MSU 3+3 Accelerated Law program celebrates first graduate
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State’s 3+3 Accelerated Law program is celebrating its first graduate, Caroline Griffith of Brandon, who earned her MSU bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in August while beginning her legal education through the accelerated pathway.
Launched in 2024, the 3+3 Accelerated Law program allows students to complete their undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees in approximately six years rather than the traditional seven, reducing the time and cost associated with earning both. Participating MSU students complete approximately 75% of their undergraduate requirements before beginning law school. Then they apply their first year of graduate coursework toward the remaining MSU requirements for their bachelor’s degrees, while also earning credit toward their law degrees. The program is offered through partnerships with the University of Mississippi and Mississippi Christian University law schools. Griffith now is an MCU law student.
“I was so excited when I saw there was a new opportunity to potentially go to law school earlier than I expected,” Griffith said. “There was no way I would have been able to graduate early, so this was my only chance to go to law school after my junior year at State.”
Taking advantage of the opportunity required Griffith to accelerate her preparation for law school, including taking the LSAT and completing the application process while maintaining her MSU academic requirements.
“Being the first graduate of MSU’s Accelerated Law program is an immense honor,” she said. “I hope that my experience will encourage other students at MSU to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Kate Sawaya, MSU College of Arts and Sciences director of academic relations for advising and student success, helped Griffith navigate the new program and develop an academic plan that would meet both her undergraduate and law school requirements.
“Caroline’s success demonstrates what is possible when students have the flexibility to design an academic plan that supports their long-term goals,” said Sawaya, who recently presented Griffith her official MSU diploma along with College of Arts and Sciences Dean Rick Travis.
Participating students may pursue customizable degree options, including bachelor’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and liberal arts, with individual degree plans approved through MSU.
More information about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the 3+3 Accelerated Law program is available online.
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