A new partnership between Mississippi Christian University and Millsaps College allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree in six years – one year faster than the traditional route.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the MC School of Law and Millsaps College, signed on Monday, July 6, will create the “Pathway to Law School” initiative, anchored by the “3+3 Accelerated Law Degree Program.” This innovative program streamlines the academic journey for students who want to pursue a legal career.
Under the agreement, students who have completed three-fourths of the coursework required for a bachelor’s degree from Millsaps will be eligible for admission to the MC School of Law. After the student completes the first year of the JD program with a grade of C or higher in each course, Millsaps will assign academic credit based on the transfer equivalencies outlined in the participating degree program and award the appropriate bachelor’s degree. After the student completes all law school requirements, MC will award the JD degree.
“Through this partnership with Millsaps College, we are expanding opportunities for students, strengthening legal education across our state and helping ensure that future lawyers can pursue their calling and build their careers right here in Mississippi,” said MC President Blake Thompson.
“We are thrilled to partner with the MC School of Law to train the next generation of legal professionals,” said Frank Neville, president of Millsaps College. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creating innovative academic pathways that prepare Millsaps students for leadership and service. By establishing a faster, more affordable path to earning both a bachelor’s and a law degree, we’re giving our students a head start on their careers.”
MC School of Law Dean John Anderson said the agreement reflects MC’s commitment to building thoughtful partnerships that expand opportunity for students across Mississippi.
“By creating a streamlined pathway to the Juris Doctor, we are reducing both the time and cost required to earn a law degree while upholding the rigor and excellence of the MC School of Law,” Anderson said. “We are grateful for this collaboration and look forward to welcoming Millsaps College students to MC Law.”
Students participating in the accelerated degree program may earn an undergraduate degree in history, political science or administration of justice. They must take the Law School Admission Test and earn a competitive score no later than December of their third year of full-time enrollment at Millsaps.
Participating students must apply to law school no later than February of the third year of undergraduate study using the standard process and criteria for law school admission.
Transfer students are not eligible for the program; only incoming freshmen with an ACT score of 26 or higher or an SAT score of 1180 or higher will qualify.
Once admitted, students are expected to maintain at least a 3.25 GPA in their undergraduate work to remain competitive for early admission to the MC School of Law. Acceptance into the 3+3 program does not automatically guarantee admission to the MC School of Law.
The agreement also includes application fee waivers, a CAS Report waiver and plans for a jointly produced lecture series featuring distinguished legal scholars and alumni on the Millsaps campus. These events will explore pressing legal issues and foster dialogue between law and liberal arts disciplines.
The memorandum of understanding will remain in effect for five years and underscores both institutions’ commitment to promoting access, excellence and cultural engagement in legal education.