Pre-Law Scholars Program
A Pre-Law Scholars partnership between Rockhurst University and the University of Missouri-Columbia allows students to earn a law degree in just six years.
The 3+3 program gives Rockhurst students a direct entry opportunity to law school and allows them to complete their juris doctorate degree a full year sooner than a traditional law school program.
The program is open to both freshman and transfer students in any degree program. Those interested will need to complete an application for the program through Rockhurst.
Program Requirements
Approved applicants will need to meet the following criteria to progress through the program:
- Pre-law scholars meet every semester with the pre-law advisory board to review their progress and plan their curriculum.
- Students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, with the understanding that by the time of application, they must meet GPA benchmarks for admission to MU Law (currently 3.7).
- Students take the LSAT in the summer before their junior year of studies at RU.
- Students draft their law school application essay by September of their junior year and submit it to the pre-law advisory board for constructive feedback.
- Students apply to MU Law no later than January 15 of their junior year.
- If accepted to MULaw, students complete 98 undergraduate hours before beginning law studies at MULaw in their senior year.
- After successful completion of their first year of law school, students will graduate from RU with a bachelor’s degree as they continue their progress toward the JD at MULaw.
- Students who are not Missouri residents can receive a residence waiver for their first year of MULaw’s JD program while they establish residency.
Law School Scholarships
Students admitted through the Rockhurst/MLaw 3+3 program will automatically be considered for Mizzou Law Scholarship awards. Admitted students who complete a timely application, and are at or above both the median LSAT and undergraduate GPA, will be considered for significant awards, including full-tuition awards. The timing of the student’s acceptance into the program and any potential character and fitness issues are considered when making scholarship awards. Generally, a completed application is considered timely when received before winter break the year preceding a student’s anticipated law school start date.
Is There a Pre-Law Major at Rockhurst?
Yes, Rockhurst does offer a Pre-Law major, though it is not a specific requirement for this program.
What Should I Study at RU to Be a Pre-Law Scholar?
Students should study what they love. The best preparation for law school is an excellent liberal arts education. Law schools do not advise any specific major.
For example, many current Mizzou law students majored in English, History, Psychology, and Business, among other fields.
At Rockhurst University, almost any major can be a path into the 3+3 JD program. Programs like History, Criminal Justice, Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies, English, and Communications can create degree maps for students that ensure the opportunity to complete their major coursework and the Rockhurst core curriculum in three years (98 credit hours) at RU. Most other programs can also offer paths to the 3+3 program. Students should consult with their potential major advisor about their path forward.
Tips for Law School Success
Mizzou recognizes three core capacities necessary for success in law school:
1. Superior writing skills and excellent command of the English language;
2. Strong knowledge of history, including English and American history; and of human society, including the social and cultural l forces that shape spiritual and ethical values, and the foundations of government and political processes;
3. Critical thought paired with strong study skills.
Contact Us for More Information
For further details, contact Joanna Carraway Vitiello, Ph.D., professor of history, or Craig Watz, J.D., assistant teaching professor of criminal justice.
