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Students in Capitol Rotunda

Academics

Law school isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Kent State, you can choose the path that fits you — through your major or the 3+3 program — and build the skills, experiences and connections that will carry you into your legal career.

Two Paths to Law School Success

Option 1: Your Major, Your Legal Path

Law doesn’t require a specific major—you can excel from any discipline. Some options include:

  • Business
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • STEM majors and many more.

The pre-law minor allows you to gain core skills—logical reasoning, case interpretation, negotiation, written and oral advocacy—that prepare you for both law school and impactful careers.

Option 2: Fast-Track to Your JD: The 3+3 Program

In partnership with five Ohio law schools (The University of Akron, Capital University, Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Dayton), this program allows a bachelor’s + Juris Doctor degree (JD) in six years.

  • Years 1–3: Fulfill general education + major requirements
  • Year 3: Apply to law school
  • Year 4: Begin law coursework (counts toward both degrees)

The 3 + 3 Accelerated Law Degree Program

Kent State University has partnered with five Ohio law schools to create an accelerated pathway to law school. 

Interested students will follow a three-year degree plan based on one of more than 20 majors, completing general education and major requirements during these first three years.

Prior to their junior year, interested students will apply to their law school(s) of interest. Once accepted, students will use their fourth year of undergraduate education for their first year of law school courses, transferring those credits back to Kent State to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Students will then complete two additional years at their law school to earn their Juris Doctor (JD).

Meet Our Law School Partners:

  • Capital University Law School
  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law
  • Cleveland State University School of Law
  • University of Akron School of Law
  • University of Dayton School of Law

Benefits

Save a year of tuition and living expenses

By completing your first year of law school as your final undergraduate year, you avoid paying for an additional year of college housing, meals, and fees while also reducing your total tuition costs. This can result in significant financial savings while shortening your overall time in school.

Enter the legal field sooner

The 3+3 pathway allows you to graduate with both your bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven, giving you a head start on bar preparation, clerkships, and legal employment. This earlier entry into the workforce can advance your earning potential and professional growth.

Maintain continuity with your undergraduate preparation

Instead of stepping away from your undergraduate momentum, the 3+3 program allows you to immediately apply your undergraduate learning to the study of law. Your research, writing, and critical thinking skills stay sharp while you transition seamlessly into law school.

Access advising and mentorship to prepare for success in law school

Students in the 3+3 program receive tailored advising to plan their coursework and law school applications strategically. You also gain mentorship opportunities with faculty who understand the demands of law school, helping you build a realistic plan for managing your workload and expectations.

Advising and Next Steps

Students interested in the 3+3 program are required to meet with the program advisor to discuss eligibility, course planning and law school applications. Please email Erin Franczak at efrancz1@kent.edu to schedule a meeting virtually, in-person or via phone.

Contact the Pre-law Center

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