UB Law, Medaille announce accelerated degree program

Medaille College students can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in just six years under a new agreement between Medaille and the UB School of Law.

The agreement, announced Oct. 7 by James A. Gardner, interim dean of the law school and Lori V. Quigley, Medaille vice president for academic affairs, is the first of its kind for both schools. Under the so-called 3+3 Program, students will complete their bachelor’s program in three years instead of the usual four, and their JD degree in an additional three years. Medaille will accept some UB Law courses to fulfill final requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students will be required to take the Law School Admission Test and apply to the UB law school during their junior year at Medaille. They also must meet specific admission requirements for entry into the law school, including a grade point average of at least 3.5 and two academic letters of recommendation.

“We were delighted to reach this agreement with Medaille College,” Gardner said. “Maintaining a student body of the best possible quality is a high priority for us. This agreement will help us to identify high-achieving undergraduates in our own back yard, and in turn will encourage some of Medaille’s best students to think about becoming lawyers. I look forward to seeing them on campus.”

The first students accepted at the law school through the program are expected to begin their legal studies in the 2017-18 academic year.

“Medaille College is thrilled to introduce the 3+3 program to our students who have both the academic ability and desire to accelerate their studies toward their law degree,” Quigley said. “It was a pleasure working with the law school in developing this joint venture in what we both believe will be a beneficial offering for those students who possess the talent and interest in an expedited curriculum.”

Medaille President Ken Macur noted that the 3+3 Program with the UB School of Law “allows our undergraduate students who seek a more challenging learning environment the opportunity to complete their educational journey at a pace more in keeping with their ability. This, in turn, stimulates greater interest and allows students to gain a true sense of accomplishment as they achieve their goals.”