Requirements for Admission to the PhD Program

The Department of Pathology and Pathobiology will recruit PhD students through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, the MD/PhD program, and direct recruitment into the Pathology and Translational Pathobiology doctoral program.  The School of Graduate Studies is dedicated to developing a culture that fosters the recruitment, nurturing, and retention of a diverse student body that reflects our larger community. Thus, students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our programs. Applications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran’s status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

Unconditional Admission

The requirements for unconditional admission to the School of Graduate Studies are:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a college or university approved by a regional accrediting agency
  2. Grade point average of at least 3.0 for either undergraduate or graduate work on a 4 point scale and based upon all work for which a grade is given
  3. Submission of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required but will be considered if provided. 
  4. Satisfactory standing at the most recent educational institution attended. Transcripts from all international applicants must be evaluated by a global credentialing service (such as World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators) at the applicant’s expense.
  5. International applicants must present acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  6. International applicants who are accepted must provide a copy of their passport page that includes the student photograph to the Department of application. This document will be included with the visa application form.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who satisfy most requirements of the School and are accepted by the Department of choice but who are unable, for good reason, to supply all required credentials prior to the stated deadline may request provisional admission. In these instances, complete credentials must be received no later than sixty days after the first day of classes (forty-five days in the summer term).

Procedure for Admission

While the doctoral program will receive candidates through a centralized Interdisciplinary Graduate Program and the MD/PhD program, potential doctoral students in Pathology and Translational Pathobiology may apply directly to the program through the online GradCas system.  The applicant should first review the Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology website (see above), which contains the most up-to-date information about Departmental programs, courses, faculty, and trainees.

The following documents should be uploaded by the applicant into GradCas:

  1. CV/Resume
  2. Personal Statement: 300-750 word personal statement discussing your academic interests and professional objectives. Be sure to include: your purpose for applying to the graduate program in the Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology; your particular area of specialization within the major field, including the faculty member(s) research you are interested in working with (if you already have a particular specialization in mind); a description of any prior research experience, and your plans for future occupation or profession; and any additional information that may assist the admission committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study.
  3. Unofficial transcripts (optional)
  4. Unofficial GRE test scores (optional)

Applicants should arrange for the following files to be submitted directly to GradCAS:

  1. Official transcripts (or transcript evaluation for international students)
  2. GRE scores, if desired.
  3. TOEFL scores (if applicable) (see above for more information).
  4. At least three (no more than five) professional references from individuals who best know your academic, research, or professional qualifications and who will provide recommendations on your behalf. At least two of your recommendations should be academic recommendations. At LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, letters of recommendation are an exceedingly important part of deliberations leading to the acceptance or rejection of applicants. If these letters do not speak directly to the preparation of the applicant for graduate study or if the letter’s authenticity is in question, applicants are typically rejected.

Official IELTS scores cannot be sent electronically through GradCAS. The applicant should arrange to have the document sent directly to the university at the following address:

Dr. Jason Bodily, PhD
Associate Dean, School of Graduate Studies
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport
1501 Kings Highway
Shreveport, LA 71103

The university and department do not have an application fee. However, you are required to pay the GradCAS fee. Please contact the department directly to see if coupon codes are available to help offset the GradCAS application fee.

Applicants to the Doctoral Program in Pathology and Translational Pathobiology will be reviewed by the Research Division faculty. Promising candidates will be contacted by the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology and interviewed by Skype initially. When possible, prospective students will be invited to visit the department to interview with the faculty. A final decision will be made, and successful applicants will be notified by mail by the Department and the School of Graduate Studies. Separate acceptance letters should be sent to the Department and School of Graduate Studies. Applicants who have questions concerning the application and review process should address the inquiries to PathPhD@lsuhs.edu. 

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Graduate Program
Pathology & Translational Pathobiology