Building on a foundation of proven academic success, Fitchburg State University and the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover (MSLAW) are proud to announce a significant extension of their existing partnership, which began in 2016. This enhanced articulation agreement bolsters a powerful "3+3" pathway, empowering students to fast-track their legal careers by completing both their bachelor’s and law degrees in just six years.
This strategic expansion transforms the previous collaboration into a high-octane academic pipeline. By integrating the final year of undergraduate study with the first year of legal training, the program effectively eliminates one full year of study, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner and save a full year of tuition and associated costs.
“This expanded partnership with the Massachusetts School of Law creates a clear, intentional pathway for students who are serious about pursuing a legal career,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “By reducing both time and cost, we are removing barriers that too often limit who can realistically imagine themselves in law school, particularly students from our region who have talent but fewer traditional pathways. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to access, academic rigor, and preparation for meaningful professional lives, strengthening the pipeline of future legal professionals who will serve North Central Massachusetts and the Commonwealth. It respects our students’ ambition, their discipline, and the futures they are working to build.”
“We are excited to extend our relationship with Fitchburg State University as it provides our
institutions with the ability to offer our students a truly affordable, high-quality pathway to
becoming a lawyer,” said MSLAW President Michael Coyne. “Traditionally a law degree has provided a ladder to social mobility, economic success, and power. Those opportunities need to be affordable and accessible. This new agreement provides students with a high quality undergraduate and graduate experience while eliminating a year’s time and expense off that journey.”
As a Fitchburg State and MSLAW alumnus and current Fitchburg State Board of Trustees member, Shane Rodriguez ‘94 said he’s proud of the expanded partnership because it provides Fitchburg State students with a straightforward, credible path to law school.
“The missions of both institutions align, and both are committed to serving hardworking, capable students by providing access, support, and clear expectations,” said Rodriguez. “If a student completes 90 credits at Fitchburg State and meets the academic requirements, they can apply to Massachusetts School of Law without taking the LSAT and begin law school while still finishing their bachelor’s degree.
“That structure matters. It helps students plan earlier, stay focused, and move forward with confidence,” said Rodriguez. “It also strengthens advising and accountability by setting clear academic benchmarks. Most importantly, it expands opportunity while maintaining rigor, so more Fitchburg State students can realistically pursue a J.D. and build meaningful legal careers.”
The pact is one of several that Fitchburg State has negotiated with post-baccalaureate institutions in an effort to provide cost-effective paths to students’ academic and career goals.
Participating students will complete their first three years of study at Fitchburg State, and pending admission to the Massachusetts School of Law, will be able to complete their bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees after their three additional years of study. Students who complete the program will get their bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State and law degree from Massachusetts School of Law.
Ephemian Bailey, who graduated from Fitchburg State in May with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in pre-law, is currently immersed in the 3+3 law program at MSLAW.
“The road right now looks long,” said Bailey, who wants to practice family law, personal injury or immigration law. “There is light at the end of the tunnel but it takes work, time, and dedication. As long as I continue to look at the end of the tunnel and acknowledge that my struggle right now will become someone’s victory in the future, I’ll be OK. Knowing that I’m working so hard on behalf of future clients and not myself is what keeps me going.
“The 3+3 pre-law program is cost efficient, as I did not have to pay for my senior year and it allows you to begin your law school career one year ahead of schedule,” said Bailey.
While normal tuition and fees will apply for both institutions, a student who enrolls in this program with a GPA of 3.0 or better at Fitchburg State will be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship (per academic year) toward their tuition at MSLAW. To continue receiving this scholarship, students must achieve and maintain satisfactory academic standing at MSLAW (GPA of 2.0 or better).
Pre-Law major information can be found HERE.