Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law entered into a memorandum of agreement to establish a pre-law pathway program, giving qualified MSSU students a streamlined opportunity to pursue a law degree.
On October 23, 2025, in the Billingsly Student Center Ballroom on the MSSU campus, the agreement signed outlined a collaborative effort between the institutions to support MSSU undergraduates who intend to pursue legal studies, with a focus on admission to UMKC’s “90+” law program. The program allows students to begin laws school after completing at least 90 undergraduate credit hours at MSSU, with first-year law coursework applied toward their bachelor’s degree.
“this new partnership invites driven and high-achieving students to begin law school after just three years of undergraduate study — saving time, reducing costs, and fast-tracking their entry into a legal career,” said Dr. Nicole Shoaf, associate professor of International and Political Affairs. “For those who dream of advocating for justice, leading corporate initiatives, or shaping policy, this is an opportunity to launch your dream career that much sooner.”
Under the agreement:
- MSSU students may apply to the UMKC School of Law’s 90+ program after completing 90 credit hours.
- Admitted students will have 30–35 hours of their first-year law school credits counted toward MSSU degree completion.
- Competitive applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.3 GPA and an LSAT score at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent UMKC Law entering class (currently 155).
- Students who do not meet these benchmarks may still receive preferential interview consideration.
- MSSU will provide pre-law advising and coordinate student preparation and communication with UMKC Law.
This agreement also includes a 3+3 accelerated program, which allows students to complete both undergraduate and law degrees in six years.
Founded in 1937, Missouri Southern State University has provided educational opportunities for Southwest Missouri and beyond. The university serves nearly 4,300 students in more than 140 academic programs and boasts outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs. The university’s mission is to educate and graduate knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens. For nearly 90 years, MSSU has developed exceptional, state and nationally accredited programs that prepare their students for the competitive and changing 21st century society.
Reference:
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