Graduate Admissions FAQs

When can I apply?

The ECE division admits new graduate students during the Fall and Spring semesters. New graduate students are not admitted during the Summer.

Why has my application status said “Under department review” for some time and I still do not have a decision?

“Under department review” status indicates that the file is complete in the Graduate School and has been forwarded to the division for review. A file considered complete in the Graduate School does not necessary mean that the file is complete in the division. An application in the division in “under department review” status can either be:

  1. File is under consideration and pending an admission recommendation with the division.
  2. Missing required documents in the division, usually letters of recommendation. Applicant's needing to contact the division about an incomplete application should send an email to eceapply@lsu.edu.

How long does it take for the division to make an admission recommendation?

It usually takes several days to several weeks depending on the time of year and faculty schedules. You can send an inquiry to eceapply@lsu.edu to check on the status of your application in the division.

How do I defer or change my admission to another semester?

You can contact the LSU Graduate School or you can send you request to the ECE Graduate Program Office at www.eceapply@lsu.edu. We will send your request graduate school to have your application updated to the following semester.

How long is my Graduate School application valid?

Your application to the Graduate School will expire in one year. You must reapply and pay the application fee. Depending on how soon you reapply, you may not need to resend any supporting documents.

What types of financial awards are available to incoming students?

The ECE division offers fellowships and teaching assistantships to highly qualified incoming students. It also nominates qualified incoming students for other awards (such as diversity fellowships). In general, these awards are made to doctoral students joining the division during the Fall semester. Individual faculty may also offer research assistantships.

What are the application deadlines?

Please see Graduate School Admissions for current deadlines.

What are the minimum GRE, TOEFL/IELTS scores required for admission?

The GRE exam is optional. There is no minimum score.  Typically, most successful applicants have a GRE verbal of at least 400 and a GRE Math of at least 700. The minimum TOEFL scores are: Internet (79) Computer (213), Paper (550).  The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.  More information regarding International Admissions can be found on the Graduate School International Admissions webpage.

What are my chances of being admitted to the ECE Graduate Program?

The admission decision depends on a number of factors including your academic record, TOEFL score, Letters of Recommendation and your research interests. We do not have a GRE minimum and an overall aggregate of all of your credentials are taken into consideration. We cannot evaluate your chances until you have applied online to the LSU Graduate School and we have received your application materials. Without your application, we are not in a position to respond to queries concerning your chances of admission.

I have been admitted and want to know if I will receive financial assistance.

Graduate assistantships are offered on a competitive basis. If you receive an assistantship, you will be notified by the ECE Graduate Office as soon as a decision has been made.

How does the admission process work?

Once we have received all required application materials, a division committee evaluates the application (this can take several days to several weeks depending on the time of year and faculty schedules). The division then, makes an admission RECOMMENDATION, and notifies the LSU Office of Graduate Admissions. The LSU Graduate School makes the FINAL decision on admission and notifies the applicant. The official decision is posted on the applicant's on-line application account and an e-mail notification is automatically sent to address that was provided by the applicant on the application. You can find more information at the LSU Graduate School Website.