Students vying to become a lawyer can now do so faster than ever, thanks to a news initiative for Mississippians.
Mississippi State University (MSU) and the University of Mississippi (UM) have established a collaborative program to expedite the educational journey for aspiring attorneys. This initiative, formalized on November 21, 2024, allows qualified MSU students to enter UM’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) program before completing their bachelor’s degrees, effectively reducing the combined duration of undergraduate and law studies by one year.
The agreement was signed by MSU President Mark E. Keenum and UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce, alongside other key academic leaders from both institutions. President Keenum highlighted the mutual benefits of this collaboration, stating, “These accelerated academic pathway agreements significantly benefit MSU students who want to pursue law degrees in their home state. It’s an exceptional opportunity for students, our institutions, and the state of Mississippi.”
To qualify for the program, MSU students must complete at least 75% of their undergraduate coursework and meet all academic and application requirements set by UM’s School of Law. Notably, UM will waive application fees for MSU applicants and initiate a joint lecture series featuring law faculty and alumni, hosted at Mississippi State.
Dean Frederick G. Slabach of UM’s School of Law emphasized the program’s alignment with the institution’s educational objectives: “Here at UM law, our goal is to provide students with a quality education, so they are prepared to practice law, promote the cause of justice, serve the public, and enhance the legal profession. That includes students from Mississippi State University.”
This accelerated pathway is set to commence in 2025 and adheres to the standards of the American Bar Association. Assistant Dean Joseph Tucker of UM’s School of Law expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that MSU students constitute a significant portion of the law school’s incoming classes. He remarked, “Through this partnership, students have the unique opportunity of receiving a joint education from two of Mississippi’s universities.”
This initiative follows a similar agreement between MSU and Mississippi College’s School of Law, established in August 2024. That partnership also offers an accelerated pathway for MSU students to earn their J.D. degrees, underscoring MSU’s commitment to providing diverse and efficient routes into the legal profession.
These collaborative efforts between MSU, UM, and Mississippi College reflect a shared dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing the evolving needs of students pursuing legal careers in Mississippi.
