By Stu Bobcat - St. Thomas University
MIAMI GARDENS | St. Thomas University School of Law and Lynn University have signed an agreement that allows qualified students to earn their law degree in six years - as compared to seven years if completed in the traditional way. Students will complete three undergraduate years at Lynn University before matriculating into St. Thomas Law for a three-year juris doctor program.
The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony held at Lynn University Nov. 19. The ceremony was attended by officials from both institutions including St. Thomas' president, Msgr. Franklyn Casale; President of Lynn University's president, Kevin Ross; Alfredo Garcia, dean of St. Thomas' School of Law; Lynn University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Gregg Cox, as well as other administrators, students and alumni from each school.
“We are happy to partner with our friends at Lynn in establishing this 3+3 program,” said Msgr. Casale. “We recognize and value the global experience that Lynn students receive as undergraduates and, through this partnership, give Lynn students the opportunity to continue that global experience at St. Thomas University School of Law, which is consistently recognized each year as one of the most diverse law schools in the country.”
The accelerated law degree will result in significant savings for students who are faced with ever-increasing education costs.
“Our partnership with St. Thomas Law provides access to a legal education at a more affordable price,” said President Ross. “Lynn students enrolled in the program can save up to one year of tuition - approximately $46,000 - and will have access to scholarships.”
St. Thomas Law will automatically award a $5,000 annual scholarship to any Lynn student who is part of the program. Additionally, students who complete their first year at St. Thomas Law and rank in the top 25 percent of the class are eligible to receive a merit scholarship ranging from $5,000 to $33,000.
This marks the second such agreement that St. Thomas Law has executed in 2016. Earlier this year, a 3+3 articulation agreement was signed between St. Thomas Law and Miami Dade College. Through partnerships such as these, St. Thomas Law continues to expand opportunities for undergraduates to earn law degrees, advance economically, and be part of successful academic and legal communities.
