Colin McNamara has been interested in political science, philosophy and law since he was young.
"I've always seen law school as my destiny," McNamara said.
The student from DeWitt, Iowa is the first student to progress through St. Ambrose's 3+3 degree plan in partnership with the University of Iowa. Through the 3+3 program, a student can earn their undergraduate degree from SAU and a law degree from Iowa in a total of six years. Students that have been accepted to the University of Iowa Law School fulfill their senior year's undergraduate credits through their first year of law school classes.
McNamara had heard of the program before coming to SAU, but learned details from Joe Hebert, PhD, director of Pre-Law Studies .
"I talked to Dr. Hebert during my Admitted Student Day," McNamara said.
The agreement with University of Iowa was signed in 2013. Hebert said the idea was new at the time.
"An SAU alum who works for Iowa Law approached us and explained the idea and the benefits," Hebert said. "After thinking through the logistics and benefits this would offer our students and program, we decided to become one of the first group of universities trying this new approach."
The 3+3 program is designed for highly motivated and organized students able to complete most undergraduate requirements in an expedited manner. St. Ambrose this year added a like agreement with the Drake University Law School.
"The experience of planning students' studies in light of this program has been beneficial even in cases where the student chose another option," Hebert said.
Hebert said that one other student is likely to receive certification for the program in the near future, and SAU is looking at partnerships with other law schools for similar programs.
"We are looking at entering a similar agreement with another school, and hope to have an announcement on this soon," Hebert said.
McNamara said after he graduates with his law degree from Iowa, he plans on staying in the state.
"I want to stay in Iowa, maybe here locally," he said. "I'll practice law, and politics might be in my future."
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