Criminology & Criminal Justice Careers

These programs reflect the strongest values of a public urban university: meaningful community partnership, applied research, student engagement, and service to the region.

— Sarah Mullen, Executive Director, Multnomah County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council

A degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) at Portland State University is more than just an academic credential, it is your entry point into a rewarding career making a tangible difference in the community. Professions in this field span a wide variety of roles, from human services and policy reform to investigation and court administration. With a CCJ degree, you are not just studying the system; you are preparing to lead it.

The Workforce Pipeline & Our Community Connections

PSU’s CCJ department is a recognized and trusted partner across Oregon’s criminal justice system. We work hand-in-hand with local governments, nonprofits, and community advocates to shape evidence-based reforms and fill critical employment gaps across the state.

For our students, this means unparalleled networking, internship placements, and direct career pipelines.

Oregon’s criminal legal system... is in the midst of a severe workforce crisis that is affecting every level of the system... All of that to say, we need more people willing to work in the criminal legal system, and those people need access to an education that prepares them for that work.

— Grant Hartley, Multnomah County Director, Metropolitan Public Defender

In both my DA and CJC roles, I hired and worked alongside CCJ graduates directly. They came prepared — analytically sharp, grounded in the realities of the justice system, and ready to contribute from day one.

— Michael Schmidt, Former District Attorney of Multnomah County

The collaboration between PSU and local justice organizations strengthens our shared capacity to respond to regional challenges and advance more effective outcomes for the communities we serve.

— Ali King, Director of Engagement, Oregon Justice Resource Center

Discover Your Path

Not sure where to start? We have mapped out four primary career trajectories for CCJ majors to help you choose the right classes, optional internship placement, and networking opportunities.

Corrections

Focus on the rehabilitation, punishment, and management of individuals within the justice system.

Sample Careers: Parole Officer, Probation Officer, Case Manager, Correctional Rehabilitation Counselor.

Key Internships: Department of Community Justice, U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons.

Download Corrections Career Map

PSU’s CCJ department provides the specialized training necessary for the next generation of community justice professionals... The Department of Community Justice, Adult Services, partners with the CCJ department to ensure that our practices are grounded in research rather than guesswork.

— Tira Hubbard, Division Director, Adult Services, Multnomah County Department of Community Justice

Courts & Legal Studies

Prepare for roles in law, courtroom administration, and legal advocacy. Be sure to check out PSU’s "Explore the Law" program featuring attorney mentorships and LSAT guidance!

Sample Careers: Paralegal, Victim Advocate, Judicial Clerk, Court Administration, Attorney (requires JD).

Key Internships: District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Victim Assistance Programs.

Download Courts Career Map

In my fifteen years teaching at Lewis & Clark, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many PSU CCJ alumni into my classes—consistently among the most prepared, thoughtful, and engaged students I’ve taught.

— Aliza B. Kaplan, Professor of Law & Director, Criminal Justice Reform Clinic

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

Work directly in the community to ensure public safety, analyze crime data, and lead evidence-based policing efforts.

Sample Careers: Law Enforcement Officer, Sheriff’s Deputy, 911 Dispatcher, School Resource Officer, State Trooper.

Key Internships: Local Police Departments, Sheriff's Offices, Crime Analysis Units.

Download Policing Career Map

The Criminal Justice Department and CJPRI represent a trusted, substantive partnership that has strengthened public sector decision-making, supported innovation across systems, and contributed directly to better outcomes for our community.

— Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County Chair

Social Services

Combine criminal justice knowledge with a passion for community outreach, youth support, and restorative justice.

Sample Careers: Social Worker, Child Protective Services, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Human Trafficking Advocate.

Key Internships: Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services, Janus Youth, Hope Partnership.

Download Social Services Career Map

As someone who has worked at the intersection of lived experience, systems change, and public safety strategy, I know how rare and valuable it is to have a department that can bridge research, policy, and practice.

— Aimeera Marie Flint, PSU Alum and Justice Fellow

Elevate Your Trajectory with Advanced Degrees & Applied Research

While a bachelor's degree opens the door to numerous entry-level positions, advancing your education can significantly boost your overall career opportunities, mobility, pay, and job satisfaction.

Through our Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice (both through our traditional Master’s program and accelerated 4 + 1 Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree program), students gain hands-on opportunities to work alongside our faculty and the Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute (CJPRI) on data-driven initiatives that directly impact state laws and justice reform.

A Law Degree (JD) is required for those planning to become prosecutors, defense attorneys, or judges, while a Master's in Social Work (MSW) is highly beneficial for clinical roles and specialized advocacy.

Make the Best Use of Your Time in College

While you are a student, look for ways to build your resume and gain experience that will give you an advantage in the job market. Key ways to do that are:

Complete an Internship. This gives you experience and builds your professional network. It also helps you decide whether a particular type of job is right for you. CCJ students are fortunate to have access to a very large number of internship opportunities in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Visit the CCJ Internship page to learn more about completing an internship. Click the link to view a list of active internship opportunities.
Take courses that build your job skills. In picking your electives, look for classes that focus on subjects and skills that are most relevant to your job of interest. If you aren’t sure which to pick, ask your professors! Some general suggestions are to consider taking second language and technology courses. Those skills can often come in handy, as well as serving to enhance your resume. You can also consider adding a minor or certificate to your degree. These areas of specialization can help distinguish you from other job candidates, while giving a broader foundation of career-relevant knowledge and skills.
Plan for letters of recommendation. Many employers, as well as most graduate and law schools, will require you to submit several letters of recommendation when you apply. You should be thinking about this as you interact with your internship agency supervisors and your professors. The CCJ faculty have prepared some tips for how to be successful in getting a good letter of recommendation from your professors. Be sure to check it out!

Starting Your Job Search

First check out the job category listings on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) website.

Another useful career resource to explore is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here you can find job descriptions, education requirements and general salary information about careers you might be interested in.

The CCJ department regularly receives job announcements and recruitment inquiries from a variety of agencies and employers. Click the link for a curated list of current employment opportunities in our area.

PSU’s University Career Center also provides a variety of career services for students and alumni, including position postings, job search resources, and resume and cover letter assistance. Make sure to check out the Career Center’s job search resources, including Handshake - PSU’s job database of employment opportunities specifically for PSU students and alumni. Handshake includes jobs and internship opportunities both on and off campus. Current PSU students and alumni can book a free in-person or video appointment with a PSU Career Coach to get help and guidance.