Alvernia, Widener Commonwealth Law School expand opportunities for future legal professionals
3+3 dual admissions agreement promotes affordability and experiential learning
Reading, PA (03/25/2025) — Alvernia University formalizes partnership with Widener University Commonwealth Law School to establish a 3+3 dual admissions agreement designed for students interested in combining their undergraduate education with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and having a seamless transition from their undergraduate program to law school. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and JD in six years, saving them time and money.
"This partnership with Widener Law Commonwealth aligns with Alvernia's commitment to providing innovative academic pathways that empower students to achieve their professional aspirations efficiently and affordably," said Senior Vice President and Provost, Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. "We are grateful to be able to work with Widener Law Commonwealth to provide the platform for future law students and legal professionals to develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities."
This collaboration between Widener Law Commonwealth and Alvernia University illustrates a shared dedication to providing innovative educational opportunities. Financial awards will be subject to terms and conditions outlined at time of acceptance. All financial aid applications will be handled directly between the student and Widener Law Commonwealth, who will consider Alvernia students for any need-based financial aid for which they would be normally considered. "We are enthusiastic about partnering with Alvernia University to offer this exceptional 3+3 program," said Widener University Commonwealth Law School Dean andre douglas pond. "This partnership not only saves students a year of tuition but accelerates their path to becoming a lawyer. We're excited to welcome Alvernia's top students to Widener Law Commonwealth, where they will receive a rigorous legal education and gain invaluable experiential learning opportunities throughout their studies."
In addition, Alvernia has partnered with the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University and Widener University Delaware Law School to offer special admissions programs for Alvernia undergraduate students.
"Interest in law school has grown significantly nationwide in recent years," said Alvernia University Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D. "For the Fall 2025 law school cycle, applications have increased substantially, with some institutions reporting a rise of 25% to 50%. We have noticed this trend among Alvernia students and are excited to offer them a 3+3 pathway to attend Widener Commonwealth School of Law."
###
Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves over 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model. Visit the university's website at alvernia.edu.
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is the Pennsylvania capital's only law school, with three specialized centers of legal scholarship through its Law & Government Institute, Environmental Law and Sustainability Center, and Business Advising Program. Widener Law Commonwealth offers an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. Visit the school website at commonwealthlaw.widener.edu.
Alvernia University Media Contact:
Sarah Matarella
610-796-8344 (desk)
Sarah.Matarella@alvernia.edu
Widener University Commonwealth Law School Media Contact:
Valerie Hawkins
Communications Manager 717-541-3909 (desk), 717-329-3794 (cell)
vnhawkins@widener.edu
Media Attachments
Alvernia University
Sarah Matarella 610.796.8344, Sarah.Matarella@alvernia.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- Reading native Ketter earns Alvernia University's 2025 Bernardine Legacy Award
- Alvernia graduates over 550 during commencement weekend
- Alvernia to celebrate Class of 2025 with packed weekend event schedule
- Alvernia University's College of Business, Communication, and Leadership hosts third annual conference
- EVENT ADVISORY | Alvernia University College of Business, Communication, and Leadership to host annual conference
- Alvernia University Partners with Berks Coalition to End Homelessness to Improve Youth Housing Stability
- Header School of Business namesake mentors students through Alvernia's executive-in-residence program
- Alvernia's O'Pake Institute receives funding for bilingual financial empowerment series
- PHOTOS INCLUDED | Berks Biomedical Innovation Collaborative hosts inaugural Bioscience in Berks Conference
- Alvernia University secures $3 million grant for Reading and Pottsville CollegeTowne initiatives