BA in History / JD in Law
Study the past. Practice the law. Lead with evidence.
The BA in History / JD in Law is an accelerated 3+3 pathway that allows motivated students to earn a bachelor’s degree in history and a Juris Doctor in six years instead of seven. You complete your history major and begin law school coursework during what would traditionally be your senior year, saving one year of time and tuition while launching your legal education early.
This program is ideal for students who are strong readers, careful thinkers and persuasive writers, and who want to connect historical insight with legal training.
History and law are natural partners. Historians analyze evidence, interpret complex texts and construct arguments grounded in context. Lawyers do the same.
In this combined degree, you will:
- Build advanced skills in reading, analysis and argumentation
- Learn to interpret primary sources and legal texts with precision
- Strengthen persuasive writing and oral communication
- Develop a deep understanding of how law evolves over time
A history background provides a strong foundation for constitutional law, civil rights, international law, public policy and many other legal fields.
You complete your undergraduate history requirements and core curriculum in your first three years. If you meet progression standards, you begin the first year of law school during your fourth year at UB.
Law courses taken in the first year of the JD count toward completion of your bachelor’s degree, allowing you to finish both degrees in six years of full-time study.
Admission to the law portion requires meeting GPA and standardized test benchmarks and completing a formal progression process.
- Accelerated six-year pathway to a BA in History and a Juris Doctor (JD)
- Begin School of Law coursework during your fourth year
- Save one year of tuition and enter the profession sooner
- Access to advising support from both History and the School of Law
- Strong preparation for a wide range of legal careers
Program at a glance
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Juris Doctor (JD)
Time to complete: Six years
Format: Full-time, on campus
Law school entry: Begin JD coursework in year four, pending progression approval
Honors and research opportunities
High-achieving students may apply to the History Honors Program and complete an original research thesis based on primary sources under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The honors experience allows you to deepen your expertise in a focused area of history while strengthening your research, writing and analytical skills.
As a history major, you will study societies across time and place, examining change, continuity, conflict and reform. You will work closely with primary sources and learn to build arguments supported by evidence.
In law school, you will analyze cases, interpret statutes and develop the reasoning skills central to legal practice. You will learn through discussion, writing and experiential learning opportunities that prepare you for professional responsibility and advocacy.
By completing this combined degree, you will be able to:
- Analyze complex texts and identify key arguments
- Use historical and legal evidence to support clear, persuasive claims
- Understand how legal systems develop over time
- Communicate effectively in writing and in professional settings
- Apply ethical reasoning to legal and public issues
Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Legal practice
- Government and public service
- Policy and advocacy
- Business and corporate law
- Nonprofit and community leadership
- Academia or further graduate study
Students must meet academic and standardized test benchmarks established by the School of Law to progress into the JD portion of the program.
Eligible students submit a progression form, supporting materials and required test scores during their junior year. Advising support is available to help you plan your undergraduate coursework and prepare for progression review.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor and consult the School of Law Admissions Office regarding eligibility requirements and deadlines.
If you are ready to combine rigorous historical study with professional legal training, the BA in History / JD pathway offers a focused and efficient route into the legal profession.
UB 3+3 Applicants: Take advantage of all that the School of Law has to offer as early as your first year. Learn more about important deadlines before you apply or talk to your advisor.
