Wayne State, Oakland U Deal Cuts Time to Get Law Degree

Oakland University students will be able to start law school at Wayne State University during their senior years under a newly inked agreement between the two schools. (Photo via Wayne State University)

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Students at Oakland University and Wayne State University Law School will now be able to get their jurisprudence degrees in six rather than seven years — and save about $13,350 in tuition — under a partnership announced by the two schools.

Students would start law school at Wayne State during what would be their senior year at Oakland University and transfer 30 credits from law school courses back to OU to meet bachelor’s degree requirements.

“Being able to complete their undergraduate and legal education in a shorter time frame will allow these students to get a jump start on their careers and begin making a difference as legal professionals even sooner,” Wayne Law Dean Jocelyn Benson said in a news release.

James P. Lentini, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Oakland, said the partnership makes it possible for aspiring lawyers to get their degrees more quickly.

“We also recognize that saving a year of college tuition will reduce the financial burden for these students,” Lentini said in a news release.

To qualify, OU students must have completed a minimum of 75 credits in an approved undergraduate degree program, as well as take the Law School Admission Test and meet other Wayne law admissions requirements.

The agreement becomes effective at the beginning of the 2016 fall semester, and students must apply by June 1.