Graduate Admissions

1. Admission to Graduate Programs - U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Graduate admission is for students who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US institution or its equivalent, and wish to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate admission at Lamar University is competitive, and requirements vary by department. Please refer to the departmental catalog entry for specific requirements and standards beyond those listed here. Upon receipt of all university-required documents, the Admissions Office will forward your file to your desired academic department for an admission decision.

Graduate Admission Categories

Post-Baccalaureate Admission - At the discretion of the department, students may be admitted to this category prior to completing all of the requirements for full graduate admission. Students in this category study at the graduate level but are not considered graduate students and may not complete a degree. In most circumstances, students are permitted to complete six hours during post-baccalaureate status.

Graduate Admission - Denotes full admission to a degree program and to the graduate college.

Post-Graduate Admission - Students who hold an advanced degree and are pursuing additional courses without acceptance to a degree program or the graduate college.

How to Apply

1. Submit Application. Graduate applicants should submit their Graduate Application online at www.goapplytexas.org.

2. Submit Transcripts. Submit the following official transcript(s) indicating: 1) The conferred bachelor’s or master’s degree as required for the intended program from a regionally accredited US institution or its equivalent. 2) The transcript of most recent attendance if it differs from the institution of the conferred degree. This requirement applies regardless of the length of time in attendance and regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. If a department or program wishes to review additional transcripts from prior attendance, the department or program may directly request the applicant to submit the official transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions. Students must be eligible to re-enter all colleges and universities previously attended. Failure to disclose previous college attendance is justification for revocation of acceptance and dismissal from Lamar University.

3. Submit Admission Test Scores. Graduate applicants must have official test scores sent to Lamar University directly by the testing agency. Applicants for the M.B.A. program should take the GMAT. All other graduate applicants should take the GRE. Deaf applicants may substitute WAIS-R in place of GRE or GMAT. Score requirements are competitive and are assessed by each academic department.

Readmission for Former Graduate Students

Students who have not returned within one full academic year from last enrollment term, must reapply to Lamar University and meet readmission criteria. Students returning less than one full academic year from last enrollment term may return to Lamar University without needing to reapply for admission and should contact their academic advisor.

Appeal of Admission Denial

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 dean of graduate studies.

2. Admission to Graduate Programs - International Students

Lamar University welcomes students from around the world for both undergraduate and graduate studies. All admissions documents, including applications, are processed by the Lamar University Office of Admissions. After acceptance, the Office of Admissions will continue to communicate with students regarding the final documents needed to process the I-20. Once your visa is granted, the student will then work with the Office of International Education and Services for assistance in traveling to Lamar. https://www.lamar.edu/international. These offices work together to provide a pleasant admission and enrollment experience.

 Admission Status Categories

Regular Admission Offered to students who meet all university, departmental, and language proficiency admission requirements.

Conditional Admission (Undergraduate students) is offered to students who meet all university requirements except for language proficiency. Conditionally admitted students are required to enroll in ELS Language Center classes and must successfully complete the Level 112 Intensive Program. Upon completion (Level 112 Intensive Program), these students are eligible for admission to Lamar University.

Incomplete Lamar University has not yet received all of the documents required for admission

Departmental Review Graduate admission is competitive and requirements vary by the academic department.  Graduate applicants are placed in “Review Status” and the file is forwarded to the academic department after all admission documents are received.  The graduate academic department then reviews each applicant and communicates their decision back to the admissions office which notifies the applicant.

International Admission Requirements

Graduate admission at Lamar University is for international students who hold a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a master's or doctoral degree at Lamar University. Graduate admission is competitive, and requirements vary by department. Upon receipt of all university-required documents, the Admissions Office will forward your file to your desired academic department for an admission decision. For more information on graduate degree programs, please check the websites of the individual academic departments that interest you using this directory of Academic Departments.

How to Apply for International Admission

Please use your name as it appears on your passport on your application and on all other communication with Lamar University

1. Submit Application. All international graduate applicants should submit online applications through the Apply Texas system. Graduate applicants must select the International Graduate Application.

2. International Academic Records:

Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Business Graduate Applicants. Submit official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended with an original signature of a school official or an original school seal. If transcripts are in a language other than English, an official translation from the school, recognized translator, or translation verified by a United States Embassy or Consulate must accompany the native language transcript. Transcripts should arrive in a sealed envelope, directly from the sending institution or recognized translator. Faxed, emailed, and/or notarized scanned copies will not be accepted. “Your transcripts should be sent to the Office of Admissions via one of the options listed below. They will be made available for an internal transcript evaluation.

