The College of Law has entered into 3+3 admissions agreements with three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) located at Atlanta University Center: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. The agreement was signed at an April 15 ceremony at Atlanta-based law firm Taylor English Duma LLP with representatives from all three HBCU and the College of Law participating.
The 3+3 program allows students to finish the bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in an accelerated format by completing all coursework required for the undergraduate major in three years and finishing their degree during their first year of law school at Syracuse.
J.D. students at the College of Law may also jointly earn a master’s degree at other Syracuse University schools and colleges, including the top-ranked Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Newhouse School of Public Communications. The combination of the 3+3 and joint degree programs permits a student to earn as many as three degrees in just six years—a year less than generally required for just an undergraduate and J.D. degree at most other institutions.
“Partnering with these distinguished HBCU to create a 3+3 program significantly reduces the time and cost required for qualified African-American students to obtain a 21st-century legal education at Syracuse,” says College of Law Dean Craig M. Boise. “This is one of the ways we can address the legal profession’s need for more diversity among the ranks of lawyers. I join our faculty, staff and students in looking forward to students from these renowned colleges becoming members of our College of Law family.”
“Developing the accelerated dual degree (bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees) between Clark Atlanta University and Syracuse University College of Law is mutually beneficial. This endeavor aligns with our efforts to expand academic pursuits for Clark Atlanta graduates,” says Dorcas Bowles, provost, Clark Atlanta University. “As such, this partnership increases our students’ academic and career success and will serve as a beacon of access and opportunity for African Americans and other underrepresented populations in the field of law.”
Sharon L. Davies, provost, Spelman College, says, “As one of the nation’s top producers of black women applicants to law school today, Spelman College is excited to enter into this agreement with Syracuse University College of Law. With this new partnership, Spelman students interested in careers in law will be able to complete their undergraduate studies and legal studies in six years instead of seven, saving a full year of college expenses, and enabling them to bring their unique talents to the field of law one year sooner.”
“I am excited by the opportunities that this program will provide for our students who are interested in pursuing careers in law. This program is a testament to Dean Boise’s and Syracuse’s commitment to the recruitment of black students, and I hope it serves as a model for law schools across the nation,” says Matthew B. Platt, Ph.D., chair and associate professor, Department of Political Science, Morehouse College.
“As someone who counts both Morehouse College and Syracuse University College of Law as alma maters, I have great pride in knowing future law students will be able to experience the same institutions that helped me realize my career goals under this accelerated path,” says Michael Johnson L’93, a partner at Taylor English Duma LLP. “I am honored to host the signing ceremony at Taylor English Duma, and I look forward to following the progress of the 3+3 students—future Orange law alumni—as they embark on their legal careers.”
In addition to the 3+3 agreements, the College of Law recently expanded its Externship Program to Atlanta to provide field placements in the city and its surroundings, allowing local students to network and to gain experience close to home. The College of Law also has a liaison in Atlanta who will be on campus to meet with students and answer any questions about the program.
Clark, Morehouse and Spellman colleges join Alfred University, Le Moyne College, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher College and Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management as 3+3 partners of the College of Law.
