BEXLEY, Ohio,  — The University of Mount Union and Capital University have announced the expansion of Capital’s 3+3 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/Juris Doctor (J.D.) program to Mount Union students.

The expansion enables law school hopefuls from Mount Union to earn both undergraduate and law degrees in just six years instead of the standard seven-year timeframe. Capital was the first undergraduate institution and corresponding law school in Ohio to offer this accelerated option, launching to its own students in 2015.

“By expanding this program to students at the University of Mount Union, Capital is providing a more direct path to legal education for highly motivated students with law school aspirations,” said Dr. Jody Fournier, provost and vice president for learning at Capital University. “Our program blends rigor with individual attention and community-engaged learning experiences in the capital city of Columbus, ensuring that students enter the legal profession practice-ready with a strong sense of purpose and connections that empower them to impact our community and the world – both personally and professionally.” 

"The agreement between the University of Mount Union and Capital University on a 3+3 Bachelor of Arts/Juris Doctor program offers an attractive alternative to the traditional law school path for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in law,” said Dr. Francis Schortgen, associate professor and chair of the department of political science and international studies at the University of Mount Union. “The standards of academic excellence and rigor that define Mount Union's political science program and Capital's law program ensure that graduates of the 3+3 program are fully prepared and ready to capitalize on the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the professional world." 

The 3+3 bachelor’s to J.D. program allows qualified Capital University students to choose any bachelor’s degree and count existing first-year courses in the J.D. curriculum toward their final undergraduate elective course requirements. University of Mount Union students pursuing an undergraduate major in political science can now do the same. Students must complete approximately 100 credit hours in the first three years at their undergraduate institution, followed by the J.D. curriculum at Capital University Law School, to earn dual degrees. Wrapping up its second full year at Capital, this offering is now available immediately for incoming and current undergraduate students at both institutions.