Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Oregon

Oregon has long been regarded as one of the most progressive states in the country, and nowhere is that more obvious than its criminal justice system. The changes made to the justice system in Oregon are often adopted across the country, improving life for victims, community members, and ex-offenders.

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Oregon?

If you are passionate about advocacy, justice, and making a difference every single day you go to work, a graduate degree in criminal justice can give you the qualifications and training you need to start exploring your options. Reach out to criminal justice master’s programs in Oregon to learn more.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

In recent years, Oregon has made some huge strides in the improvement of its criminal justice system. Ban the Box is an initiative that started in Oregon (Jefferson Public Radio, 2015).

This initiative makes it easier for ex-offenders to be considered for jobs for which they are qualified. It keeps them from getting disqualified simply because of their previous offenses, effectively keeping them from paying for their crimes for the rest of their lives.

This reform has also spread to living options. Until very recently, the state of Oregon financially rewarded landlords and rental companies that did not rent to felons (Oregon Live, 2015). Now, it is easier for those who have been released from the prison system to transition back into daily life.

Job growth in Oregon is quite positive. Through 2030, you may see a 14% increase in criminal justice instructor jobs and a 12% increase in probation officer jobs (CareerOneStop, 2022). Criminal justice instructors report an average annual salary of $77,110, while Oregon probation officers bring in an average of $69,720 per year (BLS, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Oregon contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Oregon?

Whether or not you studied criminal justice at the undergraduate level, a master’s degree in criminal justice can really propel your career forward. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this field, previous education in any field can enrich your education and allow you to bring unique input to the justice system.

While studying at the graduate level, you may explore many different opportunities. Programs at this level often focus on research, crime analysis, and internships. Internships may be located at justice agencies, research facilities, prison systems, law enforcement agencies, or other institutions. In total, you should earn an average of 36 credits by graduation. This often includes a thesis or project.

Your curriculum may include core courses and electives, like those listed here:

Analysis of Crime and Justice Data: An in-depth look at data in this industry and how it can be used
Criminal Justice Policy: The creation and enforcement of policies that shape criminal justice
Crime Control Strategies: The prevention of crime and the development of a safer society
Criminal Law and Legal Reasoning: Laws that directly relate to the criminal justice industry and how they are used in the courtroom
American Courts: The advanced workings of the American legal system
Punishment and Corrections: The exploration of advanced topics in corrections and law enforcement, including recent research that focuses on reducing recidivism

Don’t forget to start looking into financial aid opportunities once you have been accepted to a school. The Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police awards scholarships to those earning a master’s in criminal justice in Oregon.

As this industry evolves, the need for compassionate, experienced professionals may continue to grow. Contact schools below to find out more about earning a master’s degree criminal justice in Oregon.