EWU BA & Gonzaga Law JD 3+3 Program

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Complete Your BA at EWU While Earning Your JD

Want to fast-track your career while saving time and money on tuition? The 3+3 program lets you earn a Bachelor of Arts from EWU and a Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in six years instead of the traditional seven.

In this program, you can:

  • Apply to Gonzaga Law during your junior year.
  • Complete your bachelor’s degree during your first year of law school.
  • Start your career one year sooner.

There are multiple pathways in the 3+3 program. Discover how you can begin your journey today.

Path for PoliSci Pre-Law Majors  Path for Criminal Justice Majors

How the 3+3 Program Works

You can apply to Gonzaga Law after completing most of your undergraduate requirements at EWU. The program allows you to enroll concurrently at both institutions. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Years 1–3
Undergraduate Studies at EWU

Spend your first three years at EWU completing general education and major-specific coursework. We recommend talking to your advisor to ensure you're on track and ready to take advantage of the program.

Year 3
Apply to Gonzaga Law

During your third year at EWU, you’ll apply to Gonzaga Law’s full-time JD program. To qualify, you must be on track to earn 75% of the credits required for your bachelor’s degree by the end of your junior year at EWU.

Year 4
Start Law School, Finish Your BA

If accepted, your first year at Gonzaga Law counts toward both your law degree and your bachelor’s degree from EWU. Up to 30 semester credits from your first year of law school will fulfill your remaining undergraduate requirements.

How to Choose:
Political Science vs. Criminal Justice

Not sure which option is right for you? Consider the following to help you pick the path that fits your passions and career goals.

Political Science Pre-Law Path

This might be a good fit if you:

  • Are passionate about politics, government, or civil rights
  • Want to shape laws and public policy
  • Are considering careers in politics, public service, or nonprofit work
  • Enjoy debating, writing, and analytical thinking

Your 3+3 path will include:

  • Completing 138 total credits by the end of your junior year, including Senior Capstone and all but 15 required Political Science credits
  • Getting admitted to Gonzaga Law (note that this step is not guaranteed by EWU)
  • Using your first year of law school to finish your undergrad degree
  • Graduating with a BA and JD in six years

Criminal Justice Path

This might be a good fit if you:

  • Are interested in law enforcement, justice systems, forensics, or corrections
  • Want to work in courts, corrections, investigations, or policy
  • Are passionate about public safety and ethical justice
  • Enjoy problem-solving and working with people 

Your 3+3 path will include:

  • Completing required Criminal Justice courses and Senior Capstone, plus 140 total credits by junior year
  • Getting admitted to Gonzaga Law (note that this step is not guaranteed by EWU)
  • Using your first year at law school to fulfill the final 40 credits for your degree
  • Earning your BA and JD in six years

3+3 Program Requirements & Application Process

  • Make sure you have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least 50% of your bachelor’s degree credits.
  • Start preparing for the LSAT—consider study guides, courses, or practice exams.

  • Meet with your faculty advisor to plan your spring quarter classes. Ensure you’re on track to meet all graduation requirements (except those covered by your first year of law school).
  • Take the LSAT in October or December.

  • Receive your LSAT score and confirm your eligibility to apply.
  • Submit your official transcripts, including fall quarter grades, to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
  • Submit your application to Gonzaga University School of Law, including:
    • Application form
    • CAS report (includes undergraduate transcript and LSAT scores)
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Resume
    • Personal statement
    • Letter of eligibility for the 3+3 program from your faculty advisor

  • Request an interview with Gonzaga Law after you submit your application.
  • Take the February LSAT, if necessary, to improve your score.

To enter the 3+3 program, you’ll need to apply to Gonzaga Law’s full-time JD program and be accepted. Admission isn’t guaranteed, so careful planning is key.

All application materials must be submitted by March 15 of the year you plan to start law school.

When should I start planning?
Connect with an EWU advisor during your sophomore year to begin mapping out your courses and preparing for the law school application process.

What makes a strong applicant?
To boost your chances of being admitted—and possibly earning a scholarship—aim for:

  • A cumulative 3.30 GPA or higher at EWU by the time you apply.
  • An LSAT score at or above the 25th percentile of the previous year’s incoming Gonzaga Law class (reach out to the Gonzaga Law admissions office for the latest score range).
  • A strong academic record across all colleges attended, not just EWU.

Important note: If admitted to Gonzaga Law, you’ll need to maintain a 3.30 GPA through enrollment. A drop below 3.30 may put your law school admission at risk.

How should I prepare?
Check out the timeline below, and talk to your advisor for more details.

3+3 Program Tuition and Financial Aid

As an EWU student in the 3+3 Program, you’ll have access to the same scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Gonzaga Law as any other applicant. Total scholarships awarded, including external scholarships, may not exceed the total cost of tuition at Gonzaga Law.

Carl Maxey Social Justice Scholarship

Gonzaga Law reserves one Carl Maxey Social Justice Scholarship per academic year for an EWU student in the program who meets the selection criteria. 

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