All Other Graduate Applicants. Graduate applicants (except the Colleges of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Business applicants) must submit a third-party transcript evaluation report. This official report must contain a course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary work outside the United States, course grades, grade point average, the diploma or degree conferred, and verify U.S equivalency to a bachelor’s degree.  This report must be sent to Lamar University directly from one of the approved evaluating agencies listed here: https://www.lamar.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/foreign-transcript-evaluation.htm. The report will suffice as your official transcript, so there is no need to send additional official transcripts from your home institution. The third-party agency of your choice may deliver your evaluated transcript electronically at luadmtran@lamar.edu, or mail directly to the address listed below.

3. U.S. Academic Records. Applicants who have attended institutions in the United States must submit the following official transcript(s) indicating: 1) The conferred bachelor’s or master’s degree as required for the intended program from a regionally accredited US institution or its equivalent. 2) The most recent attendance if it differs from the institution of the conferred degree. This requirement applies regardless of the length of time in attendance and regardless of whether credit was earned or is desired. If a department or program wishes to review additional transcripts from prior attendance, the department or program may directly request the applicant to submit the official transcript(s) to the Office of Admissions. Students must be eligible to re-enter all colleges and universities previously attended. Failure to disclose previous college attendance is justification for revocation of acceptance and dismissal from Lamar University.

4. Submit Admission Test Scores. Applicants for the M.B.A. program should take the GMAT. All other graduate applicants should take the GRE (use school code 6360). Score requirements are competitive and are assessed by each academic department.  Scores must be received directly from the testing agency.

5. Provide Proof of English Language Proficiency. International applicants, both undergraduate and graduate, must provide proof of English language proficiency through scores on the TOEFL or IELTS.

Graduate English Proficiency Requirements Category I

	Regular Admission
TOEFL Internet-based Total	71
TOEFL Computer-Based Total	197
TOEFL Paper-based Total	527
IELTS Total	6.0
Duolingo	95

Category I students include: Chemistry and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Engineering

Graduate English Proficiency Requirements Category II

	Regular Admission
TOEFL Internet-based Total	79
TOEFL Computer-Based Total	213
TOEFL Paper-based Total	550
IELTS Total	6.5
Duolingo	105

Category II students include: Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Nursing, Public Administration, Psychology and Teaching Spanish in the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business; College of Education and Human Development; and the College of Fine Arts and Communications

Conditional Admission

Prospective students who do not meet the minimum required English proficiency standard, conditional admission for English may be available through ELS Educational Services.

Note: PTE test scores are also considered

English Waiver Criteria

English requirements will be waived for students who:

• Are from an English waiver country
• Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school from an English waiver country
• Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school, taught in English
• Have completed a level 112 of Intensive English at a U.S. institution
• Have completed English Composition I and II, or the equivalent, from an accredited US institution with a grade of "B" or better on a 4.0 scale.

Admission Status

After application materials have been received, the Office of Admissions will send the applicant an e-mail with a student identification number and a notice of any missing materials. This ID number, along with the applicant's birth date, can be used to Check Admission Status online.

International Graduate Admissions Questions

If you have questions regarding your admission, please contact International Graduate Admissions at gradmissions@lamar.edu.

After Acceptance

Upon receiving a letter of acceptance, submit students must submit the following documents to internationaladmissions@lamar.edu for I-20 issuing:

• Copy of your passport
• Financial statement

Before attending on-campus classes, students who are under age 22 must either receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet specific criteria for declining a vaccination. Get more information on complying with this requirement pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 1107

Mailing Documents

Lamar University Office of Admissions P.O. Box 10009 Beaumont, TX 77710

By Courier Lamar University Office of Admissions 211 Redbird Lane Beaumont, TX 77710

Acceptance Notices

Acceptance notices are issued to the email address listed on the ApplyTexas Application shortly after the required admission credentials are received.

Application Deadlines

Applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to allow time for visa interview appointments in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which may have wait times of days or weeks. Applicants who DO NOT require Lamar University to issue their I-20 can follow the Domestic Admissions deadlines.

Fall (August) Priority Deadline: April 15, Final Deadline: July 1

Spring (January) Priority Deadline: Sept. 1, Final Deadline: December 1

Summer (June) Priority Deadline: Jan. 15, Final Deadline: April 15

3. Summary of Graduate Fees

Lamar University reserves the right to change fees in keeping with acts of the Texas Legislation and rules and regulations of the Texas State University System. By registering for classes at the university, the student agrees to abide by all the policies of the university.

