Develop skills for your legal career.
York College offers multiple academic pathways for aspiring lawyers. Students from any major can seek pre-law advising—which is a traditional path—or they can choose to enroll in one of our accelerated 3+3 law degree programs. Our 3+3 programs make it possible to apply to a partnering law school early, share approved credits between degrees, and earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in six years, instead of the usual seven. Whichever path you choose, you’ll find the advising and support you need to prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
3+3 Pre-Law Programs
In the 3+3 law school program, students spend their first three years of study at York College completing undergraduate coursework in a qualifying major and preparing for the LSAT. After admission to law school, they begin law studies in what would have been their senior year at YCP. That first year of law school counts toward both degrees, completing the bachelor’s requirements. The final two years are devoted to completing the J.D. at the partnering law school.
Our 3+3 Pre-Law Programs
Each of these programs allows students to complete 3 years of study at York College before transferring to a partnering law school.
University of Baltimore (UBalt) School of Law
Jump-start your law degree by enrolling in the Early Entry Program at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
3+3 FAQs
University of Baltimore School of Law. We are in discussions with additional law schools to broaden opportunities and provide students with an expanded range of options in the coming years.
Philosophy and Political Science. Additional programs may adopt a 3+3 option at a later date.
Law schools expect a high level of proficiency in core skills such as problem solving, critical reading and analysis, written and oral communication, research, collaboration, background knowledge, and exposure to the law. Each 3+3 program at York College has been curated to provide courses that refine and strengthen these skills in a streamlined curriculum. The exact courses you will take will depend on your major and you are encouraged to ask your Academic Advisor about the specifics.
No. Students must meet the law school’s admission requirements, which typically include maintaining a minimum GPA, earning a qualifying LSAT score, and completing all prerequisite coursework. Only after acceptance can students advance to law school in their fourth year.
If a student does not secure admission to law school, changes their mind, or upon admission, fails to complete their first year of law school, then they have the option to complete their fourth year at York College and finish the traditional four-year degree.
Students who are admitted to a partner law school become eligible to graduate from YCP after transferring 30 law school credits, typically at the end of their first year of law school.
Students should consult with a pre-law advisor for the purpose of constructing a personalized timeline. The Career Development Center provides excellent resources for students who are considering a career in law, including assistance with the law school application process, review of personal statements and resumes, as well as guidance in the Credential Assembly Service.
Pre-Law Studies
At York College, the Pre-Law Studies pathway provides personalized guidance and resources for students who are interested in attending law school after earning their undergraduate degree. In alignment with the American Bar Association (ABA), we recognize that successful legal professionals come from diverse backgrounds and a variety of perspectives. For that reason, “the ABA does not recommend any undergraduate majors or group of courses to prepare for a legal education” and York College of Pennsylvania provides Pre-Law Advising to students from any academic major.
Pre-Law Studies FAQs
As with selecting a major, students are encouraged to pursue a diverse array of extracurricular activities. Active involvement across campus is a great opportunity to develop the skills recommended for law school. In addition to other extracurricular activities, students may join the Pre-Law Society student organization which is dedicated to creating a support system among students who are interested in a career in law. The Pre-Law Society is open to all majors and provides a link between law school hopefuls and the advisors who can assist them in getting there. Contact Dr. Kwasi Sarfo for additional information.
No, there is no need to have a legal internship prior to law school. That said, an internship may provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the legal profession or might help you build a professional network that could benefit you later in your career. Our advisors and staff can help you identify internship opportunities and advice that can launch your career.
Prepare for Law School
With support from York’s Pre-Law Advisory Committee and Career Development Center, YCP graduates have been accepted at more than 50 law schools across the country. Our faculty include experienced professionals who are trained and licensed in law. You’ll have their mentorship on your side as you navigate course selection, LSAT preparation, researching law schools, and submitting your law school applications.