JACKSON, Mississippi (August 23, 2024) – Mississippi College School of Law recently announced a partnership with Mississippi State University to allow qualified students to enroll in an accelerated juris doctorate program on the Jackson campus.
This new 3+3 program allows MSU students to enter MC Law’s Juris Doctorate (JD) program before fully earning a bachelor’s degree at MSU, reducing the total length of undergraduate plus law school by a full year.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum and MC President Blake Thompson signed the MOU along with MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw, MSU Executive Vice Provost Peter Ryan, MC Provost and Executive Vice President Mike Highfield and MC Law Dean John Anderson at a signing ceremony on August 21 in Starkville.
“Mississippi State and Mississippi College share similar values and a commitment to community, and I am thrilled that we have been able to partner with President Thompson and his leadership team to develop this accelerated academic pathway,” Keenum said. “It is an extraordinary opportunity for students, our institutions and the state of Mississippi.”
Qualified MSU students who have completed 75% of the courses required for a bachelor’s degree may be admitted to MC Law early. After the student successfully completes the first year of the JD program, MSU will award the student a corresponding bachelor’s degree.
Upon completion of the requirements for the JD degree, MC Law awards the student a professional diploma. MC Law accepts applications for admission in the following fall semester from September 1 through March 31.
“This new partnership between MSU and MC Law allows us to better serve Mississippi by bringing together our state’s largest land-grant university and its only law school in a capital city. The agreement provides tremendous benefits to students at both institutions and will help retain our most promising future lawyers in the state,” Thompson said.
“MC Law recently began a multi-million dollar renovation of our entire campus. Mississippi State University students admitted through this new 3+3 program will be greeted by beautiful new indoor and outdoor spaces designed to enhance their learning experience, personal well-being and access to all that our capital city has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome them,” said Anderson.
The accelerated MSU MC program meets the requirements of the American Bar Association. Students participating in the 3+3 program must be admitted to MC Law. They apply to law school through the application process provided by the LSAC.
