Criminal Justice Schools in Oregon
Oregon’s Best Criminal Justice Schools, Academic Programs and Student Support
Criminal justice schools in Oregon prepare students for officer training programs, legal careers and law enforcement positions available throughout the state. Oregon is home to thousands of acres of natural territory, so there is a demand for wildlife and environmental peace officers, as well as patrol officers and law enforcement officials responsible for keeping the peace among Oregon’s counties. This page provides details about educational requirements and career paths for some of the most attractive criminal justice jobs in Oregon.
OREGON’S TOP SCHOOLS OFFERING CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS
Finding criminal justice schools in Oregon that offer career support, a variety of degree options and training opportunities for jobs in the legal and protective services field may be difficult. Review the rankings below to narrow your search process and compare schools by tuition, acceptance rates, enrollment and other key factors.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,846
- Out-of-state$29,445
- In-State$12,933
- Out-of-state$24,975
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled31,719
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Corban University
- Salem, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- In-State$9,730
- Out-of-state$9,730
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled1,146
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Portland State University
- Portland, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,462
- Out-of-state$21,528
- In-State$11,718
- Out-of-state$17,847
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled25,321
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Western Oregon University
- Monmouth, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$25,830
- In-State$15,300
- Out-of-state$23,344
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled4,929
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Oregon Community College
- Coos Bay, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,250
- Out-of-state$4,250
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,053
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Chemeketa Community College
- Salem, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,095
- Out-of-state$11,520
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,347
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Tillamook Bay Community College
- Tillamook, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,600
- Out-of-state$4,320
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate44%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled521
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Linn-Benton Community College
- Albany, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,765
- Out-of-state$11,928
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,533
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Clackamas Community College
- Oregon City, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,635
- Out-of-state$12,330
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,270
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Klamath Community College
- Klamath Falls, OR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,708
- Out-of-state$6,282
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,715
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT OREGON
The Oregon Department of Justice is one of the largest employers of criminal justice jobs in Oregon and often has vacancies for attorneys, law clerks, and other positions. Sheriff’s offices, prisons and law firms are also some places to start the job search. Some career paths require completing a bachelor’s degree or a special training program through the employer. Use the tool below to compare some of the most popular criminal justice careers around Oregon.
COMPARING OREGON’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS WITH NATIONAL AVERAGES
Many attractive criminal justice jobs with the highest pay ranges can be found in larger cities, including Portland, Eugene and Springfield. Oregon State Courts, district courts, correctional facilities and county criminal administration offices are some good places to start the job search. Comparing salary ranges and available jobs in some of the largely populated areas around Oregon with national averages can help to find the right fit. The table below outlines the different career options in Oregon compared to national averages.
Salary
| Job | National | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk | 51,110 | 59,840 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 62,760 | 68,170 |
| Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators | 30,930 | 35,280 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 88,400 | 94,650 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 69,270 | 72,730 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 46,750 | 56,950 |
| Private Detective | 42,800 | 53,530 |
| Lawyer | 114,730 | 139,880 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
[Line Chart]
| Job | National | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 0.052 | 0.097 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Team Specialists | 0.036 | 0.039 |
| Legal Secretaries | -0.041 | 0.024 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 0.086 | 0.156 |
| Security Guards | 0.051 | 0.092 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 0.035 | 0.037 |
| Crossing Guards | 0.064 | 0.142 |
| Bailiff | 0.042 | 0.047 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
EMPLOYER PROFILE: WHERE TO GET HIRED WITH A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE IN OREGON
The State of Oregon Employment Department lists many ongoing employment opportunities in the cities of Eugene, Portland, Springfield, Rogue River and Florence. From court security officer positions to correctional officers, many courts, law firms and correctional facilities around the state offer a range of career opportunities for qualified criminal justice professionals.
Protective Services
Potential Employers
Bailiffs at Oregon State Courts; Correctional Officers and Jailers at Oregon Department of Corrections; Detectives and Criminal Investigators for the Oregon Criminal Investigation Division; Fish and Game Wardens for the Fish and Wildlife Division; Parking Enforcement Workers for the City of Portland; Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers at Oregon State’s Sheriffs’ Association; Transit and Railroad Police for Sumpter Valley Railroad; Animal Control Workers; Private Detectives and Investigators for private investigative firms; Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators for Oregon State Police; Security Guards for Oregon State Protection Services; Crossing Guards for Oregon Department of Education; Lifeguards, Ski Patrol and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers for the City of Portland; Transportation Security Screeners for the Oregon Department of Transportation
Total Number of Employees in Oregon: 31,120
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Lawyers with the Oregon State Bar; Judicial Law Clerks at Oregon State Courts; Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators and Hearing Officers at Oregon State Courts; Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators at Oregon ; Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates at Oregon Supreme Court; Paralegals and Legal Assistants at Oregon State Civil Court; Court Reporters at Jackson County Circuit Courts; Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers at Oregon Real Estate and Law Firms; Legal Support Workers at Oregon State Courts
Total Number of Employees in Oregon: 11,900
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN OREGON
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
This comprehensive guide serves as a master checklist of guidelines for employers and registration and licensing information. It provides all of the legal requirements employers must follow and tax information.
