Juris Doctor (3+3 Program)

Program Overview

The 3+3 Program at Rutgers Law School offers an accelerated path to a legal career by allowing highly qualified students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (JD) in just six years—one year less than the traditional route. Students complete their undergraduate studies in three years and begin law school in their fourth year, with the first year of law school counting toward both degrees.

This program is available to students enrolled in the College/School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University in Camden, Newark, or New Brunswick. There is no required pre-law major, but students must complete all general education and major-specific requirements within their first three undergraduate years.

Why Choose This Program?

• Save Time and Money: Complete your undergraduate and law degrees in six years instead of seven.
• Comprehensive Advising: Receive dedicated pre-law advising throughout your undergraduate years to ensure you meet all academic and application requirements.
• Flexible Majors: Choose from a wide range of undergraduate majors while preparing for law school.
• Strategic Location: Benefit from Rutgers Law School’s presence in three major legal markets—New York City, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.
• Strong Preparation: Develop essential skills in writing, analysis, and research, with recommended coursework in constitutional law, logic, statistics, and more.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the 3+3 Program are well-positioned to pursue careers in:

• Legal practice (private, public, or corporate sectors)
• Government and public policy
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Judicial clerkships
• Academia and legal research

The accelerated timeline allows students to enter the workforce or pursue further specialization sooner, giving them a competitive edge in the legal field.