In Short
The 3+3 pre-law program is designed to provide an accelerated path to law school, allowing motivated students to earn both a bachelor's and a juris doctor degree in six years.
- Complete both your bachelor’s degree (BS) and juris doctor degree (JD) in six years
- Save one full year of undergraduate tuition
- Enjoy high quality programs at local law schools
Overview
Fitchburg State University offers several 3+3 accelerated law programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) in six years rather than the traditional seven. By participating, students save a full year of undergraduate tuition and can enter the workforce one year sooner than their peers.
The university currently maintains partnerships with three law schools for this program:
- The University of Massachusetts Law School (UMass Law)
- Suffolk University Law School
- Massachusetts School of Law (MSL)
Students from any major are eligible for these programs. To participate, students must complete all degree requirements, minus free electives, in three years. Students then proceed to law school, even before graduation, where the first year of law school is transferred back to FSU as free electives to complete the undergraduate degree.
Each law school partner has specific admissions requirements that must be met under these agreements. See below for details.
Program Specifics and Other Information
Qualified Fitchburg State undergraduates may enter the Fitchburg State and UMass Law 3 + 3 Program and substitute the first year at UMass Law for the senior year at Fitchburg State. By meeting all program requirements, qualified students enjoy admission to the UMass Dartmouth Law School. Admissions and GPA requirements of both institutions apply.
How It Works
- Students complete their Fitchburg State University coursework in three years and then use their first year of law school to satisfy their final year of undergraduate work.
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3
- Minimum LSAT score of 152
- Meet all other law school admission requirements
Fitchburg State/UMass School of Law 3+3 Timeline
Freshman Year
- Interested students should contact the Fitchburg State pre-law advisor Dr. Paul Weizer at pweizer@fitchburgstate.edu for information or to declare their interest in the program by their sophomore year
Junior Year
- Students register with LSAC, take LSAT (ideally students will take the LSAT in September, but they can also take it at a later date)
- Once the student receives their LSAT score, they will apply to UMass School of Law. Application fee will be waived.
- They may apply assuming they meet the requirements - at least 152 on LSAT and 3.3 GPA minimum.
Senior Year
Students complete first year of law school and complete the necessary paperwork to transfer those courses back to Fitchburg State to complete their degree.
Qualified Fitchburg State undergraduates may enter the Fitchburg State and Suffolk 3 + 3 Program and substitute the first year at Suffolk Law for the senior year at Fitchburg State. By meeting all program requirements, qualified students enjoy admission to the Suffolk Law School. Admissions and GPA requirements of both institutions apply.
How It Works
- Students complete their Fitchburg State University coursework in three years and then use their first year of law school to satisfy their final year of undergraduate work.
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3
- LSAT score at or above the median LSAT score for matriculants at the law school for the prior admissions cycle
- Meet all other law school admission requirements
Fitchburg State/Suffolk School of Law 3+3 Timeline
Freshman Year
Interested students should contact the Fitchburg State pre-law advisor Dr. Paul Weizer at pweizer@fitchburgstate.edu for information or to declare their interest in the program by their sophomore year
Junior Year
- Students register with LSAC, take LSAT (ideally students will take the LSAT in September, but they can also take it at a later date)
- Once the student receives their LSAT score, they will apply to Suffolk Law School.
- Application fee will be waived. They may apply assuming they meet the requirements-LSAT score at or above the median LSAT score for matriculants at the law school for the prior admissions cycle and 3.3 GPA minimum.
Senior Year
Students complete first year of law school and complete the necessary paperwork to transfer those courses back to Fitchburg State to complete their degree.
Qualified Fitchburg State undergraduates may enter the Fitchburg State and MSL 3 + 3 Program and substitute the first year at MSL for the senior year at Fitchburg State. By meeting all program requirements, qualified students enjoy admission to the MSL. Admissions and GPA requirements of both institutions apply.
How It Works
- Students complete their Fitchburg State University coursework in three years and then use their first year of law school to satisfy their final year of undergraduate work.
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7
- Meet all other law school admission requirements
- LSAT is not required
Fitchburg State/Massachusetts School of Law 3+3 Timeline
Freshman Year
Interested students should contact the Fitchburg State pre-law advisor Dr. Paul Weizer at pweizer@fitchburgstate.edu for information or to declare their interest in the program by their sophomore year
Junior Year
- Apply to Massachusetts School of Law Andover. Application fee will be waived.
- 2.7 GPA minimum.
Senior Year
Students complete first year of law school and complete the necessary paperwork to transfer those courses back to Fitchburg State to complete their degree.