Widener Law Commonwealth, Washington & Jefferson College Announce New 3+3 Partnership
Widener University Commonwealth Law School and Washington & Jefferson College have launched a new 3+3 dual admissions agreement that creates a streamlined pathway for students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor in six years.
The program allows qualified Washington & Jefferson students to begin their legal studies at Widener Law Commonwealth during what would traditionally be their senior year of college. After completing their first year of law school, those credits transfer back to Washington & Jefferson to satisfy the remaining undergraduate requirements, allowing students to graduate with both degrees on an accelerated timeline.
The partnership extends Widener Law Commonwealth’s growing network of accelerated pathways while strengthening its connection to western Pennsylvania, where Washington & Jefferson has long been recognized for its strong liberal arts tradition.
Dean andré douglas pond cummings said the partnership reflects a longstanding connection between the two institutions.
“Washington & Jefferson College has a proud academic history and a tradition of preparing thoughtful, engaged leaders,” cummings said. “Over the years, several Washington & Jefferson graduates have come to Widener Law Commonwealth and gone on to build excellent legal careers. This agreement deepens that relationship and creates a clear pathway for talented W&J students who are interested in pursuing the law.”
The new program will allow students to move more efficiently from undergraduate study into the legal profession while maintaining the academic rigor of both institutions.
Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions at Widener Law Commonwealth, said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to helping students move confidently toward their professional goals.
“Washington & Jefferson students bring strong analytical and communication skills from their liberal arts education,” Kerns said. “This pathway gives them a clear and supportive route into law school while allowing them to save both time and tuition. We’re excited to welcome future students from W&J and help them build meaningful legal careers.”
Charley Jacobs, professor of political science and pre-law director at Washington & Jefferson College, said the program offers a meaningful opportunity for students to accelerate their legal education.
“Washington & Jefferson College is thrilled to partner with Widener University Commonwealth Law School in an innovative cooperative 3+3 law program,” Jacobs said. “The opportunity offers undergraduates an accelerated pathway to a legal career, allowing students to earn both a bachelor of arts and juris doctor degree in just six years instead of seven. This streamlined approach saves a full year of tuition and living expenses while providing a competitive head start in the professional job market at an outstanding institution of legal education in the state of Pennsylvania.”
The agreement adds to Widener Law Commonwealth’s expanding portfolio of 3+3 partnerships with colleges and universities across the region. By offering accelerated pathways like this one, the law school continues its mission of providing personal, practical, and professional legal education while expanding access to the legal profession for students across Pennsylvania and beyond.
