Criminology and Criminal Justice at Portland State University

09/29/2025

Thinking about law school? Come to Get to Know Pre-Law—a Viking Days session hosted by PSU Student Legal Services with Politics & Global Affairs and Criminology & Criminal Justice. Meet pre-law professors and advisors, learn about internships, law-related classes, and other support.

📅 Tue, Sept 30, 2025 • 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 SMSU 294, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201
🆓 Free & open to everyone

👉 RSVP: https://pdx.campusgroups.com/PDX/rsvp_boot?id=375055

Accessibility/questions: [email protected]

Join us for Get to Know Pre-Law, a Viking Days event presented by PSU Student Legal Services with Politics and Global Affairs, & Criminology and Criminal Justice academic programs. Join us to le...

06/02/2025

🚨 Now Enrolling: CCJ 370U – Women, Crime, and Justice

When: Summer Term, Second Session
Format: Hybrid (Four In-Person Meetings: Tuesdays, 12:00–1:50 PM on 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12)

Why do women commit crimes—and how are they treated when they do? How does the justice system respond to women and girls as victims, offenders, and professionals?

Explore the complex relationship between gender and the criminal justice system in this dynamic summer course:

▪️ Fulfills a CCJ Upper-Division Elective
▪️ Meets University Studies Requirement
▪️ Applies to Criminal Law and Justice Certificate
▪️ Applies to Criminal Law and Behavior Certificate

We’ll examine women and girls as:
▪️ Victims (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, corporate violence)
▪️ Offenders (e.g., drug, property, white-collar, and violent crimes)
▪️ Professionals (in policing, courts, and corrections)

Plus, we’ll dive into global patterns of victimization and the evolving roles of women in justice systems around the world.

Enroll now—space is limited!

04/21/2025

🎓 Seniors & job seekers — don’t miss this!
The All Majors Career Fair is happening this Wednesday, April 23 from 11am–3pm in the Viking Pavilion!

Whether you're graduating soon or just exploring your options, this is a great chance to connect with employers, practice your pitch, and get your foot in the door. 💼

✅ Dress to impress
✅ Bring copies of your resume
✅ Take advantage of free career counseling for life through the University Career Center — in person, Zoom, or phone!

Check out the full list of Spring Term Career Events + Workshops here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vfY_CpCCgnEFWlnhPIBWh-GHsoUilykjYFoLQjFGOKQ/edit?usp=sharing

Weekly Offering Job Search Party! Date & Time: Weekly on Fridays from 1:00 – 3:00pm Location: Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH) 342H We all know looking for a job ain’t no party. Make the process a little less painful by working on your job search in a supportive space with free snacks. What Job...

11/15/2024

🔍 New Course Alert: Introduction to Forensics! 🔍

Curious about the science behind crime scene investigations? Our new Intro to Forensics course dives into forensic chemistry, DNA and trace evidence analysis, polygraph examinations, and more! 🧬🕵️‍♂️

Explore real-world cases, examine the role (and limitations) of forensics in criminal justice, and get insights from industry experts. Plus, we’ll tackle topics like “junk science” claims, evidence tampering, and the CSI effect.

📅 Offered Winter 2025:

Traditional Campus Pathway: CCJ 299 Intro to Forensics (hybrid) – Mondays, 9:00-10:50 am
Fully Online CCJ Program: CCJ 410 Forensics (fully online)

Whether you’re on campus or online, this course promises an engaging, in-depth look into the world of forensics. Join us and discover if a career in forensic science is for you!

10/17/2024

🎓 High School Students & Families! 🎓

Join us for CCJ’s Fall College & Career Night on Tuesday, October 22nd, from 7-8 PM – a FREE Online Webinar designed just for you!

🔍 What you’ll learn:

Explore a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and the exciting opportunities it offers.
Discover careers in crime prevention, law, justice reform, and more.
Get expert tips on applying to college.
Don’t miss this chance to plan your future! Free registration is required – sign up today!

Registration: https://pdx.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ccI2I-SlThKd4ddzmCN2qQ #/registration

More information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PsowvhkaH2jA5srzWDtJj-vrskvEBRTp/view?usp=sharing

09/30/2024

🎉📚 Welcome to a new academic year at the CCJ program! Whether you're just starting or continuing your journey, we’re excited to have you as part of our community. 🌟

This year, we’re focused on equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make an impact in criminology and criminal justice. From exploring real-world issues to connecting with faculty who are leaders in their fields, there’s so much to look forward to.

Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and success. Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities! 🚀

07/17/2024

🔔 Public Support for Gunshot Detection Technology 🔔

📚 This insightful article was co-authored by current and former graduate students in the CCJ department.

"Firearm violence has led many U.S. cities to invest in gunshot detection technology (GDT). Research on GDT remains limited and focuses mainly on whether it impacts police response times, arrests, and injuries. Public opinion about this technology has received limited attention. The current study addresses this gap using surveys in 23 Portland, Oregon neighborhoods with above-average firearm discharges. Respondents were evenly distributed between those opposing GDT and those supporting its use. People with prior knowledge of the technology and those with privacy concerns were more likely to be opposed whereas those who worried about gun violence and those who had greater trust in the local police were more likely to support GDT. The findings highlight the value of assessing community sentiments prior to investing in new surveillance technologies."

Read the article in its entirety here:

06/12/2024

🎉 We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brian Renauer. After serving two three-year terms, Dr. Renauer is stepping out of the role of Department Chair and is returning full-time as a CCJ faculty member. His last day as CCJ Chair will be June 30. Dr. Renauer's dedication, vision, and leadership have been invaluable to our department, and we are deeply thankful for his contributions. 🙏

✨ We are also excited to announce that Dr. Mark Leymon will be stepping in as the next chair of the department, effective July 1. We look forward to his leadership and the new perspectives he will bring. 🌟

04/25/2024

Ever considered a rewarding career in law enforcement? 🚔 Join us at the Sandy Police Department for our Hiring Open House on May 10th from 6-8pm!

Discover the exciting opportunities awaiting you as part of our dedicated team. We'll walk you through the hiring process, answer all your questions, and provide insights into the fulfilling work of keeping our community safe.

Don't miss this chance to explore a career path with purpose. See you there!

04/24/2024

Attention formerly incarcerated undergraduate students! Looking for an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on research experience this summer?

Consider applying for our exclusive 10-week summer research program, where you'll dive into the fascinating world of computational analysis of infectious diseases.

Don't miss out on this chance to expand your skills, contribute to cutting-edge research, and make a difference! Apply now to secure your spot in this unique program.

04/18/2024

👮‍♂️🚨 Ready to explore a career in public safety? Join us at Inverness Jail, hosted by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office!

📅 Date: Thursday, April 25th
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: 11540 NE Inverness Drive, Portland, OR 97220

Registration is required for this event, and all attendees must be 18 and over. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about a rewarding career in public safety! Secure your spot now.

04/10/2024

🌟 Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🌟

Are you ready to dive into the world of justice and make a real impact? Look no further! The Oregon Judicial Department is offering an incredible in-person internship opportunity!

Join us at the Multnomah Circuit Court and get hands-on experience in various civil, criminal, and family law operations units. Whether you're passionate about advocating for justice or eager to learn the ins and outs of the legal system, this internship is perfect for you!

Apply now and be part of a team dedicated to providing fair and accessible justice services, protecting individual rights, and inspiring public confidence. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference! 🏛️💼