Why Earn Your Law Degree at Saint Leo University?
The 3+3 accelerated law program is an intense yet rewarding and high-value opportunity for qualified and highly motivated students to earn two degrees in just six years - a bachelor's degree, followed by a Juris Doctor degree.
Benefits of the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program
- Earn your bachelor's degree in three years, rather than four.
- Take pride in the prestige of being accepted into such an elite academic program.
- Gain a competitive edge over your peers, graduating with two high-value degrees in less time.
- Have the ability to enter the workforce earlier, armed with an advanced degree that will likely increase career opportunities and earning potential.
- Save an entire year's worth of tuition, fees, and housing costs that are traditionally necessary to earn both degrees.
How the Program Works
If you have a serious interest in becoming a lawyer, this program could be the right fit for you! the 3+3 Accelerated Law program gives students the opportunity to complete their bachelor's degree in three years, rather than the traditional four years. While completing their Saint Leo undergraduate program requirements, qualified third year students can apply to Florida State University College of Law School or Barry University's School of Law.
Students in the 3+3 Accelerated Law program follow the same undergraduate curricula of our traditional programs, but all degree program requirements must be completed in three years. This includes the student's University Explorations courses, major program courses, and Legal Studies Minor courses. The remaining credits required to graduate will be completed during the student's first year of Law School and transferred back to Saint Leo as elective credits.
Learning Experience:
Campus
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Graduate 3+3 Accelerated Law Program Details
Curriculum
Students in the 3+3 Accelerated Law program follow the same undergraduate curricula of our traditional programs, but all degree program requirements must be completed in three years. This includes the student's University Explorations courses, major program courses, and Legal Studies Minor courses. Transfer, AP, IB and dual-enrollment credits earned by high school students before graduation can also be applied. The remaining credits required to graduate will be completed during the student's first year of Law School and transferred back to Saint Leo as elective credits. In this way, students will acquire the credits necessary to earn their bachelor's degree.
University Explorations (42 Credits)
Saint Leo's University Explorations is the university's general education program. Students will complete 42 credits in this program which includes 12 credits of English Composition, Mathematics, and computer skills, and 30 credit hours spread over five learning clusters representing the liberal arts and sciences (science, literature, history, sociology, psychology, religion, philosophy, the arts and humanities.
Students Selected Major Program (+/- 36 Credits)
Students will choose any Saint Leo University major to participate in the 3+3 Accelerated Law School Program.
Legal Studies Minor (18 Credits)
- POL 326 United States Constitutional Law I (3 credits)
- POL 327 United States Constitutional Law II (3 credits)
- CRM 321 Substantive Criminal Law (3 credits)
- CRM 322 Law of Criminal Procedure (3 credits)
- GBA 231 Business Law I (3 credits)
- GBA 332 Business Law II (3 credits)
Eligibility Requirements
Students seeking to be accepted into the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program should have maintained exceptional grades throughout their high school careers (minimum 3.5 GPA). They should also possess excellent reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, they should have participated in law-related activities during high school, such as internships, clubs, student government, classes, volunteering, shadowing, and other pursuits. To be successful in this program, students will have to remain highly motivated, self-directed, and ready to engage in a rigorous course of study.
Students whose credentials fall just below the minimum eligibility requirements and are interested in being considered for admission into a 3+3 accelerated law degree program should alert their Saint Leo admissions counselor.
Cost and Aid
Saint Leo has the lowest tuition rate of any private college that offers the 3+3 program in Florida, and we award generous financial aid packages to reduce out-of-pocket costs even further. Students enrolled in the program can expect to receive between $9,000 and $10,000 in institutional aid and may also qualify for additional merit-based awards.
How to Apply
Students will need to apply to Saint Leo University and be accepted. After acceptance into Saint Leo University, prospective candidates will need to apply and be accepted into the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program. 3+3 Accelerated Law Program candidates that qualify will apply for admission to Florida State University's College of Law or Barry University's School of Law during their third year
Specialized Academic Advising
Because the time frame necessary to complete the program will vary depending upon each student's unique circumstances at the time of entry, academic advising is a crucial part of this program. Personalized, one-on-one advising from a dedicated accelerated degree program advisor is one of the hallmarks of this program and ensures that students stay on track for timely progress to graduation.
3+3 Program Facilitators
Dr. Heather Parker (3+3 Program Advisor)
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences | Professor of History
Office: (352) 588-7894 | Email: heather.parker02@saintleo.edu
Next Steps
For more information about the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program at Saint Leo University, Contact the Program Advisor, Heather Parker at heather.parker02@saintleo.edu, or schedule a visit and explore Saint Leo's vibrant academic community in person. You can also read Florida State University's College of Law and Saint Leo's partnership.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
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What are the benefits of earning your degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering accelerated law degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the psychology degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with a graduate accelerated law degree?
Typical career paths for law school graduates include:
- Lawyer
- Mediator
- Politician
- Campaign Manager
- Lobbyist
- Legal Advocate
- Political Analyst
- Legal or Political Consultant
College of Arts & Sciences
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The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.
Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.
Student Stories
"Saint Leo's Creative Writing MA program helped me immensely as a reader and a writer. Learning to read not only what is in a story, but paying careful attention to how it's written, is just one of the memorable gifts I received from this program's helpful faculty and encouraging environment."
Janna Correa, (Fiction, 2022)
This program allows growth as a writer and as a person. The experience was absurdly personal. Absurd because of the organic evolution fostered by its leadership and absurd because of the personal touches from the instructors. Why expect that? St. Leo is invested in its students. You get more than you bargained for.
Jimmy Sutman, (Poetry, 2022)
It can be intimidating to go back to school after decades of being in the workforce. But as a non-traditional student, I felt nothing but a warm welcome from Saint Leo faculty and my classmates. I started my first semester at another university and wasn't happy. I transferred to Saint Leo and learned more than I could have ever imagined in this program. Best decision I ever made. Thanks to my studies there, I'm getting ready to release my first book at the end of this year!
Lisa Moody, (Nonfiction, 2021)
Being a part of the Creative Writing program at Saint Leo was the right choice for me, as it allowed me to pursue my degree from another state while also working a full-time job. I was still able to have the invaluable experience of connecting with a group of like-minded writers through the in-person residency, and I still maintain those relationships today. Through your coursework in this program, you will both read and write quality work and have constant support and encouragement from professors who really do care about your future as a writer.
Susan Abercrombie, (Nonfiction, 2021)
I enjoyed the close-knit literary community that Saint Leo University provided in the Creative Writing Nonfiction program. The instructors are a very experienced, passionate, and supportive group. I am a confident and better writer because of the workshops, the effective and inspiring feedback from faculty, and peer support.
Tisha Arther, (Nonfiction, 2022)
When I started the MA in Creative Writing at Saint Leo University, I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know if I would be able to fit into the program. After I left my first day of residency, I never questioned the absolute certainty that I had finally found where I belonged as a writer. The faculty were knowledgeable and encouraging, my peers were talented and welcoming, and the university offered an experience catered to my success. Participating in this program absolutely changed the trajectory of my life - as both a student and educator.
Danielle Knight, (Fiction, 2020)
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
