Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law has expanded upon its 3+3 partnerships, signing an agreement with Jacksonville State University. This partnership creates an accelerated pathway for qualified students to earn both their undergraduate and law degrees in just six years, reducing time and cost to complete both.
Through the program, qualified students may complete their first year of law school coursework during their senior year, with those credits counting toward their undergraduate degree.
The partnership was formally recognized during a signing ceremony on campus in May, where leaders from both institutions emphasized the program’s impact on student success and affordability.
Cumberland School of Law Dean Blake Hudson noted the growing importance of accelerated programs in today’s higher education landscape.
“In today’s resource-constrained world, students are coming out with a lot of debt,” Hudson said. “If you can make it a year shorter, it makes a big difference in their debt levels. Students are also deciding what they want to do earlier, and if you can get them on that path and make it clear, I think it’s a great opportunity.”
The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Cumberland School of Law and Jacksonville State, strengthening a pipeline that helps prepare students for success in law school and beyond.
“This is about creating more opportunity for our students,” said Jacksonville State President Don C. Killingsworth Jr. “For those who know they want to pursue law, this gives them a clear path to a highly respected program like Cumberland while saving time and cost along the way. We’re proud to open that door and help connect our students to that next step.”
Lori Owens, professor of political science and dean of the Honors College and Special Programs at Jacksonville State, said interest in law school continues to grow across a wide range of academic disciplines.
“We have a growing number of students across majors who are considering law school,” Owens said. “The variety is very wide now. It’s not your standard major anymore. Cumberland has been a great partner with us for many years, and we hope to send even more students now that we have this opportunity.”
Under the agreement, students in approved majors may apply for the 3+3 program after completing required coursework. Those admitted to Cumberland will begin law school during their senior year at Jacksonville State, with their first-year law courses counting as elective credit toward their undergraduate degree.
To be eligible, students must complete all requirements of their undergraduate major, apply and be admitted to Cumberland School of Law and follow an approved 3+3 course plan of study.
