2025 News UMass Law News 2025: UMass Law signs 3+3 accelerated degree program with UMass Amherst

Landmark 20th joint degree partnership expands access to affordable legal education across Massachusetts

UMass Dartmouth's School of Law (UMass Law) has signed its 20^th 3+3 fast-track agreement, this time with the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The partnership creates a new accelerated pathway for UMass Amherst undergraduates to earn both a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor in just six years' time, rather than the traditional seven.

"Partnering with the largest public university in New England is a meaningful step in our mission to provide an excellent, affordable, and accessible legal education," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "The 3+3 program allows students to accelerate their studies, reduce the overall cost of earning a law degree, and launch their legal careers and their pursuit of justice sooner."

"This agreement reflects our deep commitment to opening doors for motivated students and ensuring they have clear, affordable pathways to advanced degrees. By removing barriers, we are preparing the next generation of aspiring legal professionals to serve their communities across the Commonwealth and beyond."

Through the 3+3 program, academically qualified students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at UMass Amherst (or two years at a Massachusetts community college and one year as a MassTransfer student at UMass Amherst) before moving directly into their first year at UMass Law.

That year, classes count towards both the final year of their bachelor's program and the first year of law school, saving students valuable time and tuition costs while giving them a head start on their legal careers. Students will be eligible to walk at their undergraduate commencement ceremony as planned.

"This agreement reflects our deep commitment to opening doors for motivated students and ensuring they have clear, affordable pathways to advanced degrees," said UMass Dartmouth Provost Ramprasad Balasubramanian. "By removing barriers and creating a clear route from UMass Amherst to our law school, we are preparing the next generation of aspiring legal professionals to serve their communities across the Commonwealth and beyond."

Of all ABA-accredited law schools in Massachusetts, UMass Law boasts the lowest tuition, smallest class sizes, and highest percentage of graduates employed in government and public service positions. Every UMass Law student is guaranteed an internship or placement in one of seven in-house law clinics, earning recognition from preLaw Magazine as the fourth-best law school for practical training in New England.

UMass Amherst becomes the fourth UMass campus to sign on to the 3+3 fast-track program, joining UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Lowell, and 16 other public and private colleges and universities across New England.

"We are very excited about this natural partnership with UMass Dartmouth," said UMass Amherst Provost Fouad Abd-El-Khalick. "The exceptional value and enhanced access that such a partnership brings to our undergraduate students and their families, as well as the superb professionals that we will prepare to serve our communities speak to the power of both our institutions and the UMass System writ large in serving public good across the Commonwealth."

Interested UMass Amherst undergraduates should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Advising in their respective major area as early as possible to ensure they complete all program-specific requirements. MassTransfer students should do so immediately upon their admission to UMass Amherst. 

The application deadline for UMass Law is June 30. Students looking to enroll in the 3+3 program must apply before this deadline during their junior year. More information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and program structure can be found on UMass Law's 3+3 fast track page.