UB School of Law, Medaille College announce accelerated degree program
Seated: James A. Gardner (Interim Dean, School of Law), Dr. Ken Macur (President, Medaille). Standing: S. Todd Brown (Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Law), Laura Reilly (Lecturer, School of Law), Lillie Wiley-Upshaw (Vice Dean for Admissions and Student Life, School of Law), Charles F. Zukoski (Provost, UB), Dr. Lori V. Quigley (Vice President for Academic Affairs, Medaille) and Dr. Michael P. Lillis (Professor, Division of Management and Leadership, Madaille)
Published October 10, 2016 This content is archived.
Highly motivated Medaille College students who want to build on their undergraduate education with top-notch legal training will be able to earn both bachelor’s and law degrees in just six years, under a new agreement between Medaille and University at Buffalo School of Law.
The agreement, newly announced by School of Law interim Dean James A. Gardner and Medaille Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lori V. Quigley, is the first of its kind for both schools. Under the so-called 3+3 Program, students will complete their bachelor’s program in three years instead of the usual four, and their J.D. degree in an additional three years. Medaille will accept some School of Law courses as fulfilling final requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Students will be required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and apply to UB School of Law in their junior year at Medaille. They must also meet specific admission requirements for entry into the Law School, including a grade point average of at least 3.5 and two academic letters of recommendation.
“We were delighted to reach this agreement with Medaille College,” Gardner said. “Maintaining a student body of the best possible quality is a high priority for us. This agreement will help us to identify high-achieving undergraduates in our own back yard, and in turn will encourage some of Medaille’s best students to think about becoming lawyers. I look forward to seeing them on campus.”
The first students accepted at the Law School through the program are expected to begin their legal studies in the 2017-18 academic year.
“Medaille College is thrilled to introduce the 3+3 program to our students who have both the academic ability and desire to accelerate their studies toward their law degree,” Quigley said. “It was a pleasure working with the Law School in developing this joint venture in what we both believe will be a beneficial offering for those students who possess the talent and interest in an expedited curriculum.”
Medaille’s president, Dr. Ken Macur, added, “The 3+3 Program with UB School of Law allows our undergraduate students who seek a more challenging learning environment the opportunity to complete their educational journey at a pace more in keeping with their ability. This in turn stimulates greater interest and allows students to gain a true sense of accomplishment as they achieve their goals.”
Medaille College, which has its main campus in the Parkside District of North Buffalo, also maintains a campus in Rochester and has a robust online presence. The college provides a personalized learning experience to its diverse student body of both traditional undergraduate students and adult learners. Medaille students engage in a high-impact, experiential educational process that prepares them for the workplace.