The path to law school will be shorter for some Wilkes University students thanks to a new agreement with The Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Law at University Park. Called a 3+3 accelerated bachelor’s/juris doctor degree program, it allows exceptional students in their third year of study to apply for early acceptance into law school.
The agreement with Penn State was announced on March 28 as part of Law Day at Wilkes. Law Day focuses on education and careers in law, with Wilkes alumni who are attorneys and law students providing advice and information about the legal profession.
The agreement allows students to complete both the bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years. Students traditionally complete three years of law school after four years spent earning a bachelor’s degree.
“This agreement provides a great opportunity for our most capable and motivated students to earn a juris doctor degree at an excellent law school,” says Kyle Kreider, Wilkes pre-law advisor and associate professor of political science. “It offers a head start for those committed to a law career with the added incentive of cost savings by reducing the number of years of study needed on the path to an advanced degree.”
To be eligible to apply for admission to Penn State Law through the program, students must complete all of Wilkes’ graduation, distribution, major and certification requirements by the time of application. Applicants must have completed 75 percent of the credits required to earn their Wilkes degree with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average. The grade-point average should place students in the top 10 to 15 percent of their class. Students also must score in the top 30 percent nationally on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Applicants meeting these criteria must submit an electronic application to Penn State Law through the Law School Admission Council and are subject to the law school’s admissions requirements. More information on application requirements is available on the Penn State Law website.
