Business/Law 3+3 Program
Begin your legal career in less time by combining an undergraduate business degree with a J.D. from Drake Law School through this accelerated 3+3 program.
Zimpleman College of Business | On-Campus
Program Options
Discover how you can launch your career more quickly and with a unique business background that complements your legal training.
Business/Law 3+3 Program
Spend your first three years as a Drake undergraduate, where you’ll uncover business as a tool to economically uplift communities all over the world. Then, apply to the Law School in the fall of your third year, where you’ll complete your J.D. degree in years four through six.
Meet the Faculty
Whether in the Zimpleman College of Business or the Law School, professors who are active scholars with broad professional experience join theoretical expertise with practical insights to prepare you to excel in corporate and legal environments.
Outside the Classroom
Throughout all six years of the 3+3 program, you’ll find multiple avenues to explore the legal profession, develop your skills, expand your network, and gain formative hands-on experience.
Law Specializations
Drake Law School offers an incredible breadth of course options, letting you tailor your preparation through over 20 specialization areas, including agricultural law, tort and commercial litigation, intellectual property, corporate and transactional law, and artificial intelligence.
First-Year Trial Practicum
In a program unique to Drake Law School, you’ll attend a state or federal jury trial and participate in question-and-answer sessions with the judge, attorneys, and members of the jury.
Internships
For both business and legal studies, Des Moines is an ideal location to connect with internship opportunities. As the capital and largest city in Iowa, it serves as a hub for enterprise and the legal profession. Past placements have included private law practices, corporate legal departments, non-profit organizations, and the Iowa State legislature.
Constitutional Law Center
One of only four such centers in the nation endowed by Congress, the Constitutional Law Center provides resources for students, scholars, and lawyers interested in this area of legal practice.
Student Organizations
As an undergraduate, you can build momentum toward your career by engaging in Zimpleman’s competitions and professional organizations. This preparation paves the way to refining your defense and analysis skills on the Law School’s Mock Trial and Moot Court teams.
Scholarships
All full-time undergraduate students receive scholarship support. Plus, if you enroll in Drake Law School through the 3+3 program, you’re guaranteed an award of $5,000 for all three years of law school.
Careers & Skills
You’ll complete your studies with robust knowledge of the business climate and the credentials to practice as an attorney. This foundation equips you to confidently pursue roles in the corporate world, private legal practice, government, the non-profit sector, or consulting. Throughout the program, a high degree of customization lets you finely tune your preparation to match your career goals.
Opportunities
- Consulting
- Corporate law
- Non-profit organizations
- Private legal practice
- Public service
- State or federal government
Skills
- Business analysis
- Critical thinking
- Domain-specific expertise
- Effective communication
- Legal analysis
- Strategic thinking
Salary & Growth Outlook
Median salary for lawyers in 2024. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Take the Next Step
Forge a distinctive path forward by earning a bachelor’s degree in business and a J.D. in just six years in Drake’s accelerated program.
