Frequently Asked Questions - Graduate Programs

What is the required GPA for graduate admission?  

  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 Is required for acceptance into School of Education Graduate Programs.

What is the minimum GRE Score? 

  • A combined GRE score of 297 is required for admission (153 on Verbal and 144 on Quantitative sections); however, the School of Education does consider applicants with lower GRE scores if space is available. Scores that are more than 5 years old will be accepted only if original documentation is submitted. 

Can I take courses without GRE Scores?

  • It is possible to complete up to 12 hours as a non-matriculating student before being admitted into the School of Education; however, only 6 hours of coursework at the 7000 level can be transferred into a graduate program. 

What do I need to do to transfer to the School of Education from another university?

  • You may transfer up to 12 hours into a LSU Master’s program. The Program Leader for each content area will review an individual’s transcripts to determine which courses will count toward a degree in that program area. Please schedule appointments directly with the Program Leaders. 

I have an undergraduate degree in a field that is not education.  What program should I apply to so that I can earn a teaching credential?

  • If you are interested in teaching grades 6 through 12 or secondary education, in mathematics, social studies, science, or English, please apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching-Secondary program.  Click here for information about this program.
  • If you are interested in teaching elementary school, you will need to seek a program at another college, university, or private provider.  Please check this website for approved alternative certification programs in Louisiana. 

I have taken graduate courses elsewhere and would like to apply them toward my degree.  How many may I apply and what is the procedure?

  • Approval of transfer credit for Master’s degrees and fulfillment of requirements for doctoral degrees using credits from other accredited universities is done with the approval of the major professor or advisor following official admission to a program.  Up to 12 credit hours may be transferred for a Master’s Degree, and up to 45 credit hours may count toward a doctoral degree.

I would like to apply for scholarships or assistantships.  How do I do that?

  • Please see the Graduate School website for scholarships that are available to graduate students at LSU.  Assistantships in the School of Education are awarded in spring; the application deadline for assistantships is March 30 and the assistantships start at $12,000 per year.  Please contact the LSU Graduate Programs Office, gradSoE@lsu.edu, for an application.  The deadline for submission of applications for financial aid is February 1. 

What is your application deadline?  What if I’m a little late in applying?

  • Applicants are accepted all year with the exception of Higher Education which has a deadline of March 1 and Counseling which has a deadline of March 15. In order to be considered for fall admission, applications with supporting information must be complete by March 30. For spring or summer admission, they must be complete by October 30. Complete applications not available for review by these dates will be considered for the following semester.

Where do I send my supporting materials for my application?

  • Official transcripts, official test scores, and other materials that come from third-party sources must be mailed to: Graduate Student Services, 114 West David Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. These paper documents are stored electronically and we have access to all materials submitted by and/or on behalf of a student applying to graduate study 

Questions about teacher certification should be directed to the Louisiana Department of Education.

Contact Us

For help with any other questions, please contact our main office at:

School of Education 
223 Peabody Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
ph: 225-578-6867