BA/JD Program
The Department of Communication & Film partners with the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 Bachelor of Arts/Juris Doctor (BA/JD) program. This unique pathway allows qualified Communication Studies students to begin law school coursework during their senior year, earning credit toward both the bachelor's and law degrees while paying undergraduate tuition during their first year of law school.
By combining undergraduate and law school coursework, students can complete both degrees in six years instead of the traditional seven, saving both time and tuition while preparing for careers in law, public policy, advocacy, government, business, and related professions.
Students interested in the BA/JD program should begin planning early in their undergraduate studies and are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor to determine whether the program aligns with their academic and professional goals.
Why Study Communication Before Law School?
Communication Studies provides an excellent foundation for the study and practice of law by developing the skills needed to analyze complex issues, construct persuasive arguments, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and navigate challenging interpersonal situations. Students learn to think critically, communicate ethically, and adapt their message to different contexts—essential skills for success in law school and the legal profession.
Throughout the program, students strengthen their abilities in oral advocacy, analytical and technical writing, research methods, public speaking, civic engagement, negotiation, leadership, and conflict management. Coursework also emphasizes understanding audiences, evaluating evidence, and communicating with clarity and confidence, preparing graduates to excel in legal, governmental, nonprofit, business, and public service careers.
Courses that help prepare students for law school include:
- Argumentation and Advocacy
- Political Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Rhetoric and Civic Controversy
- Communication and Leadership
- Dialogue
- Small Group Communication
- Communication and Conflict
- Rhetoric of Social Movements
- Place, Community, and Communication
- The Internet and New Media
- Advanced Public Speaking
- Communication in Organizations
- Intercultural Communication
- Listening
Eligibility & Admissions
Students interested in the 3+3 BA/JD Program should begin planning early in their undergraduate studies and work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they meet all program requirements.
To be eligible for consideration, students should:
- Complete at least 90 undergraduate credit hours before entering the program.
- Apply to the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law during the semester in which they are enrolled in their 90th credit hour.
- Complete the LSAT and submit official scores as part of the law school application process.
- Meet all admission requirements established by the School of Law.
- Be among the strongest applicants based on undergraduate GPA and LSAT performance relative to the incoming law school class.
Admission to the 3+3 BA/JD Program is contingent upon admission to the School of Law. Students must apply to the School of Law separately and acceptance into the accelerated program is not guaranteed.
Prior to beginning the second year of law school (2L), students must successfully complete all remaining bachelor's degree requirements. Students who do not complete the BA requirements or successfully complete their first year of law coursework will not be permitted to continue in the accelerated program.
Students interested in learning more about the BA/JD Program or preparing for the application process are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor early in their undergraduate career.
Course Sequence
The 3+3 BA/JD Program is designed to provide a seamless transition from undergraduate study to law school. Students spend their first three years completing the majority of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies requirements before beginning the first year of law school during their senior year. During this fourth year, first-year law (1L) courses satisfy both undergraduate and Juris Doctor degree requirements, allowing students to complete both degrees in six years instead of the traditional seven.
The sample course sequence below illustrates one possible pathway through the program. Individual plans of study may vary based on transfer credit, course availability, and a student's academic progress. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan.
Freshman Year
- COMM 2100 – Communication Inquiry (3)
- ENGL 1010 – English Composition (3)
- Mathematics (General Education)
- Foreign Language/B.A. Requirement (or Elective)
- Social/Behavioral Science
- COMM 2101 – Media Literacy (3)
- ENGL 1020 – English Composition and Analysis (3)
- Humanities/Fine Arts
- Foreign Language/B.A. Requirement (or Elective)
- Social/Behavioral Science
Total: 30 credit hours
Sophomore Year
- COMM 2381 – Oral Communication (3)
- ENGL 2201 – Literary Heritage or ENGL 2202 – Literary Heritage: African American (3)
- Foreign Language/B.A. Requirement
- Natural Science
- History
- Applied Communication Course
- COMM 1851 – Introduction to Film (3)
- Foreign Language/B.A. Requirement
- Natural Science
- History
Total: 32 credit hours
Junior Year
- Rhetoric Course 1
- Rhetoric Course 2
- Applied Communication Course 2
- Applied Communication Course 3
- Elective
- COMM 3330 – Applied Communication Research Methods or Rhetoric Course 3
- Upper-Division Elective
- Upper-Division Elective
- Elective
Total: 30 credit hours
Senior Year (First Year of Law School)
During the senior year, students begin the first-year law curriculum while completing the remaining requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
- Contracts I
- Torts I
- Legal Methods I
- Civil Procedure I
- Property I
- Academic Success I
- Contracts II
- Torts II
- Legal Methods II
- Civil Procedure II
- Property II
- Criminal Law
- Academic Success II
Total: 30 credit hours
Total Credit Hours Through Year Four: 120–122
Bachelor of Arts Degree Awarded: 120 credit hours
Years Five & Six
Students continue in the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law to complete the remaining requirements for the Juris Doctor degree through the standard second-year (2L) and third-year (3L) law curriculum.
Note: This sample course sequence represents one possible pathway through the 3+3 BA/JD Program. Individual degree plans may vary and should be developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Contact Information
Students interested in the 3+3 BA/JD Program are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor early in their undergraduate career to discuss eligibility, degree planning, and the application process. Additional questions about the program or law school admissions may be directed to the contacts below.
Department of Communication & Film
For questions about the BA/JD Program, undergraduate advising, or degree planning, please contact:
Matt Farmer
Undergraduate Coordinator
Department of Communication & Film
Phone: 901-678-2465
Email: mkfarmer@memphis.edu
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
For questions regarding law school admissions, application requirements, deadlines, or the admissions process, please contact:
Office of Admissions
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Phone: 901-678-5403
Email: lawadmissions@memphis.edu