SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University has established a partnership agreement with Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, which creates opportunities for qualified Bryant students to gain direct, early access to one of the nation’s preeminent law schools.
“We are very proud of our partnership with Villanova Law, which is a natural fit between two respected institutions. It creates incredible opportunities and impact for our students, which is foremost in everything we do."
Through the Bryant-Villanova Law “3+3” program, Bryant students will complete their undergraduate requirements at Bryant University for three years, and, having met all the designated requirements, they will enroll at Villanova Law for three years to earn a Juris Doctor (JD). The program enables Bryant students to accelerate their education, break through traditional law school application barriers, and earn prestigious credentials from two of the nation’s top institutions. A “4+3” program will also be available to qualifying seniors meeting all requirements may advance directly to Villanova Law upon graduating from Bryant. The program is available to students starting this fall.
The Villanova Law partnership is part of Bryant’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan to expand academic programs and to create partnerships and pathways to career-accelerating graduate degrees at the intersection of business, the liberal arts, and STEM disciplines—both at Bryant University and partner institutions.
“We are very proud of our partnership with Villanova Law, which is a natural fit between two respected institutions. It creates incredible opportunities and impact for our students, which is foremost in everything we do,” said Associate Provost Wendy Samter, Ph.D., who led the strategic initiative for Bryant University. “It’s an important next step in the evolution of Bryant’s real-world education, anticipating the future to prepare students to meet the needs of the marketplace and organizations across industries.”
Since it was launched in 2007, the Politics and Law program has become one of the fastest growing and highly sought-after liberal arts majors at Bryant. And, while an increasing number of students in Politics and Law attend law school after graduation, students from all majors may pursue this opportunity.
“We continue to attract highly accomplished students from around the country..."
“We continue to attract highly accomplished students from around the country, and it is important that we continue to provide ways for them to challenge themselves at Bryant and to earn advanced degrees—both at Bryant and at other highly respected schools like Villanova,” notes Bryant’s Vice President of Enrollment Management Michelle Cloutier.
Veronica McComb, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bryant adds, “With more of our students going on graduate school, particularly law school, it is a priority for us to forge this partnership. We are excited to send our students to Villanova as we continue to develop relationships and partnerships with universities around the world.”
Requirements for the “3+3” program include completing a minimum of three years of coursework and 72 credits; earning a minimum GPA at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law; and a minimum LSAT score (taken no later than January of junior year) at or above the 75th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law; or for fourth-year students, an LSAT score at or above the median of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law. The application fee will be waived for students who satisfy the requirements.
Qualifying third-year students may receive a guaranteed annual full-tuition scholarship during their three years of law school. Fourth-year students who meet the requirements may receive a guaranteed half-tuition scholarship for their three years of law school.
Learn more:
Students interested in learning more about how to enroll in the Bryant-Villanova Law program may contact Bryant’s Office of Admission admission@bryant.edu, (800) 622-7001.
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The University delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, STEM, and the liberal arts. Located on a 435-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,441 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 37 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron's. Visit www.bryant.edu.
About Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Founded in 1953, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law provides broad-based legal education that is grounded in academic rigor, practical, hands-on training and a foundation in business that prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding legal careers. The Law School, which is accredited by the American Bar Association, offers six in-house clinics and more than 150 externship opportunities that immerse students in the real-world application of their legal skills. Villanova is home to centers of excellence—the Center for Law and Religion; the David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance; the John F. Scarpa Center for Law and Entrepreneurship; and the Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law—that provide students the opportunity to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary legal fields through study, practical experience and mentorship.
