3+3 Accelerated Degree Program to Law School
Program Overview
The 3+3 Accelerated Program allows qualified undergraduate students to begin law school at Loyola's College of Law during their senior year and complete their bachelor’s degree using credits earned during the first year of law school. Students can earn both degrees in approximately six years instead of seven.
This program is designed to provide structured support for academically strong students who are confident in their intention to pursue law school at Loyola and who are able to complete undergraduate requirements on an accelerated timeline.
Why Consider the 3+3 Program?
Students may benefit from the opportunity to save one year of tuition and related costs, begin their professional training sooner, and work closely with faculty and advisors on a structured, career-focused path to graduation.
Eligibility Policy (Undergraduate Participation Requirements)
To be eligible for full participation in the 3+3 Accelerated Program, students must meet all of the following requirements prior to beginning law school:
Students must:
- Complete all requirements for their undergraduate major.
- Complete all Loyola Core Curriculum requirements.
- Complete all adjunct requirements associated with the degree program, including language requirements where applicable.
- Complete between 90 and 104 total credits as an undergraduate. Credits may include Loyola coursework and approved transfer credit.
- Be in good academic standing (minimum cumulative and major GPAs 2.0)
These requirements must be finished before enrollment in Loyola’s Law School, assuming the participating student gains acceptance to the Law School.
Note: Participation in the 3+3 Accelerated Program as an undergraduate student does not guarantee admission to Loyola’s Law School.
A student’s Associate or Assistant Dean must approve the student’s eligibility before applying to Loyola’s law school using the 3+3 program, certifying that a student has completed - or is on track to complete - all of the above conditions before the student enters their senior year of undergraduate coursework.
Note: Approval for participation in the 3+3 Accelerated Degree Program does not obligate enrollment in law school. Students who are not admitted, or who decline admission, retain full standing in their undergraduate program and may complete remaining degree requirements under the traditional timeline.
Law School Application Requirements
Students participating in the 3+3 Accelerated Program must satisfy the standard law school admission requirements, including:
- Submission of LSAT or GRE scores
- Strong academic record
- Letters of recommendation (as required by Loyola Law School Admissions)
- Completion of the Law School application process by the stated deadline
- Any additional materials requested by Loyola’s Law School Admissions
The Law School Admissions Committee recommends performance at or above competitive score ranges for admitted law students, defined as “an LSAT or imputed LSAT score at or above the 75th percentile of the current 1L class.”
Note: Participation in the 3+3 Accelerated Program as an undergraduate student does not guarantee admission to Loyola’s Law School.
Restrictions
Students may not participate in the 3+3 Accelerated Program as an avenue to enrollment in Loyola’s Law School if:
- Major, Core, or adjunct requirements remain incomplete
- Earned credit totals fall outside the 90–104 range
- The student’s undergraduate college does not grant participation approval
- Admission to Loyola’s Law school is not secured
Note: Full participation in the 3+3 Accelerated Program is not guaranteed and remains selective.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning for 3+3?
As early as possible, ideally during the first or second year of undergraduate coursework. Early planning ensures you can complete all major, Core, and adjunct requirements within three years.
How many credits do I need?
You must have earned between 90 and 104 credits before starting law school.
Do my major requirements have to be finished first?
Yes. All major requirements must be completed before Law School enrollment.
Do Core requirements count too?
Yes. Core curriculum completion is required for eligibility.
What are adjunct requirements?
Adjunct requirements include any program-specific requirements outside the major or Core (e.g., language requirements).
Do first-year law courses replace undergraduate requirements?
First-year law coursework may count toward remaining elective credit required for graduation, once approved by the College.
Is a test score required?
Yes. Applicants must submit a valid LSAT or GRE score as part of law school admission.
Is admission to the 3+3 program automatic if I meet eligibility requirements?
No. Students must still be admitted to law school and receive approval from your College’s administrators (dean, department chair, advisor).
What happens if I apply but am not admitted to law school?
You continue in your undergraduate program and complete your degree through the traditional timeline.
Can I explore law school before deciding?
Yes. Students are encouraged to meet with advisors and explore the law school experience before applying.
Next Steps
Students interested in the 3+3 program should begin planning early to ensure eligibility requirements can be completed on schedule.
The first step is to speak with the pre-law advisor to map a timeline for coursework and application preparation.