51³Ô¹ÏÍø

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Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies to Juris Doctor (JD)

3+3 Law Degree Pathway: Paralegal Studies

Begin law school courses while completing your Paralegal Studies bachelor’s degree at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, saving you time and money as you move toward your legal career. 

Why Pair Paralegal Studies with Law

Pairing Paralegal Studies with a law degree is a natural fit. The program combines a strong liberal arts foundation with law-focused coursework. Student will learn how to brief cases, break a statute into elements and engage in legal research, analysis and writing. Students also gain hands-on experience in an internship and are well-prepared for the Certified Paralegal exam if they decide to take it. Many students also work as a paralegal during law school, allowing them to gain practical experience in the field and incur less law school debt. The 3+3 program allows students to take this next step in their education more efficiently.

The 3 + 3 Accelerated Law Degree Program

51³Ô¹ÏÍø has partnered with five Ohio law schools to create an accelerated pathway to a law degree. 

Students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, fulfilling general education, and major requirements. There are more than 20 majors to choose from. During their junior year, students apply to participating law schools.

If admitted, they begin law school in their fourth year. Credits earned during the first year of law school also count toward the remaining requirements for the bachelor's degree, allowing students to graduate with their undergraduate degree after that first year.

Students then complete the remaining two years of law school to earn the Juris Doctor (JD).

Meet Our Law School Partners:

  • Capital University Law School
  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law
  • Cleveland State University School of Law
  • University of Akron School of Law
  • University of Dayton School of Law

Benefits

Save a year of tuition and living expenses

By completing your first year of law school as your final undergraduate year, you avoid paying for an additional year of college housing, meals, and fees while also reducing your total tuition costs. This can result in significant financial savings while shortening your overall time in school.

Enter the legal field sooner

The 3+3 pathway allows you to graduate with both your bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven, giving you a head start on bar preparation, clerkships, and legal employment. This earlier entry into the workforce can advance your earning potential and professional growth.

Maintain continuity with your undergraduate preparation

Instead of stepping away from your undergraduate momentum, the 3+3 program allows you to immediately apply your undergraduate learning to the study of law. Your research, writing, and critical thinking skills stay sharp while you transition seamlessly into law school.

Access advising and mentorship to prepare for success in law school

Students in the 3+3 program receive tailored advising to plan their coursework and law school applications strategically. You also gain mentorship opportunities with faculty who understand the demands of law school, helping you build a realistic plan for managing your workload and expectations.

Advising and Next Steps

Students interested in the 3+3 program are required to meet with the program advisor to discuss eligibility, course planning and law school applications. Please email Erin Franczak at efrancz1@kent.edu to schedule a meeting virtually, in-person or via phone.

Contact the Pre-law Center

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