Maintained by state government agencies, this website serves as an online portal to provide resources for those that want to start, expand and operate a business in Oregon or relocate a business in the state.
This website serves as resource for business owners and regulators to keep up with Oregon’s economic growth, explore business opportunities and review information about the latest innovations across the state.
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce provides advocacy and resources for business owners in the state of Oregon.
The Business Oregon Commission’s mission is to support the attraction and development of new and existing businesses.
The U.S. SBA supports the expansion of small businesses by providing informational resources, continuing education and connections to business financing.
This membership-based group is the Oregon chapter of the world’s largest anti-fraud organization, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. They provide resources for anti-fraud professionals.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
This part of the Department of Corrections website is designed for those interested in a career in corrections. It includes information about full-time positions in one of the institutions located throughout the state and details about corporal, captain and correctional officer positions.
This website includes information about the partnership between the Oregon Department of Corrections and Wasco County to handle offenders in the county. Includes information about the most wanted list and the latest available jobs.
This website is dedicated to correctional facilities in Polk County, Oregon. Includes community service information, a list of the most wanted offenders and contact information.
The OJDDA was created as an advocacy group for children within Oregon’s juvenile courts. It connects officers and other personnel to providing continuing education and support.
The FOPPO is a membership-based organization that provides resources for parole and probation officers in the state of Oregon.
The Oregon chapter of Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants is a membership-based organization that seeks to reduce crime by championing effective criminal justice programs and policies.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
This website serves as a knowledge bank with information about specialty courts, latest publications and justice reinvestment activities throughout the state. Also includes information about upcoming events.
This website promotes diversity of practices, programs and agencies across the estate. It works to ensure the needs of crime victims and offenders in Oregon’s communities are met by providing educational and training opportunities while influencing local and state policies.
This website includes information about all of the judicial districts in Oregon, the Office of the State Court Administrator and job opportunities within the judicial branch.
A membership-based organization, the OACA offers information and resources for court professionals, including Justice, Municipal, Tribal and State Court Staff. Members also include students, vendors, active and retired judges and other interested parties.
The OJRC aims to implement criminal justice reform through integrative advocacy. Their goal is to improve legal representation and civil rights for underserved communities, including people living in poverty and people of color.
This membership-based non-profit provides support and advocacy for mediation and dispute resolution in the state of Oregon.
The Oregon chapter of the national CASA group, this organization advocates for child welfare in the court system, with the goal of providing every child with a safe, permanent home after being neglected or abused.
LEGAL RESOURCES
This website is designed for those that need legal counsel and also serve Oregon residents with justice services. Visitors can explore some of the latest career opportunities for attorneys, law clerks, and other legal positions.
This website includes information about licensing and compliance, resources of the general public and information for lawyers. Also includes volunteer opportunities for those looking for work experience and membership information about the State Bar.
This website provides legal services and legal aid for low-income residents. It’s designed to help people resolve legal issues and find the legal help they need in distressing situations.
The OPA provides resources and connections for members of its statewide paralegal organization.
A directory of statewide and county bar associations, this webpage connects legal professionals with colleagues in their area.
This is a statewide non-profit group that gives low-income and elderly clients access to legal help and representation.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
This membership-based organization provides continuing education resources for licensed private investigators in Oregon.
The police bureau in Portland is dedicated to serve area residents through its behavioral health unit, bike theft task force, canine unit, homicide unit and detective division. This website includes the latest job opportunities for qualified candidates.
This website provides information about its investigative and protective services training. It offers a unique approach to train law enforcement, military and private citizens.
The OSSA offers membership-based networking opportunities for state sheriffs as well as representation, advocacy and informational resources.
The membership-based OSPOA represents state officers by creating a platform to discuss public safety issues with each other and the public. It also provides educational resources and seeks to improve law enforcement methods and procedures.
The OACP is a membership-based advocacy group that supports the improvement of law enforcement programs and provides resources to Oregon police chiefs.
The OPOA supports peace officers with membership-based resources and programs to improve training and law enforcement processes.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
This website includes information about environmental quality, compliance, and enforcement practices. Job opportunities with this organization are listed separately on the State of Oregon website.
This website includes information about licenses, fishing resources, controlled hunts and the latest employment opportunities.
This organization is committed to protecting residents’ health and ensuring all residents have access to clean air, water, sustainable food, and an unpolluted landscape. The website also lists the latest job opportunities.
