Concordia University Wisconsin and Marquette University Law School have partnered to offer an accelerated pathway for students pursuing a career in law.
The innovative 3+3 Pre-Law Program allows qualifying CUW undergraduates to complete both their bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in just six years, saving students a full year of education and providing an accelerated route to becoming an attorney.
The partnership, which was officially signed into effect this year, allows students participating in the program to complete three years of undergraduate study at Concordia before transitioning into the first year of law school at Marquette for their fourth year of study. Concordia students who are admitted to the accelerated program will take the LSAT and apply to Marquette Law School during the third year of their undergraduate program at CUW. The credits earned during that fourth year (29 credits under Marquette’s curriculum) will apply to their bachelor’s degree and their first year of law school. Upon completion of their first year of law school, Concordia will award students their bachelor’s degree and students may participate in CUW commencement exercises.
Building upon institutional strengths
The partnership combines the strengths of Wisconsin’s two largest private institutions of higher education. Marquette Law School—one of only two law schools in the state—is known for its academic rigor and commitment to public service. Located in Milwaukee, Marquette Law provides students with a top-tier legal education and the opportunity to engage in a wide array of professional experiences through clinics, internships, and externships.
Concordia, meanwhile, offers an undergraduate experience that champions developing students’ Christian character through personalized attention and ample growth opportunities. Concordia’s small class sizes and low teacher-to-student ratio make it easier for students to access extra help from professors and support staff or get involved with research or extra-curricular growth opportunities. This combination of small-school-style-access and big-school-caliber opportunities makes Concordia an ideal choice for pre-professional preparation programs like this partnership with Marquette.
Students who enroll in the 3+3 program will receive personalized attention beyond the norm, as they will be assigned to two advisors, CUW’s Pre-Law Advisor and their regular academic advisor, to help ensure they stay on track to meet the requirements for this unique program.
“By partnering with Marquette University, we are offering an exceptional opportunity for our students to gain both a broad liberal arts education and high-caliber professional legal training in less time,” said CUW Pre-Law Advisor and Associate Professor of Justice and Public Policy Matthew Mac Kelly, JD, EdD. “This program is ideal for students eager to start their legal careers sooner, with the added benefit of specialized advising and personalized support throughout their journey.”
“We are excited about the partnership with Concordia and look forward to welcoming Concordia students to our community,” said Vada Waters Lindsey, associate dean for Enrollment and Inclusion at Marquette Law School.
Program Highlights
- Accelerated Pathway: Complete both a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years, saving time and money.
- Dual Credit: The first year of law school at Marquette counts as the fourth year of undergraduate study at Concordia.
- Strong Support System: 3+3 program participants will be assigned to two advisors, CUW’s Pre-Law Advisor and their regular academic advisor. Participants will benefit from pre-law programming offered in conjunction with Marquette Law School.
- Broad Undergraduate Areas of Interest: Students may pursue an undergraduate program in any subject area at CUW. Concordia’s broad range of bachelor’s programs include business, liberal arts, justice and public policy, history, philosophy, political sciences, computer science, English, and more.
Want in?
Students interested in the 3+3 Pre-Law Program may apply by selecting “Pre-Law” as their area of interest during the CUW application process or by notifying their academic advisor after admittance. To formally enter the program, students must meet with CUW’s Pre-Law Advisor for an entrance interview and complete a Student Educational Plan (SEP) in collaboration with their advisors.
While the 3+3 program provides a streamlined pathway, there is no guarantee of admission to Marquette University Law School. Students not admitted to Marquette as 3+3 participants, or who decide not to continue in the program, may explore other professional pathways. They also remain eligible to apply to any law school, including Marquette, as traditional applicants.
For more information on the 3+3 Pre-Law Program, including application details and program requirements, contact CUW’s Pre-Law Advisor Matt MacKelly, JD.