Widener University 3+3 Juris Doctor
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Overview

Immaculata and Widener University Delaware Law School offer an accelerated bachelor’s degree leading to a Juris Doctor degree in six years instead of seven. This collaboration, which saves you time and money, offers two special admissions programs for Immaculata undergraduate students: a 3+3 early admission program and a guaranteed admissions program.

Once accepted into the 3+3 program, you complete three years of undergraduate coursework at Immaculata before transferring to Delaware Law School as a full-time, first-year law student.

Opportunities

According to the Occupational Information Network, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, median salaries for those entering law careers include:

  • Lawyers: $119,250
  • Adjudicators, hearing officers: $94,790
  • Judges, magistrates: $133,840
  • Arbitrators, mediators, conciliators: $60,670

Degrees & Programs

After completing three years as an undergraduate student at Immaculata and gaining admission to the Law School through the 3+3 program, you will become a law student and will follow the usual course of study for a full-time, first-year student. Upon successful completion of your first year, the credits you earned will count toward the JD degree and as elective credits sufficient to complete your requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Merit Scholarship Award

Delaware Law offers a minimum $30,000 merit scholarship to all Immaculata students who meet the criteria for the 3+3 early admission program and attend Delaware Law on a full-time basis. This award will be renewable provided the student maintains good academic standing at Delaware Law. The award will be subject to terms and conditions outlined at the time of acceptance.

In addition, you will also be considered for any need-based financial aid for which you would be normally considered.

Admission Requirements

If you are a transfer student interested in this program, Immaculata may accept up to 34 transfer credits.

In the 3+3 early admission and guaranteed admissions program, you will be admitted to Delaware Law if you:

  • completed 75% of your bachelor degree
  • earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher through six semester at Immaculata
  • achieved an LSAT score that meets or exceeds the median LSAT score of Delaware Law’s most recent entering class
  • satisfied all Delaware Law admissions requirements relating to character and fitness
  • submitted a completed application by April 1 of the calendar year in which you intend to enroll.

 

What are the advantages of the 3+3 Program?

The 3+3 Program provides a fast track to a career in law, allowing you to join the legal profession one year earlier. After three years of undergraduate study, you do not return to the undergraduate college for a senior year; rather, you enter Delaware as a full-time, first year law student. The program will save you one year’s worth of tuition and time.

What type of student should participate in the 3+3 program?

Because the 3+3 program provides a fast track to law school in six rather than seven years, participating students should be highly motivated to achieve academically. Many participants will come into their undergraduate study in possession of advanced credits that make it easier for them to complete their core curriculum and major specific courses in the shortened time frame. Additionally, because the average age of a law student is 25, and many possess advanced degrees or are already working in professional settings, it is recommended that applicants feel confident about their skill-set and demonstrate a high level of maturity.

How do I apply to participate in the program?

Once admitted as an undergraduate, if interested in the 3+3 program, you complete a Program Participation Form indicating your interest in the accelerated program. The form does not obligate you to complete the 3+3 program or to attend Delaware Law School; it simply starts the process.

What criteria must be met for me to continue in the program once I have matriculated at the undergraduate college?

You must select a major at your undergraduate college that can be completed within three years. In other words, you must be able to complete all core curriculum and major courses by the conclusion of your third year of study at the undergraduate level. You should maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA during your studies because you will need that minimum GPA to gain admission to the law school. You must take the LSAT in June of your second year of undergraduate work or in October or December of your third year of undergraduate work. You must obtain a score equal to or exceeding the median LSAT of the preceding year for Delaware Law School’s entering students. You must submit your law school application no later than April 1 of the calendar year in which you want to matriculate into the law school and then participate in an interview with admissions staff at the law school.

What undergraduate program is the best fit?

We do not require any specific course of study or background in particular subjects. You should pursue subjects in which you have an interest. Frequently, it helps law students to be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, so you may want to consider some courses that finesse those skills. There are a number of majors where the major requirements and core curriculum can be completed in three years including but not limited to: Communications, History and Politics. If you have questions regarding additional majors you may speak with the Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies.

If I have questions, to whom do I speak?

Once you decide to participate in the program, you are required to work closely with your undergraduate advisor to be sure you are on track in terms of your major and core curricular requirements. If you have questions about law school and/or the law school application process, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Associate Dean & Director of Admissions for the law school. The law school admissions staff is always available to answer your questions. In fact, they will be on the main campus once each semester for a general information session and for individual meetings with you as needed.

How many students can participate in the program each year?

Currently there are no minimum or maximum number of students per year. We seek to enroll all students who are qualified and sincerely interested in this accelerated program.

If admitted to the law school, what happens my undergraduate senior year/law school first year?

Once you gain admission to the law school, rather than return to the undergraduate campus for a “senior year,” you will become a full-time first year law student at Delaware Law School. You will follow the usual course of study for full-time first year law student. Upon successful completion of your first year of law study, the credits earned will be counted toward the JD degree and as elective credits sufficient to complete your undergraduate university’s requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Your first year law grades will not be included with your university grades in calculating your undergraduate grade point average. If, for whatever reason, you elect to withdraw from the law program or if you fail to complete successfully the first year of law school, you may return without reapplication to your undergraduate university for completion of your bachelor’s degree. All students earning a baccalaureate degree from Immaculata University must complete the requirements at Immaculata University. Including the fulfillment of all financial obligations to Immaculata University.

Once I begin law school, what happens to my financial aid package?

Students participating in a 3+3 Program may apply for financial aid. If deemed eligible to receive financial aid, during the first three years of the program, students work with the undergraduate financial aid office and will receive financial assistance in the amounts appropriate for an undergraduate student. Once the student is officially accepted in the law school the student will receive financial aid at the graduate aid levels and will work with the law school’s financial aid office. Once you begin law school you will be a professional student at Delaware Law School and you will pay the tuition and fees of the law school.

Once I have elected to participate in the 3+3 Program, must I attend Delaware Law School?

The answer to this question is “no.” Participating in the program can benefit you but your election to participate does not obligate you to attend Delaware Law School. You may decide to complete your four years of undergraduate education at your undergraduate institution and go onto to another law school, take a job, or pursue some other course of higher education; the choice is yours.

Testimonial

Kelly Jurs ’00

B.A. in English, Immaculata
J.D., Loyola University, New Orleans College of Law

Attorney,
Gawthrop Greenwood, P.C.

Immaculata provided a solid foundation for law school and a career in law. I gained the confidence to express myself and challenge ideas, and learned compassion and empathy—both invaluable in family law and criminal defense.

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