Classroom: Leverage PSU’s urban location to gain firsthand experience with the institutions and organizations driving change in the criminal justice system.
- Focus on Equity: Join the most diverse undergraduate program in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. With nearly 60% first-generation college students and a majority BIPOC student body, we are committed to an inclusive environment that prioritizes social justice and systemic reform.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Through internships, research opportunities, and applied learning, you will graduate with the practical experience employers demand.
- Optional Internships: Junior and senior students have the opportunity to complete 80–200 hours of field experience with justice-related organizations, ranging from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to local non-profits and youth programs.
- Study Abroad: Join our summer course on ‘Sex Work, Human Trafficking, and Harm Reduction in Denmark, Sweden, and The Netherlands’, where you will engage directly with frontline service providers and advocacy groups.
- Research & Capstones: Work alongside faculty on impactful projects. Recent student teams have analyzed clemency cases for the Oregon Clemency Project, studied solitary confinement practices, and evaluated human trafficking screening tools.
Career Pathways and Real-World Impact
The CCJ program at PSU is designed to turn your purpose into a powerful career. We provide the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- RethinkSystems: Influence policy and advocate for structural change in the criminal justice system.
- Support Victims: Work directly with advocacy groups and support services.
- Serve the Community: Engage in probation, parole, law enforcement, social services, or community outreach.
Flexible Degree Options: Online & On-Campus
We understand that every student’s journey is different. PSU offers two distinct pathways to complete your Criminology & Criminal Justice degree, both offering the same curriculum and degree:
- On-Campus Pathway: Experience the vibrant culture of Portland, and face-to-face instruction and community-building.
- Fully Online Pathway: Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning without compromising quality or experience.
Both options provide the exact same high-quality instruction, access to expert faculty, and dedication to student success.
The Criminology & Criminal Justice Online Pathway (CCJO)
As one of the first fully online Criminology & Criminal Justice programs in the country, PSU continues to set the standard for remote education.
The CCJ Online (CCJO) pathway is designed for students who require maximum flexibility without compromising quality. It offers the exact same exceptional education, award-winning faculty, and supportive community as our on-campus program, but with a structure built for your life.
What Makes the Online Program Unique?
- Total Flexibility: No set login times. You study whenever it fits your daily schedule.
- Accelerated Progress: Unique five-week course schedules allow you to focus intensely and move through your degree faster.
- Guaranteed Course Spots: Never wait for a class or delay your graduation plans. Every CCJ Online student is guaranteed a seat.
- 100% Online Access: From coursework to career resources, everything is available with a single click.
- Personal Advising: A dedicated academic advisor provides proactive support, including customized degree maps updated routinely to ensure you know exactly what is needed to graduate on time.
- Expert Tech Support: Get help from CCJ staff who are familiar with every course, instructor, and assignment.
Enrollment & Advising for Online Students
Because the CCJO pathway operates with a unique structure, tuition model, and advising framework, we encourage you to verify that you are eligible for this program and if this pathway aligns with your educational goals.
Connect with an Advisor: For details on the fully online option, review the program details or get in touch with us at ccjo@pdx.edu.
Why a PSU Degree Stands Out to Employers
Our Criminology & Criminal Justice degree fosters the critical skills that are sought after in the field and that drive hiring and promotion decisions. Beyond understanding crime and the law, you will develop the analytical reasoning and leadership capabilities necessary to navigate complex systems.
Career opportunities for our graduates span far beyond traditional roles, extending into politics, business, investigations, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. Whether you are entering the workforce or seeking advancement, you can apply your knowledge to become a leader in whatever area you choose.
Career Opportunities by Sector
Graduates from Portland State University are prepared for a wide range of diverse and impactful roles:
Law Enforcement & Security
- Police Officers, Detectives & Deputies: Serving communities at the local and county levels.
- Federal Law Enforcement: Agents and investigators for federal agencies.
- Private Security: Corporate security management and private investigations.
Legal System & the Courts
- Attorneys: Prosecutors and defense attorneys influencing the courtroom.
- Judicial Officers: Judges and magistrates presiding over cases.
- Legal Support: Legal assistants and researchers supporting the justice process.
Corrections & Rehabilitation
- Probation & Parole Officers: Guiding reintegration and community safety.
- Correctional Officers: Managing safety and order within institutions.
- Case Managers: Providing individualized support and resource coordination.
Advocacy, Policy & Analysis
- Victim Advocates: Supporting those impacted by crime through the legal process.
- Crime Analysts: Using data to identify trends and inform strategy.
- Policy Advisors: Shaping legislation and reform in government and nonprofits.
Top Employers for CCJ Graduates
Our alumni are hired by leading agencies and organizations, including:
- Oregon Judicial Department
- Oregon Department of Corrections
- Multnomah County Department of Community Justice
- U.S. Attorney’s and Attorney General’s Offices
- Local Police and Sheriff’s Offices
- Public Defender & District Attorney Offices