Is This Program for Me?
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Cumberland School of Law offers an established 3+3 program for aspiring lawyers to accelerate their undergraduate and law degree tracks. This program allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor in six years rather than the traditional seven.
Qualified students may begin law school after three years of undergraduate study if they have completed all requirements set by their undergraduate university or college within the 3+3 agreement. With written approval from their department head, students may enter Cumberland School of Law. After successfully completing the first year of law school, the student is awarded their bachelor’s degree.
Admission to the accelerated program follows the standard law school application process. The ideal time to apply is before December 31 of junior year.
During the first year at Cumberland, students complete 30 credit hours of the standard law curriculum. Some credits apply toward the undergraduate major, while others count as upper level electives. If a student withdraws before completing the first year, any successfully completed law courses will still count toward the bachelor’s degree.
For Samford students, the fourth year undergraduate scholarship covers the first year of law school. If the Cumberland scholarship is higher, Cumberland will cover the difference. Students do not receive both full awards simultaneously. Cumberland funds the full scholarship amount for the second and third years. Law students are classified as graduate students and may qualify for increased federal aid and higher loan limits.
Prelaw Program Visit Campus
Prelaw Program
Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s prelaw program has a strong record of preparing students for admission to top law schools across the country, including Cumberland School of Law. Its thoughtfully designed prelaw opportunities play a key role in that success.
If you’re interested in Samford’s prelaw program or the 3+3 accelerated track, start by meeting with your major adviser to confirm you can complete the necessary requirements for eligibility. You’re also encouraged to connect with Samford’s prelaw adviser Taylor Cyr or schedule a meeting with Cumberland’s Office of Admission to explore your options further.
Visit Campus
If you already know that law school will be your next step after college, we invite you to schedule a tour at Cumberland School of Law while you’re visiting Samford. During your visit you will be able to tour the facilities, observe a law school class, meet current law students and meet with the admission office.
