Pre-Law with UMass Dartmouth (3 + 3 program)

Major
On Campus, Day
Economics, History and Political Science
Paul Weizer at podium addressing moot court participants

In Short

The Pre-Law 3+3 program is designed to prepare you for the expectations of law school. Earn both a bachelor's and a juris doctor degree in six years.

UMASS Dartmouth/Fitchburg State Partnership
Benefits
  • Complete both your bachelor’s degree (BS) and juris doctor degree (JD) in six years
  • Save one full year of undergraduate tuition
  • Enjoy the high quality and great value of two public universities
  • Have guaranteed admission to the law school

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Program Overview

Fitchburg State University has partnered with UMass Law to allow motivated students to finish both a bachelor’s degree (BS) juris doctor degree (JD) in six years.

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 guaranteed 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.

Register for classes

Fitchburg State/U-Mass 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 150 on LSAT and 3.0 GPA minimum.

Senior Year

Student completes first year of law school and completes the necessary paperwork to transfer those courses back to Fitchburg State to complete their degree.

Experiential Opportunities

Photo of the Washington Center

Internships

Attain real world experience through internships with government agencies, non-governmental or international organizations, either through our close connection with The Washington Center (Washington, DC) career building program, or other placements locally or regionally that our faculty Internship Coordinator helps you arrange.
Read more about: Internships
Students posing at table eating dinner in Paris on study abroad trip

Study Abroad

Faculty-led study abroad course opportunities increase student life-transforming experiences, as do student/faculty cooperative research projects.
Read more about: Study Abroad

Curriculum and Other Information

Sample 3-Year Plans of Study*

Required and elective courses for program completion:

* Note that most majors can participate in this program. Contact Dr. Weizer for more information.

  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum LSAT score of 150
  • Favorable decision from the joint admissions committee, which includes an interview during the sophomore year
  • Meet all other law school admission requirements

Undergraduate Day Tuition and Fees