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William Carey University students who want to pursue careers as attorneys can save time and expense through a new partnership between WCU and University of Mississippi School of Law – the Accelerated Law School Pathway.
“This dynamic partnership between two of Mississippi’s leading institutions of higher education will give students a faster pathway to serving their communities. We are honored to join the University of Mississippi School of Law in this endeavor,” said Dr. Noal Cochran, WCU provost.
The Accelerated Law School Pathway will enable motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years – instead of seven.
Here’s how it works:
- William Carey students in the program complete three-quarters of the coursework required for a bachelor’s degree.
- During their junior year, they go through the competitive process of taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and applying to the University of Mississippi’s law school.
- At the start of what would have been their senior year at WCU, they enter law school. At the end of their first year there, William Carey University awards their bachelor’s degrees.
- After two more years of law school, the University of Mississippi School of Law confers its Juris Doctor (law) degrees.
It’s called a “3+3 Program” because the last year of a student’s undergraduate studies and first year of law school overlap.
“This partnership gives exceptional William Carey students a head start on their legal education. By completing both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years instead of seven, students can enter the profession sooner and begin making an impact that much earlier,” said Dr. Frederick G. Slabach, dean of the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Dr. Joshua Tucker, assistant dean, agreed: “Preparing the next generation of lawyers starts long before the first day of law school. By engaging students early, we help them build confidence, clarity, and a stronger foundation for success.”
The partnership was formalized Nov. 19 during a signing ceremony at WCU’s Gillespie Museum of Art. The Accelerated Law School Pathway program will go into effect in fall 2026.
For more information, email provost@wmcarey.edu.
Dr. Ben Burnett, left, and Dr. Frederick G. Slabach finalize a new partnership, the Accelerated Law School Pathway, during a ceremony at William Carey University.
William Carey University welcomed University of Mississippi School of Law representatives to a signing ceremony Nov. 19 to formalize a new partnership – the Accelerated Law School Pathway. Shown from left are: Dr. Ben Burnett, WCU president; Dr. Noal Cochran, WCU provost; Dr. Frederick G. Slabach, dean of the UM School of Law; and Dr. Joshua Tucker, assistant dean of UM School of Law.
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