Undergraduates at the University of Mary Washington soon will have an accelerated path to law school, thanks to a new partnership with George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington.
The track, known as the 3+3 Accelerated Program, provides highly motivated UMW students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington and a law degree from GMU in six, rather than seven, years of study.
UMW is the first higher education institution outside of GMU to develop such an expedited relationship with the law school. Currently, the accelerated dual degree program with Scalia Law School is available only to George Mason students. The arrangement with UMW is effective fall semester.
“The joint program is a strong fit for our students,” said Richard Finkelstein, dean of UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Mary Washington’s curriculum provides students with the tools to think critically and communicate effectively, to respond flexibly to challenges and to work with diverse communities. Students needn’t pursue any one major or set of courses to excel in law school.”
Under the program, UMW students must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.25 grade point average and complete all core curriculum and required courses for their major within the first three years. They may apply for admission to Scalia Law School during their third year, after obtaining an acceptable score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
“We are pleased to partner with the University of Mary Washington to offer students an opportunity to earn their undergraduate and law degrees at lower cost and in less time than the traditional academic schedule requires,” said Henry N. Butler, dean and professor of law for Scalia Law School. “Our unique 3+3 program will provide highly motivated Mary Washington students with an excellent education at a terrific value. We look forward to welcoming more exceptional Mary Washington students into the Scalia Law community.”
Students who are interested in pursuing the accelerated law degree program must be approved by their undergraduate advisor during their freshman or sophomore year, according to Finkelstein.
For more information, contact Dean Finkelstein at rfinkels@umw.edu or 540-654-1052, visit UMW’s Accelerated and Early Admissions Partnership Programs or the GMU Antonin Scalia Law School 3+3 Accelerated Program.