Akron Law establishes new 3+3 J.D. partnerships with Bluefield State, Concord, Franciscan universities
The University of Akron (UA) School of Law continues to expand its accelerated pathway opportunities, partnering with three new universities on an opportunity for students who want to obtain a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Akron Law faster than the traditional route.
This partnership, which is commonly referred to as a three plus three (3+3) degree pathway, offers an exceptional educational opportunity for qualifying students. Participating students will benefit from this seamless, sequential pathway, graduating with both degrees in just six years instead of the usual seven. The benefits of this option include financial savings and accelerated entry into the workforce.
The 3+3 pathway will now be available at Bluefield State University, a public university and historically Black institution in Bluefield, W.Va., Concord University, a public university in Athens, W.Va., and Franciscan University, a private university in Steubenville, Ohio. Akron Law now has 3+3 agreements with 13 higher education institutions, including The University of Akron.
“We are pleased to offer affordable pathways to law school and a legal career for Bluefield State, Franciscan and Concord students, along with the students at 10 other higher education institutions,” said Akron Law Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen. “As a school of opportunity, we aim to create as many chances as possible for students to become lawyers. These new partnerships, which reduce part of the financial barrier, are excellent starting points.”
In a more traditional pathway, students typically earn a bachelor’s degree in four years and then take another three years to complete a Juris Doctor degree.
The University of Akron School of Law’s 3+3 partnerships save students a full year of undergraduate study, tuition and living expenses. Students admitted under the pathway fulfill the fourth year of their bachelor’s degree through the successful completion of their first-year law school courses. They will graduate law school and begin their professional journey a year earlier than students who follow the traditional route, increasing their long-term earning potential and giving them a head start on making a difference in their chosen field.
“This groundbreaking agreement between Bluefield State University and the University of Akron School of Law creates an incredible opportunity for our students to accelerate their path to a law degree,” said Dr. Tamara Ferguson, Bluefield State’s dean of the College of Arts, Education and Social Sciences. “By streamlining the traditional timeline, this opportunity enables students to save time and costs while receiving a top-tier legal education. We are thrilled to offer this pathway to our aspiring legal professionals and look forward to seeing them make a meaningful impact in the field of law.”
"Concord University is excited to partner with the University of Akron School of Law to create a 3+3 pathway that ultimately leads to a J.D. degree,” said Dr. Edward Huffstetler, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Concord. “Allowing students to complete their undergraduate degree with Concord while beginning graduate coursework with Akron Law is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be fast-tracked into one of the most respected law programs in the region, an opportunity that Concord is extremely proud to offer its students.”
“As director of the criminal justice program at Franciscan University of Steubenville, I am delighted to support our institution's 3+3 partnership with the University of Akron Law School,” said Dr. Charles P. Nemeth, professor and director of criminal justice and director of the Center for Criminal Justice, Law and Ethics. “Aside from our privilege to partner with such a great law school, the arrangement supports our overall mission — to prepare our graduates to enter into the various occupations of criminal justice, which naturally includes lawyers, judges, prosecutors and public defenders. Franciscan University and the Department of Criminal Justice hope this is the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship.”
Students in the 3+3 partnerships will apply to Akron Law during their third year of college by submitting a law school application to Akron Law through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC.org). Students must take either the LSAT or the GRE by the winter of their third year in college. All 3+3 applicants must also submit a certificate of eligibility from their undergraduate institution as part of their Akron Law application. Students may apply to start at Akron Law in the spring, summer or fall term.
Akron Law’s other 3+3 partners include Central State University, Indiana Tech University, John Carroll University, Kent State University, Robert Morris University, the University of Mount Union, Walsh University, Wilberforce University, Youngstown State University and UA, where students majoring in political science, history, philosophy, business law, economics and health care administration may also take advantage of the 3+3 pathway with Akron Law.
“We are pleased to continue adding 3+3 partnerships to ensure a high-quality law school education is accessible to students,” said Akron Law Associate Dean for Enrollment Management Barbara DiGiacomo. “We’re eager to start working closely with the Bluefield State, Concord and Franciscan students who are ready to begin the application process.”
Media contact: Cristine Boyd; cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476