Graduate Application Process

How To Apply

To be considered for graduate admission all prospective international students must meet the minimum standards of admission and must submit the following:

1. Application.  A graduate international application with both pages completed and signed.
2. Application Fee of $75 (non-refundable).
3. Copy of Passport Please copy the biographical data page of your passport and submit with application.
4. Transcripts.  Official transcripts from all university-level institutions attended should indicate the date of your studies, the grades or marks earned and the subjects covered, and must be sent directly to Lamar University from the degree granting institution. If the transcripts are not in English, the student must provide certified translations.
5. Academic Standardized Test Scores.  Official GRE or GMAT (MBA applicants only) score reports must be issued directly to Lamar University by the testing agency. Lamar University’s institution code is 6360.
6. Language Proficiency.  Most international students whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Lamar University must receive the official test scores issued directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) before admission can be granted. Test scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date. ETS will not issue official scores that are more than two years old. Language test scores are not required of those international students who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university where English is the language of instruction (e.g., universities in the United States, Canada, and England).
7. Writing Test Scores.   International students who do not score at least a 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL will be required to take a placement exam upon arrival on campus before they will be allowed to register for classes. Students who score below a 6.0 on the writing section of the IELTS will also be required to take the placement exam. Those who score below the stated standards will be placed in an English writing class.
8. Proof of Financial Resources.   International students must prove they have the Financial resources to attend Lamar University. As part of the application process, international students must submit an original Financial Statement Form that asks for personal, family, and/or sponsor financial information and a bank verification of financial holdings. Financial support may be obtained through personal funds, sponsor, family members, scholarships, graduate teaching or research assistantships, in-state tuition status, or a combination of resources. For more information about financial commitment and amounts please see the Financial Information section of the web site.

 

Application Forms

• Graduate International Application
• Additional Departmental Requirements (Please see your academic department's web site)

Transfer Student Form
• SEVIS Transfer in Form

 

Admission Deadlines

Mailing Your Application. If you are sending your application documents by regular mail, please send to the address listed on the application. If sending by courier, you must send to:

Lamar University International Student Services 211 Redbird Lane Beaumont, Texas 77710 U.S.A.

Deadlines. Applicants must submit materials by the deadlines below. Any application submitted beyond the deadline will be considered for admission on a rolling basis if processing time allows; if processing time does not allow the application will be considered for the following semester. Please remember it is in the student’s best interest to submit materials in a timely manner due to the lengthy visa process.

	Begins:	Apply By:
Fall Term	August	April 15th
Spring Term	January	September 1st
Summer Term	May	January 15th

 

Admission Standards

To be considered a graduate applicant, students must have a four year bachelor’s degree. If the applicant has completed a three year bachelor’s degree, plus a post graduate diploma in the same field, this may be considered the equivalent of a four year degree. Applicants who attended foreign colleges or universities must furnish certified translations of their academic records. These records must show the ability to do above-average work in an academic program. In addition, the following minimum standards must be met:

Academic Minimum requirements

1. For graduate admission students must score a minimum of 1350 according to the following formula:
   • Undergraduate GPA x 200 + GRE (V+Q) = 1350
2. The preceding standards are the minimum for admission to the College of Graduate Studies. Individual departments and degree programs may have additional requirements that exceed these standards. For more information refer to the web site for your program of interest.
3. For MBA admission students must obtain a minimum of 950 according to the following formula where the GMAT score is no less than 400.
   • Undergraduate GPA x 200 + GMAT = 950

English Minimum Requirement

ACADEMIC LEVEL	TOEFL Paper-Based	TOEFL Internet Based	TOEFL TWE	IELTS Composite	IELTS Writing
Master- Regular Admission	525	71	5	6.0	6.0
Master- Bridge Program	500	61		5.0
Doctoral Regular Admission	550	79	5	6.5	6.0
Doctoral Bridge Program	500	61		5.0

 

Bridge Program

The Academic Bridge Program exists for special applicants who have not passed the TOEFL entrance requirements for regular admission, but are considered worthy prospects for success at Lamar University.  The Bridge Program recognizes that English test scores should not in every case eclipse all other evaluations of an applicant’s academic potential.  Admission to the Bridge Program allows concurrent enrollment in English language and academic courses – so that students may begin working towards a degree while improving their English skills for full time academic enrollment.  Bridge students maintain full-time enrollment status by taking 50% academic coursework and 50% language classes until they can pass the minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirement for regular admission.  To qualify for the Bridge Program at the master’s level, students must have the equivalent at least 500 on the TOEFL (please reference chart above) and a GRE Verbal score between 250 and 350.     

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Transfer Students

International students who plan to transfer to Lamar University from another college or university in the United States must have an average of B (3.0) on all work attempted. Transfer students at the graduate level may only transfer six credit hours. Applicants may be required to submit recommendations from teachers or foreign student advisors. The usual transfer standards apply except that tests may be required if unconditional eligibility is not established. Students should be aware that certain departments may require higher academic proficiency for admission to their program.

 

Admissions Appeals

Prospective students who have been denied admission to the College of Graduate Studies have the right to appeal to the Appeals Committee in the College to which they applied. The Committee considers appeals on an individual basis and makes recommendations to the Graduate Dean. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies (219 Wimberly Building) for complete details on the appeals process.