He then enrolled at Christian College in Monmouth, Oregon where he graduated with a bachelor's degree of arts in June 1873. Burnett then moved to Salem, Oregon and began learning the law in 1873 from Rufus Mallory and J. J. Shaw at their law practice. In December 1875 he was admitted to the Oregon bar.
He subsequently enrolled at Christian College in Monmouth, Oregon where he earned a degree in arts in June 1873. Burnett then moved to Salem, Oregon and began studying law from Rufus Mallory and J. J. Shaw in 1873. In December 1875, he was admitted to the Oregon legal profession.