Accelerated Law (Liberal Arts)

Accelerated Law (Liberal Arts)

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Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with Accelerated Law Pathway

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Customize Your Academic Path: Build emphasis areas that align with your interests - whether that’s policy, social justice, science, or another field that strengthens your legal focus.

02

Make Your First Year of Law School Count Twice: Maximize the value of your first year of law school by transferring those first-year class credits back to complete your bachelor’s degree.

03

Streamlined Academic Path: Integrate your undergraduate and professional studies into one cohesive, intentional program. This structured pathway keeps you focused, supported, and competitive from day one through law school admission.

04

Start Law School Early & Launch Your Career Sooner: Jumpstart your legal career by beginning law school a full year ahead of the traditional timeline. You’ll move into the profession faster while saving both time and tuition.

05

Develop the Skills Law Schools (and Employers) Want: Develop communication, critical thinking, research, and analytical skills through rigorous humanities and social science coursework. You graduate not only law-ready, but leadership-ready.

Core
Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Discipline Expertise
  • Law Field Readiness
  • Research and Presentation Skills
  • Logical Analysis

Sample
Jobs

  • Attorney
  • Legal Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • General Counsel
  • Compliance Officer

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Private Practice (Law Firms and Solo Practice)
  • Government (Federal, State, Local)
  • In-House Counsel (Corporate/Business)
  • Contracts and Compliance Roles
  • Public Interest/Policy

Brag
Points

  • Select any discipline in the College of Arts & Sciences for a customized 18 hour emphasis area.
  • Use first year law coursework to complete an 18-hour emphasis area in "Legal Studies."
  • Complete a B.A. and a J.D. in six years, rather than in seven-plus years.

Spotlight

Liberal Arts allows you to build a streamlined academic experience that connects undergraduate and professional learning. The customization opportunities make it ideal for maximizing the use of first-year law school (1L) credits that you will transfer back to earn your undergraduate degree. 

Accelerated Law (Liberal Arts)

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with Accelerated Law Pathway

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Complete general education courses such as English Composition, Humanities, Quantitative Reasoning, Lab-based Sciences, Social Sciences, and Fine Art. Begin exploring emphasis areas and start early LSAT awareness and preparation.

2nd Year

Begin working on courses for College and Major Core, including IDS 2111 Intro to Interdisciplinary Studies, Foreign Languages, Emphasis Area courses and Additional Humanities/Social Sciences/Natural Sciences. 

Continue to study for the LSAT and schedule times to take the exam. 

3rd Year

Concentrate heavily on emphasis area courses and upper-level electives while completing foreign language requirements. Apply to one of our partner law schools - Mississippi College or the University of Mississippi, and finalize undergraduate requirements before transitioning.

4th Year

Complete and pass your first year law school (1L) classes, and transfer those credits back to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. 

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Begin exploring hands‑on learning by participating in class‑based research projects or service‑learning classes. Start building practical skills in writing, public speaking, and critical thinking through real-world applications.

2nd Year

Pursue internships with local attorneys, nonprofits or government offices. Assist faculty with research, participate in mock trials or policy competitions, and take on leadership roles that strengthen communication and analytical skills.

3rd Year

Secure more advanced legal or policy-focused internships, conduct independent research, or complete a capstone in your emphasis area. Step into executive roles in organizations and mentor younger students.

4th Year

Apply learning immediately in 1L coursework—legal writing, case analysis and oral argument. Gain hands-on courtroom, clinic or externship exposure during your first year of law school. Apply academic training to real legal scenarios and gain early professional competence.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Connect with campus and local communities by joining student organizations, volunteering in short‑term service events and attending community activities. Begin building relationships with faculty, advisors and local leaders.

2nd Year

Participate in groups that develop your skills and professional network, such as the Pre-Law Society, the Model Security Council or the Stennis-Montgomery Association. Engage in service-learning courses that connect academic work to real community issues.

3rd Year

Take on leadership roles in student groups, coordinate service initiatives, or partner with community agencies through projects or internships to demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Connect with attorneys and judges, including professionals affiliated with the legal profession. 

4th Year

Form professional relationships with professors, classmates and practicing attorneys. Join law student organizations and begin establishing your professional legal network.

Explore the World

1st Year

Take foreign language and global-focused courses that expand cultural understanding. Attend internationally themed campus events and lectures.

2nd Year

Participate in study abroad, national student exchange, or nationally competitive summer internship programs, such as Demmer Scholars in Washington, D.C. Explore legal systems, cultures and policy issues beyond Mississippi.

3rd Year

Take upper-level humanities and social science courses that examine global justice, human rights or international relations. Connect your emphasis area to global legal issues.

4th Year

Explore areas of law with international reach during 1L electives or summer study abroad opportunities.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Visit career services, draft a resume and explore legal career paths. Begin LSAT awareness and identify potential law school goals.

2nd Year

Study for the LSAT, cultivate faculty mentors for recommendations and gain internship experience that strengthens law school applications.

3rd Year

Take the LSAT, apply to law school, and finalize your academic portfolio. Prepare for the transition to 1L with strong writing and analytical skills.

4th Year

Begin law school one year early, complete 1L coursework, and transfer credits back to earn your bachelor’s degree, positioning yourself a full year closer to entering the legal profession.

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

Learn More

BA in Liberal Arts degree requirements *contact advisor for concentration requirements Apply to MSU