Program Overview
St. Thomas University's 3 + 3 BA/JD program allows high-achieving students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor in just six years. The program combines three years of undergraduate coursework with three years of law school, providing a strong foundation in law and legal principles. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in law, including lawyer, judge, and legal researcher.
Program Outline
Degree Overview: The 3 + 3 BA/JD program at St. Thomas University allows students to complete their bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (JD) in six years instead of the traditional seven. This program is designed for high-achieving students who are eager to begin their legal career as early as possible.
Objectives:
- Allow students to complete their bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor in six years.
- Provide students with a strong foundation in law and legal principles.
- Prepare students for the bar exam and a successful legal career.
Program Description:
The 3 + 3 BA/JD program consists of three years of undergraduate coursework and three years of law school coursework. During the first three years, students will complete 90 credits of undergraduate coursework in their chosen major.
Some of the majors that are compatible with this program include:
- Political Science
- English
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice In addition to their major coursework, students will also take a series of pre-law courses that will prepare them for the rigors of law school. These courses include:
- Introduction to Political Science
- Introduction to American Government
- State And Local Government
- Immigration Law Politics
- International Human Rights Law
- Law And Politics
- American Constitutional Law
- The American Presidency
- Public Administration
- The Legislative Process
- American History I
- American History II
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Multigenre Research And Writing
- Multicultural America: Present
- Contracts
- Torts
- Property
- Criminal Law
- Constitutional Law
- Civil Procedure
- Evidence
- Legal Writing
- Legal Research
Outline: The 3 + 3 BA/JD program at St. Thomas University is a rigorous and demanding program. Students should be prepared to commit a significant amount of time and effort to their studies. The program is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: Undergraduate Studies
During the first three years of the program, students will complete 90 credits of undergraduate coursework in their chosen major. They will also take a series of pre-law courses that will prepare them for the rigors of law school.
Phase 2: Law School Studies
During the final three years of the program, students will complete their law school coursework. This coursework will cover a wide range of legal topics.
Assessment: Students in the 3 + 3 BA/JD program will be assessed in a variety of ways. These assessments may include:
- Exams: Students will be required to take exams in all of their courses.
- Papers: Students will be required to write papers in many of their courses.
- Presentations: Students may be required to give presentations in some of their courses.
- Participation: Students will be assessed on their participation in class.
Teaching: The 3 + 3 BA/JD program at St. Thomas University is taught by a faculty of experienced and qualified professors. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to new legal concepts.
- Seminars: Seminars are used to allow students to discuss legal concepts in more depth.
- Case studies: Case studies are used to help students apply legal concepts to real-world situations.
- Clinical experiences: Clinical experiences allow students to gain practical experience in the law.
Careers: Graduates of the 3 + 3 BA/JD program at St. Thomas University are prepared for a variety of careers in law. Some of the most common career paths for graduates include:
- Lawyer: Lawyers represent clients in court and provide legal advice.
- Judge: Judges preside over court cases and make legal rulings.
- Professor: Law professors teach law at universities and colleges.
- Legal researcher: Legal researchers conduct research on legal issues.
- Policy analyst: Policy analysts develop and analyze government policies.
Other:
- Students in the 3 + 3 BA/JD program are eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships.
- The program has a strong alumni network that can provide students with support and guidance.
- The program is located in Miami, Florida, which is a major legal center.
St. Thomas University
Overview:
St. Thomas University is a Catholic university located in Miami Gardens, Florida. It is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters academic and professional success for its students. The university aims to prepare its graduates to become ethical leaders in a global community.
Services Offered:
St. Thomas University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university provides academic advising, tutoring, and writing centers to help students succeed in their studies.Student Life:
The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.Career Services:
The university provides career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.Financial Aid:
The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.Housing:
The university provides on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The university has a well-equipped library with a vast collection of books, journals, and other resources.Athletics:
The university offers a variety of athletic programs for students to participate in.Student Life and Campus Experience:
St. Thomas University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience. Students can participate in sports, clubs, and other activities that align with their interests. The university also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, and conferences.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Catholic Values:
The university is rooted in Catholic values and provides a faith-based learning environment.Diverse Community:
The university has a diverse student body and faculty, creating a rich and inclusive learning environment.Small Class Sizes:
The university offers small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from professors.Location:
The university is located in Miami Gardens, Florida, providing students with access to a vibrant city and its many cultural attractions.Career-Focused Programs:
The university offers a variety of career-focused programs that prepare students for success in the workforce.Academic Programs:
St. Thomas University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several colleges and schools:
Biscayne College:
Offers programs in the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities.Gus Machado College of Business:
Offers programs in business administration, accounting, finance, and marketing.College of Law:
Offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.College of Health Sciences & Technology:
Offers programs in nursing, health sciences, and technology.Other:
Entry Requirements:
- High School GPA: 3.0 or higher
- SAT/ACT: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these are not currently required.
- Undergraduate GPA: 3.0 or higher
- LSAT Score: Minimum of 150
- Moral Fitness and Character: Meet the requirements set out in the St. Thomas University School of Law admissions application.
Additional Requirements:
- Completion of 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework before entering the Law School program.
- Fulfillment of all major requirements before entering the Law School program.
Additional Notes:
- Transfer students are not eligible for the 3 + 3 BA/JD program.
- Incoming first-semester freshmen must have a high school G.P.A. of 3.0 as calculated by St. Thomas University.
- Students must apply for admission to the STU Law School by March 1st of their junior year.
- The LSAT must be taken no later than the February Administration during the student’s junior year.
- Final admission decisions are made by St. Thomas University School of Law by June 1st.
- Upon successful completion of 30 law school credits, St. Thomas University will award the participating student their bachelor’s degree.
- Students who are removed from the BA-JD program because they have not met the requirements may complete their coursework towards their bachelor’s degree with no penalty.
- Florence Bayuk Educational Trust Scholarship: https://www.stu.edu/give/scholarships/florence-bayuk-educational-trust-scholarship/
