Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Lycoming College partner to offer 3+3 law degree program

Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Lycoming College partner to offer 3+3 law degree program

Back row (l-r): Matthew V. Kerns, Associate Dean of Admissions, Widener University Commonwealth Law School; Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice P. Kevin Brobson ’92, graduate of Lycoming College and of Widener Law Commonwealth; Susan Ross, Dean of the College, Lycoming College; Philip Sprunger, Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Lycoming College; PageCarol Woods, Assistant Dean for Student Success, Lycoming College; Chip Edmonds, Executive Vice President Lycoming College; Front row (l-r): Michael J. Hussey, Dean and Associate Professor of Law, Widener University Commonwealth Law School; Kent C. Trachte, president of Lycoming College

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In a signing ceremony on April 17, Lycoming College and Widener University Commonwealth Law School announced a 3+3 law degree program that will provide Lycoming College students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctorate degree in just six years. Instrumental in the partnership between both institutions, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice P. Kevin Brobson ’92, graduate of Lycoming College and of Widener Law Commonwealth, was in attendance at the signing ceremony.

Lycoming College students interested in pursuing a law degree at Widener Law Commonwealth must notify the school in writing with their intent to participate in the program by the end of their first semester and must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. They must also earn a law school admission test score and Lycoming GPA at or above the median of Widener’s prior year entering class.

In addition, qualifying students must complete their major and general education requirements by the end of their junior year at Lycoming College. Students must take the law school admission test no later than February of their junior year and apply to Widener Law Commonwealth by March 31 of their junior year.

“Lycoming College’s pre-law program prepares high-performing students for law school entry with theoretical studies and LSAT preparation, as well as with hands-on experience through practicums, internships and other work experiences that can give them an edge. The agreement with Widener Law Commonwealth serves to strengthen an already robust pre-law offering at Lycoming,” said Kent C. Trachte, president of Lycoming College. “Law school entrance can be incredibly competitive, and Lycoming is providing its students a favorable advantage through this arrangement.”

“Widener Law Commonwealth is pleased to announce our partnership with Lycoming College. The 3+3 program will help high-achieving students make their dream of a legal career a reality, while also saving them both time and money in pursuing their education. We look forward to working with Lycoming College and its students,” said Michael J. Hussey, dean and associate professor of law, Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

Lycoming College offers multiple majors that can serve as a pathway to legal careers. The College’s liberal arts emphasis on courses that require careful reading, analysis, criticism, evaluation, and interpretation virtually guarantees that diligent students will be ready for law school. With faculty dedicated exclusively to the education of undergraduate students, an abundance of networking opportunities, internships with private law offices and attorneys’ offices, and close mentorship under pre-law advisors, Lycoming College students are prepared to succeed on the LSATs and in the legal career field.

More information is available at https://www.lycoming.edu/pre-law/.

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital’s only law school, with three specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, and Business Advising Program. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional.

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