Auburn University at Montgomery and Faulkner University Establish 3+3 Law Degree Pathway

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) and Faulkner University have formalized a partnership that allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) in six years. This “3+3” accelerated program enables qualified AUM undergraduate students to apply up to 30 credit hours from their first year of law school at Faulkner Law toward the completion of their AUM undergraduate degree requirements.

How the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program Works

The agreement streamlines the transition from undergraduate studies to legal education. Under the program structure, participating students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at AUM. Provided they meet specific admissions criteria—including maintaining a required grade point average and achieving a competitive Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score—students then transition to Faulkner Law for their final three years of study.

By counting the first year of law school toward the final year of the bachelor’s degree, students effectively shave one year off the traditional seven-year timeline for completing both degrees. This reduction in time is designed to decrease the total cost of education and allow graduates to enter the legal workforce sooner.

Institutional Goals and Academic Benefits

According to official statements from the institutions, the collaboration aims to expand access to professional legal education for students in the River Region. For AUM, the partnership provides a clear professional pipeline for students interested in public service, corporate law, and private practice. For Faulkner University, the program serves as a recruitment tool to attract high-achieving undergraduates who prioritize efficiency in their academic path.

The American Bar Association (ABA) oversees the standards for such accelerated programs. Participating students must satisfy all institutional requirements for their chosen undergraduate major at AUM before the bachelor’s degree is conferred, alongside successfully completing the first-year curriculum at Faulkner Law.

Key Considerations for Prospective Students

• Time Savings: Reduces the total time to earn a JD from seven years to six years.
• Financial Impact: By completing the undergraduate degree a year early, students avoid one year of undergraduate tuition and associated living expenses.
• Admissions Standards: Students remain subject to the standard admissions process and seat availability at Faulkner Law.
• Academic Advising: Interested students are encouraged to consult with their AUM academic advisors early in their freshman or sophomore year to ensure their course sequence aligns with the 3+3 requirements.

Future Outlook for Legal Education Partnerships

The 3+3 model has become an increasingly common strategy for universities looking to improve enrollment and student outcomes. By shortening the duration of professional degrees, institutions are responding to student concerns regarding the rising costs of higher education and the urgency of early career entry. As AUM and Faulkner continue this partnership, the success of the program will likely be measured by the number of students who successfully navigate the transition from undergraduate to law school and their subsequent bar passage rates.