Political Science and Juris Doctor Degree, 3+3
Earn a law degree in less time, for less money, while you develop a broad set of marketable professional skills.
Oakland University’s political science and law degree 3+3 program puts you on an accelerated track to a career in law, public service or a related field. Under this unique pre-law program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from one of three partner law schools, completing both degrees in six years—one year faster than a traditional path. Oakland’s political science major offers robust pre-professional training, giving you a competitive edge heading into law school. In addition to saving you a year of tuition, the political science and law 3+3 program equips you to make a difference as a lawyer, government official, nonprofit advocate or business leader.
Oakland University’s political science and law degree 3+3 program puts you on an accelerated track to a career in law, public service or a related field. Under this unique pre-law program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from one of three partner law schools, completing both degrees in six years—one year faster than a traditional path. Oakland’s political science major offers robust pre-professional training, giving you a competitive edge heading into law school. In addition to saving you a year of tuition, the political science and law 3+3 program equips you to make a difference as a lawyer, government official, nonprofit advocate or business leader.
Political Science and Law Degree 3+3 Program: The Oakland University Advantage
Unlike comparable accelerated pre-law programs, Oakland University’s political science and law degree 3+3 has cooperative agreements with multiple law schools. You can pursue your law degree at Michigan State University, Wayne State University or the University of Detroit Mercy, giving you more options and greater flexibility.
Our 3+3 pre-law program also offers:
- Professional experience and connections. Our political science majors benefit from Oakland’s tradition of civic engagement and wide network of community partners. You’ll have extensive opportunities (including potential internships) to interact with legislative bodies, government agencies, nonprofits, policy shops, lobbying firms and similar organizations.
- Robust undergraduate research. While earning your political science degree, you can get outstanding pre-law training as a research assistant or collaborator. Oakland faculty regularly collaborate with undergraduate political science majors on journal submissions and conference presentations, enabling you to build your credentials and cultivate advanced research and writing skills.
- Exceptional faculty. Our political science program is led by internationally recognized experts in subjects such as European politics, international relations, U.S. Congress, state and local elections, and the role of information technology in American politics. You’ll take nearly all of your political science courses directly from senior faculty, getting superior pre-law preparation that integrates classroom instruction with professional insights.
- A dynamic campus community. You’ll belong to one of the nation’s most politically active student bodies, with extremely high voting rates and diverse perspectives. Oakland’s successful Model UN team and Center for Civic Engagement are especially popular among political science majors.
- Flexible curriculum. Our political science degree offers a high degree of freedom in course selection, so you can tailor your studies to align with the law degree. Many options fit well within a pre-law program, covering areas such as civil rights, judicial process, constitutional law, the U.S. Supreme Court, negotiation and international law.
What Can You Do With Political Science and Law Degrees?
With both a political science bachelor’s degree and a law degree, you’ll enter the workforce with elite credentials. Upon passing the bar exam you’ll be qualified to practice law in a wide range of specialized areas. Examples include (but are not limited to) litigation, taxes, torts, corporate law, criminal law, labor law, environmental law and immigration.
If you choose not to pursue a law career, a law degree can still help you attain leadership roles in many different professions. Combined with a political science background, a law degree provides excellent preparation for careers in fields such as:
- Public administration
- International policy
- Nonprofit leadership
- Business
- Journalism
- Education
Political Science and Law Degree 3+3 Program: What You’ll Learn
You can achieve significant savings on a law degree through Oakland’s 3+3 program, because 30 credits from your first year in law school count toward both the bachelor’s degree and the juris doctor.
To be eligible for accelerated admission to law school under the 3+3 program, you must complete required courses for the political science major and university general education requirements by the end of your junior year. The 30 first-year law degree credits will also count as electives toward the bachelor’s degree.
In order to meet academic requirements on time and maximize the benefits of the 3+3 program, it’s recommended that you work carefully with academic advisers beginning in your freshman year.
Political Science and Law Degree 3+3 Program Resources
Programs Related to the Political Science and Law Degree 3+3 Program
Not sure if the political science and law degree 3+3 program is right for you? Check out these other undergraduate degree programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Specialization in Courts, Justice and Politics
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Public Policy
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations