Mississippi Christian University is easing the pathway for Millsaps College students to earn a law degree one year quicker than normal through a new partnership.
The two private schools reached a memorandum of understanding on Monday, creating a pathway to law school initiative to streamline the academic journey of students looking to pursue a legal career. As part of the plan, a student who has completed 75% of the coursework required for a bachelor’s degree from Millsaps will be eligible for admission to the MC School of Law.
Students participating in the accelerated degree program may earn an undergraduate degree in history, political science, or administration of justice. They must take the Law School Admission Test and earn a competitive score no later than December of their third year of full-time enrollment at Millsaps.
After a student successfully completes the first year of the Juris Doctor program with a grade of C or higher in each course, Millsaps will assign academic credit and award the appropriate bachelor’s degree. Once the student completes all law school requirements, MC will award the JD degree.
“Through this partnership with Millsaps College, we are expanding opportunities for students, strengthening legal education across our state and helping ensure that future lawyers can pursue their calling and build their careers right here in Mississippi,” MC President Blake Thompson said.
Participating students must apply to law school no later than February of the third year of undergraduate study using the standard process and criteria for admission.
“We are thrilled to partner with the MC School of Law to train the next generation of legal professionals,” Millsaps College President Frank Neville said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creating innovative academic pathways that prepare Millsaps students for leadership and service. By establishing a faster, more affordable path to earning both a bachelor’s and a law degree, we’re giving our students a head start on their careers.”
Transfer students are not eligible for the program, per the two schools. Only incoming freshmen with an ACT score of 26 or higher or an SAT score of 1180 or higher will qualify.
Once admitted, students are expected to maintain at least a 3.25 GPA in their undergraduate work to remain competitive for early admission to the MC School of Law. Acceptance into the program does not automatically guarantee admission to the MC School of Law.
The memorandum of understanding will remain in effect for five years and underscores both institutions’ commitment to promoting access, excellence and cultural engagement in legal education.
Millsaps is the sixth higher learning institute to sign an accelerated law program agreement with the MC School of Law. Other partners include Mississippi State University, the Mississippi University for Women, Troy University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University.
