Students will be able to earn both a bachelor's degree and a law degree in six years through a new partnership announced today by Oakland University and Wayne State University Law School.

Traditionally, earning a bachelor's degree followed by a law degree would total seven years. With this agreement, students will transfer 30 credits from courses at the law school back to Oakland to meet bachelor's degree requirements.

To apply, Oakland University students must have completed a minimum of 75 credits in an approved undergraduate degree. The bachelor of integrative studies is the first program approved for the partnership. It is expected that the list of majors at Oakland eligible for the partnership will expand as the program moves forward. Students also must take the Law School Admission Test and meet all other Wayne Law admissions requirements. During the fourth (senior) year at Oakland, students will attend Wayne Law and will begin with the first two semesters of credits at Wayne Law (30 credits) transferring back to Oakland for completion of the bachelor's degree.

"We are thrilled to work with Oakland University to offer their students this unique opportunity," said Wayne Law Dean Jocelyn Benson. "Being able to complete their undergraduate and legal education in a shorter timeframe will allow these students to get a jumpstart on their careers and begin making a difference as legal professionals even sooner."

Students who have completed their Oakland requirements must apply by June 1 to begin taking classes at Wayne Law in fall 2016.

Tuition and fees will be paid to Oakland for classes taken there and to Wayne Law for classes taken at the law school.

"Oakland University is proud to offer this partnership with Wayne Law," said James P. Lentini, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Oakland. "Our students who are aspiring lawyers will be able to pursue their dreams more quickly. We also recognize that saving a year of college tuition will reduce the financial burden for these students."

Susan Awbrey, Oakland's senior associate provost adds: "It is a very exciting opportunity. Wayne Law has an excellent scholarship program that will be open to support students in the program. Oakland University welcomes this new opportunity to provide students an accelerated pathway to the legal profession."

Margaret E. Winters, provost and senior vice president at Wayne State University, said, "It will be a pleasure to welcome these well-prepared students from Oakland University to Wayne Law. They will be able to continue their education in a setting where they will be prepared for what we know will be rewarding careers."

For more information about the partnership, current and prospective Oakland students can contact David Lau at 248-370-3229 or lau@oakland.edu. For more information about Wayne Law, contact Wayne Law Admissions at 313-577-3937 or lawinquire@wayne.edu.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students.