Overview

The B.A./J.D. joint degree (3+3) program allows students to double-count first-year law courses toward the completion of a B.A. degree and the start of a law degree.

For qualifying students, the 3+3 program permits the achievement of both an undergraduate degree and a J.D. in only six years, saving the cost of a full year of college.

This option responds to a growing desire on some undergraduate campuses to build a strong professional career bridge for their students who are interested in obtaining a law degree. Students may apply to Catholic Law’s condensed dual-degree program if their undergraduate GPA and LSAT score meet certain thresholds.

Under the arrangement, students (with the cooperation of their undergraduate institution) will receive credit towards a bachelor’s degree for law school courses. Typically, such course credits would apply toward meeting elective or distributive requirements. Less often, law school course credit might be allowed to fulfill major requirements.

Law schools are generally allowed to admit students after three years of college, and in many states, law school graduates may obtain bar admission and practice law without obtaining a bachelor’s degree. But for many reasons, many law school graduates still choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree before moving to the next level.

For colleges, the 3+3 track is a chance to offer top undergraduate students a clear path to a highly desirable professional degree at an institution where they are highly likely to perform well.

For students, the prospect of saving a year of college tuition and moving more quickly toward obtaining a law degree is particularly attractive.

Requirements

To be considered for the 3+3 program, applicants must meet or exceed the following criteria:

• students who wish to begin the J.D. program after completing their junior year must ensure that all baccalaureate graduation requirements have been fulfilled (except the credits that will be obtained during the first year of the J.D. program at the Columbus School of Law);
• earn a minimum GPA by the end of sophomore year at or above the 75th percentile of the previous year's entering class (as determined as of October 6th in the current application cycle);
• earn a minimum LSAT score at or above the 75th percentile of the previous year’s entering class (as determined as of October 6th in the current application cycle);
• remain in good academic and disciplinary standing;
• meet all of the fitness, character, and other criteria for admission as required by the Office of Admission of the Columbus School of Law; and
• submit a completed application package for the 3+3 program by November 1st of the junior year of undergraduate studies.

Note: Current GPA and LSAT percentiles can be found via the Admissions page of the Law School website.

For further information about the 3+3 program feel free to contact the admissions office at CUA Law by email at admissions@law.edu or by phone 202-319-5151.

Below is a list of schools, who are currently participating in the CUA Law 3+3 Program.

3+3 Program Participating Schools

• The Catholic University of America
• Marymount University
• Walsh University