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Akron Law unveils new 3+3 partnerships, including one with its first HBCU
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: November 3, 2023
The University of Akron School of Law recently expanded its 3+3 degree program, adding additional pathways within the university and forming a brand new partnership with Ohio’s only public HBCU (Historically Black College or University),
Central State University in Wilberforce.
The agreement with Central State University was signed on Sept. 14.
Central State is the first HBCU in Ohio to enter into a 3+3 partnership with a law school, allowing qualified students to earn their baccalaureate and J.D. degrees in six years instead of seven.
It’s also Akron Law’s first 3+3 agreement with an HBCU. The law school already had 3+3 programs in effect at five other colleges, including Kent State, Walsh, Mount Union and Youngstown State universities in Ohio and Robert Morris in Pittsburgh.
“We are very excited about this new partnership with Central State,” said Akron Law Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen. “This agreement creates the first 3+3 pathway in the state for underrepresented groups.
“The agreement is part of our strategic priority of diversity, respect and understanding,” said Janoski-Haehlen. “Outside of the law school, I am a member of the Akron Bar Association Diversity Taskforce, which was started by the new bar president, Susan Durr.
“Our mission is to help promote a more diverse legal profession, which I believe this partnership will help to accomplish.”
“This agreement is particularly important because we are the only public HBCU in the state,” said Sidney Williams, director of the Central State University Graduate School Preparation Program. “While we have the most affordable tuition in Ohio, this program will allow for an even greater cost savings for our students.
“Additionally, we have a number of students who are from the northern section of Ohio and may wish to go back home,” said Williams. “For those who are eligible, it also means they will be able to start their careers sooner, which is important for Ohio’s economy, which continues to welcome new businesses, especially in the technology sector.
“As a result, there is an increased need for intellectual property and patent law attorneys, which some of our students may be able to help fill.”
Under the agreement, eligible students would be able to utilize first-year law courses at Akron Law to satisfy a portion of their bachelor’s degree requirements, while receiving credit toward their juris doctorates.
To apply to the Akron Law program, students must have completed at least 90 credits toward their bachelor’s degrees and be in good academic, financial and disciplinary standing at their undergraduate schools.
They also need to have a GPA of at least 3.45, an LSAT score of 151 or the GRE equivalent and satisfy all of Akron Law’s character and fitness standards.
Williams said administrators are reviewing the school’s curriculum to see which majors would be applicable.
“Central State has a three-year business degree option in accounting and business administration,” said Williams. “We are looking at political science and a few other majors to make sure the courses align.”
In addition to this agreement, Williams said he is in discussions with other law schools to form new 3+3 partnerships.
Central State University already partners with the University of Dayton School of Law to offer tours for students and representatives from Dayton attend pre-law events at the university.
“The legal profession has made progress in attracting a more diverse group of lawyers, but the numbers are still woefully low,” said Williams. “By opening the door to law school early through 3+3 programs, we are hoping to increase those numbers.
“Today’s students are demanding more creative ways to open up new career avenues while reducing the cost and time required and we are doing our best to respond to the call,” said Williams.
In addition to the Central State University partnership, The University of Akron recently added three new 3+3 pathways for students pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Business Law or undergraduate degrees in economics or history.
Sucharita Ghosh, professor and chair of UA’s Department of Economics, said the new pathways will open up many opportunities for students.
“The accelerated BA in economics/juris doctorate degree program blends expertise in economics and law,” said Ghosh. “Many of our economics majors go on to law school. By adding a top-rated legal education from Akron Law to economics majors’ existing quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, students in this accelerated degree program have a unique advantage in the legal world since economic reasoning is often used in many areas of legal practice.
“The knowledge of both economics and law allows students to have a successful career path in areas of legal practice such as antitrust law, tax law, bankruptcy, corporate and securities law, where economic reasoning is often central to the legal arguments.”
In the case of students who are pursuing a business degree with a focus on business law, Ghosh said the new program option will better position them to work in a variety of areas within an enterprise, including human resources, finance and risk management.
“It’s important for all members of the business--owners, managers, supervisors and other professionals--to have a basic understanding of business law to help them make better decisions,” said Ghosh.
She said the BBA in Business Law/J.D. degree program will enable students to “develop the tools to succeed in a variety of roles that can range from new business ventures to corporate positions.”
A. Martin Wainwright, professor and chair of The University of Akron’s History Department echoed similar sentiments.
“I’m very happy that history is part of this program,” said Wainwright. “I put a lot of work personally into getting it approved. What people often don’t realize is that a lot of law is applied history, where the lawyers have to study evidence or look up past precedents to argue for their clients. For these reasons history is a natural pre-law degree, and I hope that adding this accelerated degree option will underscore that point.”
With these additions, UA now has five 3+3 pathways. Students majoring in philosophy and political science already had the option of applying for the program.
“I am excited that we are creating more opportunities for students to study law on an accelerated path,” said Janoski-Haehlen. “The journey to a legal education is a big commitment and the more pathways we create for students, the more barriers we knock down that might stand in their way. Our 3+3 pathways offer financial savings, early networking opportunities and a streamlined path to careers in law.”