Cumberland School of Law 3+3 Program at Samford University

Is This Program for Me?

Samford University Cumberland School of Law offers an established 3+3 program for aspiring lawyers to accelerate their undergraduate and law degree tracks. This program allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years rather than the traditional seven.

Qualified students may begin law school after three years of undergraduate study if they have completed all requirements set by their undergraduate university or college within the 3+3 agreement. With written approval from their department head, students may enter Cumberland School of Law. After successfully completing the first year of law school, the student is awarded their bachelor’s degree.

Admission to the accelerated program follows the standard law school application process. The ideal time to apply is before December 31 of junior year.

During the first year at Cumberland, students complete 30 credit hours of the standard law curriculum. Some credits apply toward the undergraduate major, while others count as upper level electives. If a student withdraws before completing the first year, any successfully completed law courses will still count toward the bachelor’s degree.

For Samford students, the fourth year undergraduate scholarship covers the first year of law school. If the Cumberland scholarship is higher, Cumberland will cover the difference. Students do not receive both full awards simultaneously. Cumberland funds the full scholarship amount for the second and third years. Law students are classified as graduate students and may qualify for increased federal aid and higher loan limits.

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Other 3+3 Partnerships

In addition to Samford University, Cumberland School of Law partners with prelaw programs at six other institutions to provide their students with the same opportunity. Established partnerships include those with Austin Peay State University, Jacksonville State University, Oakwood University, Troy University, Tuskegee University and the University of Montevallo.

If you attend or are planning to attend one of these schools, please check their websites and contact your prelaw adviser to ensure you meet the requirements.

“Participating in the 3+3 program is the perfect path for someone who knows that attending law school is their ultimate goal. As a first-generation law student, the program took much of the uncertainty out of the process by providing clear guidance and structure for how to achieve my dream of being a lawyer. It also saved valuable time and money by allowing me to complete both my undergraduate and law degrees in six years.” —Chloe Mills

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3+3 program?

An accelerated path that lets you start law school after your junior year and earn a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years rather than seven.

Who can apply?

Qualified students may begin law school after three years of undergraduate study if they have completed all requirements set by their undergraduate university or college within the 3+3 agreement.

How do I apply?

Through the standard Cumberland School of Law application. Strong applicants typically have a 3.0+ GPA and an LSAT at or above the current class median.

Are there other universities that have 3+3 partnerships with Cumberland School of Law?

Yes. Outside of Samford, Cumberland School of Law has partnerships with Austin Peay State University, Jacksonville State University, Oakwood University, Troy University, Tuskegee University and the University of Montevallo.

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