The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the University of Mississippi School of Law have established an accelerated law degree program, allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor (JD) in six years.
The universities formalized the agreement with a Memorandum of Understanding signed March 20 following the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning board meeting. The program reduces the traditional seven-year path to a law degree by one year, expediting undergraduate studies.
“This program represents an extraordinary opportunity for our students to achieve their academic and professional goals more efficiently,” USM President Joe Paul said. “By creating a clear and accelerated route to earning both a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor in just six years, we are preparing our students to begin their legal careers earlier while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence.”
The program is open to high-achieving students who meet specific requirements, including maintaining a 3.25 GPA, earning a competitive Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, and meeting enrollment deadlines. Eligible students will complete three-fourths of their undergraduate coursework before beginning their first year of law school. USM academic programs participating in the agreement include criminal justice, legal studies, and political science.
Upon completing the first year of law school, students will receive a bachelor’s degree from USM. After fulfilling all law school requirements, the University of Mississippi School of Law will award the JD.
The initiative marks the second accelerated law degree program for USM, following a similar agreement with Mississippi College School of Law earlier this year. For the University of Mississippi School of Law, this is the fourth such program, adding to existing partnerships with Mississippi State University, Jackson State University, and Tougaloo College.
“Programs like the 3+3 program allow students the option to finish their undergraduate and law school degrees in a combined six years,” USM Student Government Association President Braxton Ruddock said. “While the track may not be for everyone, driven and accelerated students who want to obtain their law school degree as soon as possible now have an additional path that they can use.”
The program meets American Bar Association requirements and will be available to students beginning this fall.
