Burtness graduated from the academic department of the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks in 1906 and from its law department in 1907. He represented the University in several intercollegiate debates and was also active in The Mimer Society, a Scandinavian literary society.
Burtness earned degrees from the academic division of the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks in 1906 and from its law school in 1907. He participated in various collegiate competitions and was involved with The Mimer Society, a cultural group focused on Scandinavian literature.