Partnership with University of Maine School of Law

Saint Joseph’s College’s partnership with the University of Maine School of Law allows eligible students to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years. In this accelerated 3 + 3 program, students complete three years of undergraduate work at Saint Joseph’s College followed by three years of law school at Maine School of Law in Portland, Maine.

This partnership allows Saint Joseph’s College students to apply for admission to Maine Law’s Juris Doctor (JD) program in their junior year. Successful applicants enroll in law school in what would be their senior year. After the successful completion of their first year of Maine Law’s JD Program, students earn the credits needed for a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s College.

Students interested in the accelerated program may enroll in any program major of interest offered at Saint Joseph’s College. In their sophomore year, students with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher may formally declare their interest in the 3 + 3 program. At that time, they are assigned a pre-law faculty advisor in addition to their major faculty advisor. The pre-law advisor works with the students to keep them on track with program’s admissions criteria.

The Program Objectives of the 3+3 Program are:

• To provide students who demonstrate a strong interest in law with an opportunity for substantial savings of time and tuition;
• To attract candidates to undergraduate Partner Universities with the incentive of an expedited track to law school;
• To engage undergraduate students at Partner Universities with Law School activities, orient them to opportunities for the study and practice of law, and familiarize them with the Law School;
• To facilitate collaboration among the Law School and the Partner Universities; and
• To contribute substantively to the Partner Universities and enhance the Law School’s state-wide identity as a legal and educational resource.