Fitchburg State University and Suffolk University, on behalf of Suffolk Law School, have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding after the signing of a new 3+3 Baccalaureate/Juris Doctor (JD) Degree Program Agreement recently. This strategic partnership creates an accelerated pathway for motivated students to earn both their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years, saving one full year of time and tuition.
“We began this academic year talking about possibility – what becomes possible when talent, ambition, and opportunity come together,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “That is really what this is about. This means that students who come to Fitchburg State with the ability and determination to pursue law can see a pathway forward and know that we are working to remove unnecessary barriers along the way. That’s central to our mission. Access is not simply about opening the door to higher education. It is about what we make possible for students once they walk through it, while holding them to the high academic standards that prepare them for what comes next.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said that this partnership reflects the university’s commitment to creating high-impact, flexible academic pathways that empower our students to achieve their professional goals efficiently.
“By combining Fitchburg State’s strong undergraduate foundation with Suffolk Law’s exceptional legal education, we are streamlining the journey for aspiring legal professionals while maintaining the academic rigor and preparation they need to thrive in the field,” said Barricelli.
Under the terms of the agreement, qualified Fitchburg State students can apply for law school admission during their junior year. If accepted, students will transition to Suffolk Law for their fourth year of study. The first 30 credits successfully completed at Suffolk University Law School will transfer back to Fitchburg State to satisfy the remaining requirements for the student’s baccalaureate degree.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to providing students with high-value, accessible pathways to professional success,” said Fitchburg State Department Chair and Professor of the Economics, History and Political Science Department Paul Weizer. “By streamlining the transition from undergraduate study to a prestigious law program like Suffolk’s, we are helping our students jumpstart their legal careers while reducing the financial burden of higher education.”
To be eligible for the program, Fitchburg State students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher and achieve an LSAT score (or other approved admission test scores) that meets or exceeds the median for Suffolk Law’s previous matriculating class. Students must complete 75 percent of their Fitchburg State credits before beginning their legal studies in Boston.
“Suffolk Law is thrilled to collaborate with Fitchburg State to welcome their most ambitious students into our community,” said Dean of Admissions at Suffolk University Law School Anthony Orlando, whose mother, Susan Orlando, and sister, Amy Katon, both graduated from Fitchburg State with nursing degrees. “Fitchburg State students are known for their work ethic and academic preparation. This agreement ensures that these students have a clear, supported route to a Juris Doctor degree at an institution dedicated to practice-ready legal education.”
The program is effective immediately. Students enrolled in the 3+3 program will be eligible to apply for Suffolk Law’s merit-based scholarships and financial aid on the same terms as traditional applicants. Fitchburg State will also host Suffolk Law representatives on campus for recruitment and advising sessions to assist students in navigating the application process.