Accessible Pathway to Law School Created by Innovative University Agreement​

Notre Dame of Maryland University has partnered with the University of Baltimore School of Law to create a new dual degree program that will allow Notre Dame students, who qualify, to start attending law school after their junior year of classes.​

The two universities signed a matriculation agreement where NDMU students will be able to obtain both an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in six years, as opposed to the typical seven, saving both the cost of a full year’s tuition as well as time. This agreement also creates a strong pathway for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in law. Students from any major, who meet the requirement will be eligible to gain admission.​

Under the program, Notre Dame students will receive automatic acceptance to the UB Law if they meet certain application qualifications. Students will need a grade point average of at least 3.35 and an LSAT score of 150 to be automatically admitted to the law school (or a GPA of at least 2.75 and an LSAT score of 152). Students that do not meet the criteria will then be considered through the UB Law’s general admission pool.​

“We are honored to partner with the UB School of Law in making accessibility to education on the undergraduate and graduate level more achievable,” says Marylou Yam, President of Notre Dame of Maryland University. “Through this agreement NDMU is offering our students and prospective students more options in their education experience and options for ways to accomplish their academic goals.”​

Notre Dame students enrolled in the program must have already completed a certain portion of their undergraduate degree as their first year of law school will also be their last year as an undergraduate.​

“This is about staying true to the University’s Mission of helping students achieve intellectual and professional excellence, while at the same time creating a solid connection with a highly-respected law school,” said Debra Franklin, Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Business.​

The credits students take over their first year of law school will transfer back to Notre Dame to complete their requirements for an undergraduate degree.​

Notre Dame has similar programs in place with other universities, but this is the first time it has paired with the University of Baltimore.