Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program (3+3)

Law competition - students in a moot court setting

Are you ready to accelerate your law career? Detroit Mercy’s innovative Accelerated 6-Year Law Scholars Program enables you to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor degree in only six years rather than the traditional seven.

Program Benefits

  • Earn a law degree in less time
  • Your space in the School of Law is reserved
  • Receive exclusive access to "law only" events such as the Lunch with a Lawyer series
  • Meet and network with judges and other legal professionals

You will spend the first three years earning credit toward your bachelor’s degree and the last three completing the Juris Doctor requirements. The credits earned after successfully completing the first-year law school curriculum will transfer back to the undergraduate program for awarding of the bachelor’s degree in the selected major you choose.

Approved Undergraduate Majors to Choose From

Detroit Mercy allows students to pair one of seven diverse undergraduate majors with the J.D. degree:

College of Business Administration

Business Administration

College of Engineering & Science

Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics

College of Liberal Arts & Education

Economics
English
Philosophy
Political Science

The only law school in the heart of downtown Detroit

aerial image of downtown law school in detroit

Detroit Mercy Law is in the center of the downtown legal district, providing access to law clinics, externships and career opportunities.

How it works

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    Freshman Admission Requirements

    moot court scenarioNew students enrolling in the 3 + 3 program must be seniors in high school.  Other requirements (such as high school GPA or standardized tests) vary according to which undergraduate major is selected.

    Phase II

    Candidates who meet the initial requirements will be invited to continue to a second phase of the admission process, which will include:

    • an admission interview or essay and
    • an additional letter of recommendation.
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    Undergraduate Student Information

    Female law studentStudents who have enrolled in the 6-Year Law Scholars Program must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate at Detroit Mercy each fall and winter term.

    All necessary undergraduate course work must be completed at the McNichols Campus within the three calendar years immediately prior to beginning the law school phase of the program at Detroit Mercy Law. Students must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, as well as the required courses in their chosen major.

    Apply to the Law School during your junior year

    Students will be eligible to apply for the law school phase of the program in their third year of undergraduate studies. The following requirements must be met:

    • The undergraduate school/college must certify that the student has or will have completed and passed all of the University and major requirements necessary for the conferral of their undergraduate degree (other than elective credits) by the end of the junior year.
    • Overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.5 at the end of the junior year.
    • Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than December of the junior year and obtained a score of at least 154.
    • Complete the Detroit Mercy Law admission application with all required components by February 1 of the junior year.
    • Meet the character and fitness requirements for admission to Detroit Mercy Law.
    • Interview with the Detroit Mercy Law Admission Committee.
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    Transfer of Law Credits to Complete Undergraduate Degree

    male law student in moot courtThe undergraduate degree program will accept a transfer of up to 30 law school credits in which the student earned a grade of 2.2 or better toward the completion of the undergraduate degree.

    Continued Law School Eligibility

    Students must complete the full-time, first-year curriculum at Detroit Mercy Law and earn an overall grade point average of 2.2 to remain at Detroit Mercy Law. Students must satisfy all requirements to receive their undergraduate degree prior to taking additional credits beyond the first year at Detroit Mercy Law.

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    Law School Admission Requirements

    Third-year Detroit Mercy undergraduate students in one of the approved majors will be eligible for admission into Detroit Mercy Law by meeting the following criteria which include having:

    • Completed at least three years of appropriate coursework at University of Detroit Mercy;
    • Completed the undergraduate major and core curriculum requirements with at least 90 credits;
    • Earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 by the end of their junior year;
    • Scored at least a 154 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT);
    • Remained in good academic and disciplinary standing;
    • Completed the application process for Detroit Mercy Law; and
    • Met all of the fitness, character and other criteria for admission required by Detroit Mercy Law.

    Participating in the Six-Year Law Scholars Program does not guarantee entrance to law school. If Detroit Mercy Law does not grant admission, then a student remains in the undergraduate program to complete the bachelor’s degree. You may then apply to law school through the regular law school admission process. You will need to consult with your academic advisor for the best course of action.

FAQs

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    How many undergraduate credits will I need to take each semester?

    In order to meet Detroit Mercy’s Core Curriculum requirements and the requirements of your major, you should take a minimum of 15 to 18 credits each semester.

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    Are transfer students eligible for this program?

    The program is for incoming freshmen in one of the approved Six-year Law Scholars Program majors.

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    Who are the advisors for this program?

    You will have an academic advisor from the department that houses your major.