New WCU-UM partnership fast-tracks law degree for William Carey students

William Carey University students who want to pursue careers as attorneys can save time and expense through a new partnership between WCU and University of Mississippi School of Law – the Accelerated Law School Pathway.

“This dynamic partnership between two of Mississippi’s leading institutions of higher education will give students a faster pathway to serving their communities. We are honored to join the University of Mississippi School of Law in this endeavor,” said Dr. Noal Cochran, WCU provost.

The Accelerated Law School Pathway will enable motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years – instead of seven.

Here’s how it works:

• William Carey students in the program complete three-quarters of the coursework required for a bachelor’s degree.
• During their junior year, they go through the competitive process of taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and applying to the University of Mississippi’s law school.
• At the start of what would have been their senior year at WCU, they enter law school. At the end of their first year there, William Carey University awards their bachelor degrees.
• After two more years of law school, University of Mississippi School of Law confers their Juris Doctor (law) degrees.

It’s called a “3+3 Program” because the last year of a student’s undergraduate studies and first year of law school overlap.

“This partnership gives exceptional William Carey students a head start on their legal education. By completing both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years instead of seven, students can enter the profession sooner and begin making an impact that much earlier,” said Dr. Frederick G. Slabach, dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law.

Dr. Joshua Tucker, assistant dean, agreed: “Preparing the next generation of lawyers starts long before the first day of law school. By engaging students early, we help them build confidence, clarity, and a stronger foundation for success.”

For more information, email provost@wmcarey.edu.