Join Our Graduate Program
How to Join One of our Graduate Programs
Thank you for considering the LSU College of the Coast & Environment, or CC&E, for your graduate studies. Whether you're with the Department of Environmental Sciences or the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, you will most likely be working with faculty on a cutting edge research project. To facilitate this, it's best to ensure your research interests align with those of your major advisor. Follow the steps below to start the process.
Investigate
Potential applicants should review the department's webpage to identify a faculty member(s) whose research aligns with the student's interest.
Inquire
The student then submits an inquiry about working with a specific faculty member(s) by completing and submitting the online "Prospective Student Contact Form". The inquiry should list the specific faculty members of interest.
Wait
The students will receive a response from the graduate advisor.
- There is no pre-application process for students interested int the Department of Environmental Sciences (DES).
- The Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) requires a no-cost pre-application that involves a review of an applicant's research interests. Since a faculty sponsor is required for funding, research alignment with appropriate DOCS faculty is critical. Interested applicants should fill out the DOCS Pre-Application Form.
Submit Application
Once a mutual alignment of research interests has been verified by the graduate student advisor, interested students will submit their formal application for early or regular admission through the LSU Office of Graduate Admissions. A link to their page is in the Relevant Links sections below.
Explore
Delve deeper into the questions that interest you! Solve problems relevant to our state, our nation, and the world.
Funding
Once accepted, students may receive funding assistance from a variety of sources to offset the cost of their graduate studies such as financial aid, awards, fellowships, and scholarships. If eligibility requirements are met, students typically receive a graduate research assistantship or a teaching assistantship that includes a stipend, a non-resident tuition fee waiver, and a tuition exemption. Students are responsible for paying the fees. There are a few supplemental scholarships and awards given to exceptional students.
Relevant Links
Prospective Student Contact Form
Use this form to inquire about working with a specific faculty member. Make sure to list the name of the faculty member.
Out of State Students
Out of state students may qualify to study in a specialized field while paying only in-state tuition rates.
DES Program Information
Graduate School Admissions
Graduate School AdmissionsGraduate School CalendarCourse Offerings