Law School 3+3 Program web site

Program Overview

The Arts and Sciences/Law Degree 3+3 Program is a joint degree program combining a bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts & Sciences and a doctor of jurisprudence from the Law School in a six-year program.  Students in the program apply for admission to the Law School during their junior year of their undergraduate work.  Students admitted to the Law School, receive a bachelor’s degree after successfully completing their first year of Law School.  Students in this program complete the normal degree requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences, including all requirements for the Drake Curriculum and an undergraduate major. To declare an intent to pursue the Arts and Sciences/Law Degree 3+3 Program, please complete the Change of Records Request form found in your Student Records tab in my.Drake.edu

Degree Option

Under the 3+3 option, qualified students in the College of Arts & Sciences may complete both the bachelor’s degree and doctor of jurisprudence requirements within six years.  Through the program, participants complete nearly all requirements for their undergraduate degree in the first three years, and if accepted into the Law School, finish their requirements for their undergraduate degree during the first year of law school.

Academic Preparation

An undergraduate major in the College of Arts and Sciences lays an ideal foundation for the study and practice of law.  Through the major coursework and Drake Curriculum, students will develop the ability to think analytically and critically, read widely and well, and communicate effectively, all of which will be crucial to a career in the legal field.  Students work closely with their academic advisors to create an academic plan that allows them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Drake Law School has proven connections to the bench and bar. The law school is one of four federally endowed law schools in constitutional law and also specializes in agriculture and food law, legislative practice and children’s rights. Alumni pursue private practice and public service. 

Pathway Credit Requirements

During the first three years, 3+3 participants in the College of Arts and Sciences must:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete all requirements for a major in the College of Arts and Sciences		Varies
Complete all Drake Curriculum requirements (AOI or Honors track, First Year Seminar (FYS), Equity and Inclusion designated course, and Upper Level courses – at least 40 credits of courses numbered 100 and above)		Varies
Electives at the undergraduate level		Varies
TOTAL during first three years 1		90
Electives - Satisfied by first-year Law School courses		30
Total Hours		120

¹

Of the at least 90 total credits required, no fewer than 40 credits must be in courses numbered 100 and above.

 Once a student has successfully completed Law School courses necessary to fulfill the required 120 hours of coursework for the bachelor's degree, the bachelor's degree will be awarded. A student may withdraw from the Arts and Sciences/3+3 law program at any time and complete their undergraduate study for the bachelor's degree.