College of Saint Mary and Creighton University School of Law offering new accelerated law degree program

Omaha, Neb. – College of Saint Mary has joined with Creighton University School of Law in a new, accelerated law degree partnership. Qualified CSM students, in the region’s only ABA-approved 4-year paralegal program, will be able to shave one year off their bachelor’s degree, as well as save money on tuition.

“This program provides a unique opportunity for CSM’s motivated and highly qualified legal studies students,” says Sally Bisson-Best, J.D., legal studies program chair at CSM. “The 3+3 program provides not only an early matriculation, but economic savings, as well.”

Under the traditional model, students undergo a 4+3 academic program, spending four years earning their bachelor’s degree and another three in law school for their J.D. 

“I am excited by this partnership with College of Saint Mary,” says Paul E. McGreal, dean and professor of law at Creighton University School of Law. “The 3+3 program will bring excellent students into our community and prepare them for a life of service in the legal profession. This partnership allows graduates to enter the profession a year earlier than their peers, providing a leg up in a competitive legal market."

In the new 3+3 program, students spend the first three years of their undergraduate studies at CSM. During their junior year, qualified students take the LSAT and apply for admission to Creighton University School of Law. Once accepted, their fourth year of undergraduate studies becomes their first year of law school at Creighton. All credits earned during that first year of law school are applied to the student’s undergraduate degree at CSM.