Bluefield State and Appalachian School of Law Launch 3+3 Accelerated Law Degree Program
Bluefield State University and the Appalachian School of Law have launched a new 3+3 Accelerated Law Degree Program, offering students a faster and more affordable path to earning both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree.
The partnership was formalized on Thursday, November 13, during a signing ceremony in Bluefield State’s Brown-Gilbert Basic Science Building. Appalachian School of Law Regional Admissions Officer Daeshawn Barrett, Esq., joined Bluefield State leadership, faculty, and students to celebrate the agreement.
“This partnership opens an exciting door for Bluefield State students who want to pursue a legal career while saving both time and money,” said Dr. Darrin Martin, President of Bluefield State University. “It builds on our commitment to create direct, high-impact educational pathways that prepare our graduates for meaningful professional success.”
The new 3+3 pathway allows students to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences with a Political Science concentration at Bluefield State and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from the Appalachian School of Law in just six years. Students spend their first three years at Bluefield State before beginning law school in year four, with credits from the first year of law school counting toward completion of their undergraduate degree.
Bluefield State now offers two partner law schools for students pursuing the 3+3 program: the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia, and the University of Akron School of Law in Akron, Ohio.
Students in the program can graduate one year earlier than traditional routes, reducing tuition and living expenses. The structure provides early exposure to law school coursework, personalized academic advising, and continued access to federal and institutional financial aid. Although the Political Science concentration is recommended, students may select related undergraduate majors that align with the program’s requirements.
To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and earn an LSAT score of at least 151 for admission to the Appalachian School of Law. The University of Akron School of Law recommends a GPA of 3.5 and requires an LSAT score of 153 or higher.
“This partnership with Bluefield State aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare practice-ready lawyers who understand and serve their communities,” said Daeshawn Barrett, Esq., of the Appalachian School of Law. “We’re proud to create a pathway that keeps more talented graduates in Appalachia, helping to strengthen the region’s legal and civic institutions.”
The launch of the 3+3 program reflects Bluefield State’s growing focus on academic partnerships and efforts to expand high-value professional opportunities for students across southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.
