Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Wilkes University signed an agreement that provides Wilkes students an opportunity to earn both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years, saving them time and tuition expenses.
Known as a 3+3 program, Wilkes undergraduate students can earn the final 30 credits of their bachelor’s degree at Widener Law Commonwealth, as they simultaneously pursue their J.D.
Students who qualify must complete the general education requirements, as well as those for their undergraduate major, by the completion of their junior year at Wilkes.
In addition, they need to apply to Widener Law Commonwealth by April 1 of their junior year and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), no later than February of their junior year.
“The 3+3 program allows high-performing students to save significant time and tuition costs to pursue a legal career at a respected Pennsylvania law school, with a seamless transition from their undergraduate experience,” said Michael Hussey, dean and associate professor of law at Widener Law Commonwealth.
“Wilkes University is committed to providing academic expertise and innovative approaches to help our students meet their goals,” said Greg Cant, president of Wilkes University. “The partnership with Widener offers one more way for us to provide outstanding support to help our students thrive.”
Wilkes University has a mix of in-demand undergraduate, master’s and terminal degree programs.
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital’s only law school, with three specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center and Business Advising Program.
In 2023, Drake University Law School partnered with Coe College to launch a 3+3 J.D. degree partnership program allowing students to receive two degrees in only six years.
In 2022, Pepperdine University Caruso School and Tuskegee University created a J.D. degree partnership program to allow students to receive two degrees in only six years; the University of Akron School of Law and Kent State University did this type of partnership as well.
