The University of Iowa College of Law and Clarke University in Dubuque have entered into an agreement that will allow undergraduate students at Clarke to earn both their bachelor’s and law degrees in six years.

The 3+3 program will allow qualified undergraduates admission to the College of Law after the conclusion of their junior year at Clarke, and the credits earned during their first year of law school will also apply to their undergraduate degree.

Gail Agrawal, dean of the College of Law, says the program will allow qualified Clarke students the opportunity to receive their bachelor’s and J.D. degrees after six years instead of seven, saving a year of tuition and other costs. It also gives those students a one year head start on their law careers.

“This is not a program for every student, but for the right student,” says Agrawal. “Those who might be a good fit for the program are highly motivated and certain that law is the path for them.”

The program will allow Clarke students to apply to the UI law school at the start of their junior year, instead of their senior year. If they are accepted, they would begin attending law school during what would have been their senior year.

“We are always looking for opportunities to benefit our students and advance their educational opportunities,” said Clarke University President Sister Joanne Burrows, S.C. “We are very pleased to be able to enter into this agreement with the University of Iowa.”