BA Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) at Portland State University is an interdisciplinary social science devoted to the study of the crime causation and crime control (Criminology) along with the operations of the legal system (Criminal Justice).

Our Criminology and Criminal Justice at Portland State University degree program provides students with a broad base of knowledge about crime, offenders, victims, and the justice system. This includes coverage of criminological theories, research on crime prevention and crime control policy, and current practices in policing, courts, and corrections.

Examination of these issues occurs at individual, community, and societal levels. Through our curriculum we foster skills in critical reasoning, problem solving, and written and oral communication.

Internship Program

The CCJ 404 Internship course is only available to criminology and criminal justice majors who have achieved senior status (135+ credit hours). Students volunteer 200 hours at an approved internship site over a ten-week academic quarter. In addition, there is a required classroom component with meetings at the start and near the end of the academic term.

With prior approval from CCJ internship coordinator and agency supervisor, students may begin their internship hours up to one term prior to when they formally enroll in the CCJ 404 course as long as the student has achieved senior status by the term of enrollment. Volunteer or paid internship hours accrued earlier than one term prior to when the student enrolls in the Internship course cannot be counted toward the student’s required 200 hours.