MCLA Signs Agreement with WNEU School of Law
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has signed a 3 + 3 articulation agreement with Western New England University School of Law to establish a joint program leading to a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree.
With this agreement, signed Tuesday by MCLA President James F. Birge, WNEU Provost Linda Jones and WNEU School of Law Dean Eric Gouvin, qualified undergraduates at MCLA may substitute the first year at the law school for their senior year at MCLA. As a result, they may earn their bachelor’s degree and juris doctor degree in six years instead of the typical seven.
According to Birge, this new partnership allows both MCLA and WNEU to better serve the citizens of the commonwealth, as it draws outstanding students to both institutions.
“We are pleased to sign this agreement with the Western New England University School of Law,” Birge said. “This 3 + 3 arrangement will attract qualified and ambitious undergraduate students who seek a career in law. An accelerated course of study, this program will save them one year’s worth of time and tuition as it maintains high academic standards and provides a challenging and comprehensive curriculum.”
The program primarily is aimed at students who enter MCLA with a strong interest in law, or who develop an interest early in their undergraduate education, and whose career goals and legal education needs can be well served by WNEU’s School of Law.
Successful juniors will be admitted to the program upon a number of requirements, which include a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, a minimum score of 150 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), recommendations from members of MCLA’s Joint Programs Committee, fulfillment of all admissions requirements normally imposed by the Law School, and at least two semesters of undergraduate pre-law advisement.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is the commonwealth's public liberal arts college and a campus of the Massachusetts state university system. MCLA promotes excellence in learning and teaching, innovative scholarship, intellectual creativity, public service, applied knowledge, and active and responsible citizenship. MCLA graduates are prepared to be practical problem solvers and engaged, resilient global citizens.
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