UMass Law and Nichols College in Dudley, MA, have announced the signing of an agreement for a 3+3 joint degree program that will give Nichols students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six rather than seven years.
In this accelerated degree program, Nichols College students earn credits to complete the final year of their undergraduate degree during their first year of law school at UMass Law, saving a year of tuition and expenses associated with the traditional seven-year pathway to a Juris Doctorate.
“We’re delighted to partner with UMass Law to enable Nichols College students to earn bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years,” said Nichols Provost Daniel J. Borgia. “In addition to the significant cost savings, our students will have the guidance and support of exceptional faculty and staff on both campuses who will help prepare them for meaningful careers. As well, this new partnership builds upon our strengths in accelerated learning, augmenting our existing 4+1 bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in business administration, accounting, organizational leadership, and counterterrorism.”
“We are pleased to partner with Nichols College on this 3+3 agreement,” said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. “UMass Law’s mission to pursue justice is undergirded by a focus on access, affordability, and opportunity for our students. The 3+3 program with Nichols College perfectly achieves those goals by allowing students taking advantage of the partnership to receive an excellent education, graduate with less debt, and focus on serving their communities as lawyers.”
Students typically declare interest in the 3+3 program in their first academic year, but some academically prepared sophomores are able to meet the requirements of the program. Nichols College students will need to apply to UMass Law before the June 30 deadline during their junior year.
During their first three years, Nichols College students will complete a specific course of study that prepares them for law school. Courses include legal studies, ethics, liberal arts, and other foundational courses. In their fourth year, 3+3 students are admitted as full-time students at UMass Law and will follow the course of study for full-time, first-year law students. Upon successful completion of the first year of law school, the credits earned will be transferred back to Nichols College in satisfaction of remaining graduation requirements.
