Graduate Program

Welcome to the graduate program in the Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising at LSU.

Requirements and procedures specific to each graduate program are discussed in the handbook. The handbook is a supplement to the LSU General Catalog, which is the authoritative source for academic regulation of the University.

It is the responsibility of graduate students to fulfill the requirements described in LSU’s current general catalog and these guidelines. Students are also responsible for being aware of and meeting the deadlines printed in the graduate calendar. Although the catalog states explicitly that LSU reserves the right to change requirements at any time, TAM tries to apply those regulations that are in effect in the year students enter their programs. Please note that due to changes in the university structure and the creation of the new Department of Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising, the former School of Human Ecology no longer exists.

Please note that due to the way our course schedule works, we only admit students for the fall semester. Applications are accepted year round with a deadline of March 1^st for the following school year.

We begin reviewing applications at that time. Assistantship applications are reviewed later in the spring, usually in mid to late April. If you are in need of an assistantship, please indicate this as part of your application. Please note that we only admit for the Fall.

The following are the minimum requirements for graduate study in Textiles, Apparel Design, & Merchandising:

• A bachelor degree based on a four-year curriculum from an institution accredited by one of the regional associates of the Commission on Institution of Higher Education or equivalent. A masters degree is required for Ph.D.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher in the previous degree.
• A minimum composite score of 300 on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). We do not waive this requirement. Official scores must be sent to the LSU Admissions office directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS.) Our institution score is 6373.
• To comply with Louisiana state mandate, the Graduate School requires an oral proficiency evaluation and certification of international graduate students* on TA2 or TA3 assistantships.
  • Includes those from all countries, including Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Puerto Rico, Viet Nam, etc., as well as naturalized citizens, U.S. residents, and those whose first language is not English.
• In addition to the Graduate School admission requirements, a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or 79 on the Internet-based test, an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or a PTE score of at least 59 must be received before an international student’s application is evaluated for admission. We do not waive this requirement.  
• Three Letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable about your preparation and/or qualifications for your desired graduate degree program.
• Evidence of adequate financial resources to pay the cost of your education.
• A Current Resume.
• A statement of purpose (also known as a letter of intent) that includes: (1) research interest, (2) faculty members(s) the applicant is interested in working with, (3) future goals related to the program of interest, (4) reason for seeking this degree, and (5) prior work-related experience.

You must apply electronically. You will be prompted to upload all supporting documents, including your official transcripts from all institutions attended, GRE and TOEFL scores, resume, and statement of purpose. You will also be prompted to provide information for your recommenders.