Accelerated Bachelor/JD 3+3 Program

Save a year on your pathway to obtain a JD degree with Seattle University’s 3+3 Program: Spend three years getting an undergraduate degree and then three years in SU Law School.

  1. Admissions & Aid
  2. Undergraduate Admissions
  3. First-Year Admissions
  4. Accelerated Bachelor JD 3+3
Alex Romero, JD, Class of 2019 standing inside a campus building

If you’re one of the thousands of undergraduates who know they want to attend law school, consider Seattle University’s 3+3 program. This program allows you to attend one of 14 undergraduate degrees for three years and then apply for admission to our School of Law. If accepted, you attend three years of law school and graduate with your JD and bachelor’s degree in six total years.

Ready to Apply?

Apply to the 3+3 Program and take your first step towards the prerequisites for law school.

Apply Now

Applicable Majors

  • Anthropology & Sociology, BA

    Major, Minor

    In the interdisciplinary anthropology and sociology major, you’ll gain a foundation in both disciplines and study power dynamics related to race, gender, sexuality, economy and the environment.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Business & Law, BABA

    Major

    As a business and law major, you’ll benefit from two nationally ranked programs for a business and law degree that leads to a justice-focused career full of meaning and possibility.

    • BA in Business Administration

  • Chemistry, BS & Chemical Science, BS

    Major, Minor

    As a chemistry major, you’ll learn about the connections between molecular concepts and the complex systems found in nature.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Criminal Justice, BA & BS

    Major

    As a criminal justice major, you’ll study crime and society’s responses to it. Through courses in arts and sciences you'll learn the technical and professional skills to develop your career.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Economics, BA

    Major, Minor

    Using economic models and quantitative methods, you'll take an analytical approach to setting policy for a more equitable world.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • French, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a French major, you’ll develop the language and cultural skills to advance your French-focused career and become a multicultural, responsible leader who works to empower diverse peoples.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Interdisciplinary Arts, Visual Art, BA

    Major

    With an interdisciplinary arts major in visual arts, you’ll build a solid foundation of fundamentals, history, theory and composition and explore connections between visual arts and other art forms.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • International Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As an international studies major, you’ll gain solid academic foundations in a rigorous, holistic program. Through transformative international experiences you’ll be prepared for a variety of careers.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Mathematics, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As a math major, you’ll explore problem solving, conduct your own research and prepare for a career in education, engineering, medicine and more.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Philosophy, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a philosophy major, you will reflect on the major questions of human existence as understood through philosophy’s major thinkers.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Spanish, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a Spanish major, you’ll learn the Spanish language and explore the traditions, arts and culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Theatre, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a theatre major, you will receive a rigorous education that includes acting, directing, design, and history. With your strong theatre training you will be prepared to enter the theatre community.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Theology & Religious Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    As a theology and religious studies major, you’ll explore multiple aspects of religion, including ethics, spirituality and sacred texts. You’ll be prepared for work in a variety of careers.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, BA

    Major, Minor

    The women, gender and sexuality studies major provides an in-depth and holistic approach to studying gender, sexuality, and the diversity of women’s lived experiences in the United States and abroad.

    • Bachelor of Arts

The Path Through SU’s Accelerated Bachelor/JD 3+3 Program

Before Starting

Get admitted to a 3+3 program when you apply to SU or before you complete 90 credits of undergraduate coursework.

Year 1 & 2: 0-90 credits

Meet regularly with your advisor to ensure UCOR and major requirements are on track. Participate in 3+3 programming.

Prepare for LSAT or GRE General Test

Plan to take your LSAT or GRE in the summer after your second year or early fall of your third year. We recommend a June, August or September LSAT test date to make the application process easier.

Year 3: 90-135 quarter credits

Be sure to apply to the SU School of Law by the December deadline. Continue participating in the 3+3 programming and be sure to meet with your advisor to ensure UCOR and major requirements are on track. To continue with the 3+3 program, you must be admitted to the School of Law.

Year 4 (and 1L): 0-30 semester credits

Begin your law school studies. Your bachelor’s degree is conferred when first year of study at School of Law is completed. Consider participating in your undergraduate commencement to celebrate your success.

Year 5 & 6 (and 2L & 3L): 30-90 semester credits

Your JD degree is conferred when 90 law semester credits and other graduation requirements are met. Walk with your fellow law school graduates and celebrate graduating in six years with your bachelor and JD degree.

3+3 Program FAQ

Yes, if you are a first-year student, you can apply to be accepted to the 3+3 program when you submit your Common Application.

You can apply to the 3+3 program any time before you’ve completed 90 credits of your undergraduate degree. However, it’s best to apply to the 3+3 program as soon as possible, so your undergraduate advisor can make sure your UCOR and major credits are on track.

Yes, transfer students can apply to the 3+3 program. However, depending on the number and type of credits transferring to Seattle University, the 3+3 program may not fit within your intended program of study. Discuss with an admissions advisor to see if this program can be part of your academic journey.

Seattle University School of Law prioritizes your admission if you meet LSAT, GPA and character and fitness standards.

To receive priority admission, you must meet or exceed the median LSAT score (or equivalent GRE percentile) and the median cumulative undergraduate GPA of the previous entering JD class.

The 2023 Seattle University JD class had a median cumulative GPA of 3.49 and a median LSAT score of 157.

In addition to academic standards, you must also meet character and fitness standards. Issues that raise concern include, but aren’t limited to, any student conduct concerns, academic integrity violations, and criminal or civil violations.

Students who don’t get accepted to the School of Law will have to continue their undergraduate studies and complete 180 credits to graduate with their undergraduate.

But don’t despair! We encourage those students who were not accepted to law school to talk with the Seattle University Law Admissions Office for advice on improving their application materials. They can reapply during next year’s law school admission cycle.

For the first three years of the program, you pay undergraduate tuition fees. When you begin taking classes at the law school in year four, law school tuition rates will apply.

Undergraduate scholarships can only apply to undergraduate tuition and fees. After you are accepted into the School of Law, you will be evaluated for scholarship and financial aid eligibility as part of the application process. Undergraduate scholarships cannot apply to law school fees.

Please contact Undergraduate Admissions for general admissions questions or undergraduate major requirements. If you have specific questions regarding the law school portion of the 3+3 program, we invite you to contact Kelli Rodriguez, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs by email or at 206-398-4277.