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Accelerated Law Degree

Bachelor's/J.D.

Shave a year off by completing both undergraduate and Law degrees in our accelerated program.

Get personalized attention at a law school that’s focused on you while also earning your bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Philosophy or Criminal Justice. UND’s specialized 3+3 track allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree while getting on the law school track early.

Program type:
Law Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
6 years
Credit hours:
180
  • How to Apply

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Why pursue accelerated J.D. programs?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Our unique program allows you to specialize in an undergraduate program while getting a jumpstart on law school. You complete both degrees in six years rather than seven — saving time and money.

  • The accelerated J.D. program establishes direct route for students interested in pursuing law at undergraduate level.
  • All three programs are designed to prepare you for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), as well as equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in law school or in just about any career.
  • Students enrolled in any of the majors will develop skills including analytical reading, critical thinking and logic, advanced oral and written communication, problem solving, advanced research skills and argument formation.
  • All three majors emphasize legal processes and institutions that offer excellent preparation to students for law school.

Accelerated J.D. Programs

You will complete the first three years of your undergraduate program in Criminal Justice, Philosophy or Political Science. The fourth year of your undergraduate degree will double count credits and meet the Essential Studies Capstone requirement to help you complete your bachelor's while you begin your coursework for the J.D.

  • Criminal Justice Studies (B.S.)
  • Journalism (B.A.)
  • Philosophy and Ethics (B.A.)
  • Political Science (B.A.)

3 Plus 3 Law Program

Join the Law (accelerated Bachelor's/J.D.) program by applying as an undergraduate student and declaring to one of the three degrees listed above. Then you will need to contact the pre-law coordinator for your track to get advising and more information to complete your admission into the accelerated 3 plus 3 law programs.

  • Criminal Justice Pre-Law Coordinator: Roni Mayzer
  • Journalism Pre-Law Coordinator: Emily Gibbens-Buteau
  • Philosophy Pre-Law Coordinator: Lucian Stone
  • Political Science Pre-Law Coordinator: Benjamin Kassow

Legal Studies Minor

Supplement your education with a minor in Legal Studies and develop a deep appreciation of how law impacts several aspects of our daily lives.

UND's Accelerated Law Degree

  • UND Law’s first-time North Dakota Bar Exam pass rate is 87%.

  • The Department of Philosophy & Ethics houses a library with a special collection of books and study aids specifically for pre-law students.

  • Join the Pre-Law Student Society to gain opportunities to engage with law faculty and alumni through the classroom, extensive office hours, advising, club participation, honor societies and regular social gatherings.

  • UND offers one of the most affordable university educations. North Dakota's only law degree and the upper Midwest's only combined B.A. or B.S./J.D. degree now has become even more affordable with a 3+3.

  • Our professors are internationally recognized researchers and award-winning teachers in areas directly related to pre-law studies. We excel in philosophy of law, ethics, social and political philosophy, legal studies, logic and more.

Accelerated Law Degree Careers

146k

Median annual salary for lawyers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for lawyers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

This program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers:

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Trust manager
  • Ethics and compliance officer
  • Policy analyst
  • Security officer
  • Police officer
  • Conflict resolution
  • Private practice attorney
  • Corporate counsel
  • State’s attorney
  • Criminal defense attorney
  • Public interest attorney

Law alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Crowley Fleck Pllp
  • Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
  • North Dakota Supreme Court
  • State of North Dakota
  • Conmy Feste, Ltd.

Law Courses

A&S 351. Introduction to Law and Legal Studies. 3 Credits.

Segments on Contracts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Torts, taught in customary law school manner to acquaint undergraduates and others interested in exploring a career in the legal profession with law school methodology and legal analysis. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing. S.

CJ 352. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credits.

An overview and examination of basic principles and techniques in the criminal investigations procedures and the rules of the law of evidence in criminal court proceedings. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major with junior/senior standing. F.

PHIL 371. Philosophy of Law. 3 Credits.

An investigation of the nature of both law and legal reasoning. Study of the nature of law focuses on theories of natural law, legal positivism, and legal realism. Legal reasoning concerns justified interpretation of precedent and statute within the common law tradition. Additional topics dealt with as time allows, encompass such issues as the justification of punishment and enforcement of morality. F.

POLS 305. American Constitution-Governmental Powers. 3 Credits.

American Constitution studied in light of U.S. Supreme Court decisions and interpretations; focus on government powers, federal relationships, and economic regulation. F.

POLS 306. American Constitution-Civil Liberties. 3 Credits.

Analyzes U.S. Supreme Court decisions and interpretations which focus on civil liberties; equal protections, due process, First Amendment rights. Prerequisite: POLS 115. S.

My Path to Giving Back

Alexandra Drews-Narine, a 3+3 accelerated law and philosophy major shares her journey from the workforce back to college, driven by a desire to serve the community.

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Explore More Options

Visit the Law School website or discover other ways you can join a combined program to get your J.D. and another degree at the same time.

  • School of Law
  • Pursue a combined degree

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