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Application Guidelines

To become an MS or PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering applicants must meet the minimum requirements for admission set by the LSU Graduate School and the department. Applications for admission are evaluated by the department graduate admissions committee on a competitive basis. Each applicant is assessed for success at the graduate level, taking into consideration academic credentials, undergraduate preparation, research skills, industry experience, recommendations, GRE scores, English language proficiency test results (for international students whose native language is not English), and any other information that can contribute to the review. Program admission is also dependent on the availability of department funding, office/laboratory space, and faculty interest.

The department's minimum admission requirements are outlined below; for additional details, please refer to the information provided by the LSU Graduate School. It should be noted that satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Furthermore, admission to the program does not guarantee receipt of a funded assistantship. Please review the program's Financial Aid page for further information on funding.

Departmental Admission Requirements

For detailed information how to submit official transcripts, test scores, and other materials, please refer to information provided by the LSU Graduate School. The following documents are requested by the department:

• Transcripts for each university attended. While unofficial transcripts are sufficient at the time of application, official transcripts are required upon entering a graduate program at LSU.
• GRE score. Although GRE scores are not required, they will be considered in the review process and thus are highly encouraged. Official test scores must be sent from ETS. The ETS institution code for LSU is RA6373.
• English language proficiency (international applicants only). Requirements are set by the LSU Graduate School. For information on accepted tests, minimum scores and applicable exemptions, refer to the LSU International Admissions page.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume. A CV or resume with an accurate chronological outline of all previous college-level education.
• Statement of Purpose. A personal statement detailing motivations for pursuing a graduate degree as well as research interests should be completed with the online application.
• Three recommendation letters are required by the department. Follow the instructions on the online application. 
• A writing sample is required by the department.

All interested applicants must apply online through the LSU Graduate School.

Application Deadlines

Deadlines for application to the ME Graduate Program follow those set by LSU's Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School, see information posted on the Requirements & Deadlines page. In order to be considered, applications must be completed by dates posted by the Graduate School. Applicants who have missed deadlines have to apply for ths subsequent semester.

APPLY TO THE ME GRADUATE PROGRAM

Application Fee Waivers

As resources are limited, the department does not offer routine application fee waivers. While financial hardship by itself cannot be considered as a criterion, exceptions may be made for applicants that are able to document exceptional academic credentials.

Application Process

• The LSU Graduate School collects and screens documents. The application will not be released for departmental review unless all required documents have been submitted.
• The Department will evaluate your application after you have submitted all required documents.
• An applicant selected for admission by the Department is recommend to the Graduate School, where a final evaluation of the application is conducted by the Graduate Admissions staff. If a student meets the general requirements for admission and the department recommends admission, the student is admitted.
• The Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department makes a decision on all applications approximately one month after the deadline. Once a decision has been made it will be posted to your application. The Graduate School and Department will not send a notification by mail or email. You can see the decision on your application by logging into your application. At the bottom of the page under Decision Status, click on the link that says "Your application decision is now available online" and a window pops up with the acceptance or rejection letter.