Communication Studies/JD 3+3 Degree, BA

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies/JD Degree

The BA/JD Communication Studies degree is an accelerated program which allows highly qualified and disciplined students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Juris Doctor degree in six years (180 credits) instead of the usual seven by counting 29 credits from the first year of law school toward the bachelor's degree.

The Communication Studies degree equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the role of communication in society and effectively develop messages to address organizational and community challenges. Students study communication practices, concepts, and theories that can be used to help build and maintain relationships in personal and professional contexts. Communication Studies graduates have strong communication, analytic, and critical thinking skills, which are necessary for success in the legal profession. They are prepared to craft meaningful messages and lead productive discussion and debate in society. 

Requirements for Admission

• Admission to the 3+3 program as a first-year student requires an ACT of 25 (SAT of 980) and a minimum high school GPA of 3.4; admission of transfer and ICT students requires a GPA of 3.4. 
• Any University of Akron Communication Studies major may apply for inclusion into the 3+3 program at the same time they apply for admission into the Communication Studies BA program, or anytime while enrolled as a Communication Studies major at the University of Akron. 
• University of Akron Communication Studies majors participating in the joint 3+3 program who have completed the equivalent of three years or more of a baccalaureate degree will be admitted into the University of Akron School of Law so long as they: 
  • Are in good standing academically, financially, and from a disciplinary perspective in the Communication Studies BA program. 
  • Satisfy the character and fitness standards required of all students admitted to the Law School. 
  • Have an LSAT that is at or above the 25^th percentile of the previous year’s entering class, and not below a 151 (GRE results can be considered if no LSAT score is available). 
  • Have an undergraduate grade point average at or above the median of the previous University of Akron Law School entering class.

The following information has official approval of The School of Communication and The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.

Requirements

Summary

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Bachelor's degrees require a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation.

Recommended Sequence

¹

A grade of C or better is required in order to graduate.

²

Students are required to complete four semesters of a modern language or sign language OR complete a certificate from the approved list (see below). Demonstration of ability to use another language by completion of the second year of a modern language or sign language is required through coursework, AP, CLEP, or Oral Proficiency Interview. See your advisor for placement. Please note that all four semesters must be completed in the SAME language and it’s recommended you begin your first language course as soon as possible. Students can also complete one of the following certificates, instead of a language, to satisfy this requirement: Applied Political Communication [370019C], Artificial Intelligence [360010C], Conflict Transformation & Social Entrepreneurship [370016C], Parent and Family Education [H40203C], Entrepreneurship [630000C], Health Care Selling [660108C], Applied Politics [370005C], Asian Studies [340001C], Environmental Studies [337004C], Field Archaeology [324001C], Gerontology [300006C], Latin American Studies [300008C], Linguistic Studies [330008C], Middle Eastern Studies [340002C], Pan-African Studies [300002C], Research Methods for the Social Sciences [385000C], Teaching English as a Second Language [330003C], Women’s Studies [300110C], Manual Communication [H70007C], Museum and Archives Studies [140001C], Managing People [650010C], Campus Arts and Culture [140005C], Environmental Ethics [360006C], Applied Community Engagement [140004C], Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion [375001C], and Addiction Services [226106C]. 

³

COMM 325 Intercultural Communication meets the U.S. Perspectives course requirement.