Justice & public safety
Police / sheriff’s patrol officer
Respond to incidents, protect public safety and document investigations within agency responsibilities.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Agency hiring + required training
Criminal justice is one related foundation, not a universal degree requirement. Hiring, screening, academy training and certification are separate; check the agency and Oregon requirements for the exact position.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “High school diploma or equivalent.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Southern Oregon University
Criminal Justice
Examine crime, justice institutions and public service through a social-science degree.
Ask: How can internships help me compare community supervision, law enforcement and other justice roles?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Western Oregon University
Criminal Justice
Study the justice system, crime and its social context through an interdisciplinary bachelor’s route.
Ask: Which placements would let me learn about justice work beyond television portrayals?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Treasure Valley Community College
Criminal Justice
Coursework covers criminal procedure, evidence, corrections and professional ethics. Completing this degree does not replace an agency's hiring standards or required academy training.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Criminal Justice plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
How do I feel about conflict, accountability, shift work and making decisions under pressure?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $42.38. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 5,174 jobs in 2024 to 5,471 in 2034. The projected 4,160 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →