Accelerated Law School Pathway

The USM Accelerated Law School Pathway provides a plan for high-ability undergraduate students in participating degree programs to earn both the bachelor’s degree and the Juris Doctorate in six years of study. Pathways have been established for select USM programs and the law schools of The University of Mississippi and Mississippi College. Participating programs include Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Political Science.

Students interested in this pathway who did not apply as part of their undergraduate application to USM should consult with their advisor in their first semester to ensure timely completion of all requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must apply and select a participating degree program before the completion of 30 undergraduate credit hours, however, it is recommended that students apply during the initial USM admissions process.
• Applicants must possess a 24+ ACT or 1160 (SAT) score.
• Applicants must possess a 3.5 or higher high school GPA.
• AP/Dual enrollment credits are accepted and counted towards degree requirements as set forth in the Admission Policy of the USM Undergraduate Bulletin.

Accelerated Law School Pathway Requirements

• Students will complete an undergraduate course of study approved by USM that is equivalent in length and rigor to three-fourths of the course of study ordinarily required by USM for award of a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into laws school. Participating programs include Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Political Science.  Students should consult the advisor of those programs for specific requirements.
• Students must maintain a 3.25 GPA at all times to remain active in the Pathway.
• Students may only change their major to another participating undergraduate degree program while in the pathway plan.
• Students must take the LSAT and earn a competitive score no later than December of their 3rd year of full-time enrollment at USM.
• Students in the Accelerated Law School Pathway must be separately admitted to law school.  Students must apply to law school during the third year of undergraduate study using the standard process and criteria for law school admission to one of the law schools participating in this Pathway.  Students should be aware that the deadlines for application may vary by law school and participation in this pathway does not guarantee admittance to law school.
• Students will not be permitted to take undergraduate courses concurrently with their first year of law school coursework. If a student is not able to complete all necessary undergraduate coursework by the start of first year law school courses, the offer of admission will be withdrawn. In that instance, the student may reapply for admission the following year but the acceptance will not be deferred to the following year. The only students who may defer admission are those called to active military service. Students enrolled in law school pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to the same rules, policies and expectations as other law students.
• Students who withdraw from or fail to meet academic requirements during the first year of law school may return to USM and complete required coursework for the bachelor’s degree subject to USM policies and authorization. Upon return to USM, additional coursework may be required to meet degree requirements. Successfully completed law school coursework will apply toward the undergraduate degree consistent with USM transfer policies.
• Following successful completion of the first year of law school, with a grade of C or higher in each course, the undergraduate degree will be awarded by The University of Southern Mississippi; students are responsible for all required fees and satisfaction of university commencement deadlines.
• After the student completes the requirements for the J.D. degree, the law school shall award the student the J.D. degree; students are responsible for all required fees and satisfaction of commencement deadlines.