2018 2018: UMass Law and Framingham State University create fast track for students interested in earning their law degree

3+3 Agreement allows students to earn bachelor’s degree and Law Degree in six years

The University of Massachusetts School of Law at UMass Dartmouth and Framingham State University have established a 3+3 agreement that streamlines the process for pre-law majors to earn their bachelor’s and law degrees.

Students who take advantage of the 3+3 agreement spend three years at Framingham State University satisfying the major requirements for their bachelor’s degree. During their fourth year, they transfer into UMass Law and the credits they earn during their first year come back as electives toward their bachelor’s degree at Framingham State.

“We are excited to partner with UMass Law on this 3+3 opportunity,” says Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. “Earning a law degree is a huge financial commitment. This partnership enables students to save both time and money, while earning degrees from two excellent academic institutions.”

“As the only public law school in the Commonwealth, it is important for UMass Law to partner with other public universities to give students an affordable pathway to a career in law as well as serve their communities,” said UMass Law Dean Eric Mitnick. “Framingham State’s dedicated students and commitment to the MetroWest further enable the law school’s strategic mission to have a positive impact throughout Massachusetts.”

In recent years, UMass Law has risen fast among Massachusetts law schools. UMass Law’s 2017 first-time bar pass and employment rates have already surpassed three private law schools in the state. UMass Law is centered on providing high-quality education and giving back. Towards this end, between 2010 and 2017, UMass Law students have contributed over 100,000 hours of pro bono legal services to the community.