Payment of Fees

A student is not registered until all fees that are due have been paid in full or the student has paid the equivalent of a down payment on the Deferment or Installment plan (if available). Payment may be made by check, MasterCard/Discover/AMEX/Visa, money order, currency, or any kind of financial assistance (exemptions, loans, grants, and scholarships). Checks and money orders should be made payable to Lamar University and will be accepted subject to final payment. The university will not accept counter checks, postdated checks, credit card checks, or altered checks. Excess payments will be refunded through the Cardinal One card at the discretion of the university. Students on a “cash only” basis will be restricted to paying by MasterCard/Discover/AMEX, money orders, currency, or financial assistance.

1. Checks, money orders, cash and debit card payments may be made at the Cashier’s office during working hours.
2. Payments may be made on the Internet at www.lamar.edu/pay.
3. Checks or money orders may be mailed to the Payment Center at P.O. Box 10183, Beaumont, TX 77710.

Students who are delinquent on obligations will be prohibited from registering for class until all obligations are paid in full. Also, holds are placed on academic records so that students cannot obtain transcripts until all obligations are paid in full.

Delinquent obligations to the university will be sent to a collection agency and reported to credit bureaus. All costs of collections are paid by the student, which is generally an additional 33.333 percent of the student’s obligations to the university. Delinquent accounts must be paid at the collection agency. Payment cannot be accepted by Lamar University if the account has been forwarded to a collection agency.

Deferment Plan Payments

Deferment payments are available for qualified students who are unable to pay by the posted due dates.  Students may apply for the Deferment Plan online at https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/cashier-payment-options.html or at the Cashier’s Department in the Wimberly Building.  Once approved, the plan will be posted to your account and you will not be dropped from your courses.

 Installment Payment Program

This plan is offered during the Fall and Spring terms only. A down payment of 25% is due at the time of enrollment into the payment plan. Three equal installments of the remaining balance will be due before the end of the term. A $20 non-refundable enrollment fee is assessed for enrollment into this plan and $15 late fees will be applied if installment payments are not paid on time.  For more information on the details of this payment plan, please visit https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/cashier-payment-options.html. 
Note: Installment plans will NOT be posted to your account until a 25% payment is made.

Tuition

Tuition has two components: the portion set by the state (conventional tuition) and the portion set by the Board of Regents regulated by state statutes (local tuition). By Texas statute, both of these items must be billed together and called “tuition.” The state portion (conventional tuition) is based upon the number of hours for which the student registers and is determined by the student’s classification as a Texas resident or a non-Texas resident. The Admissions Office determines legal residence for tuition purposes on the basis of statutes of the State of Texas. State tuition is remitted to the state by the university. The current state tuition rate is $50 per hour. The local tuition portion is assessed to support university debt service and other university functions that are not supported by state funding. Approximately 70 percent of this fee is used to finance debt services. Other items supported by this fee include the post office, print shop, supply center, cashiering, and other institutional support functions. The current rate is $209.49 per semester hour. Thus, the combined conventional and local tuition rate is $259.49 per semester hour.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is set by the Board of Regents and is assessed to support the Graduate Studies program. The current graduate tuition is $100 per hour. Hence, graduate students pay $359.49 per semester hour tuition (conventional + local + graduate), plus applicable fees. (Note: See a summary of current tuition and fees)

Student Responsibility for Residence Classification

Texas law specifies that if there is any question as to the student’s right to classification as a resident of Texas, it is the student’s responsibility to (1) have his or her classification officially determined and (2) to register under the proper classification. Students are classified as resident, nonresident, or foreign for tuition purposes according to state statutes (Title 3, Texas Education Code) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and regulations interpreting these statutes. These statutes, rules, and regulations are available from the Office of Admissions Services in the John Gray Center, Building A. Questions should be directed to that office.

Any student who is classified as a resident student but who becomes a nonresident at any time, by virtue of a change of legal residence by his/her own action or by the person controlling the student’s domicile, is required to notify the registrar.

Graduate Assistantships

Teaching and research assistantships as well as scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and are available in the various graduate departments. Additional information may be obtained either from the department chair or from the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Assistantships are awarded only to those individuals who meet all requirements for admission to a graduate degree program.

Graduate assistantships at the master’s and doctoral levels are available in a number of academic departments. All assistantships are intended to be of direct educational benefit to appointees. In order to be approved by the dean of graduate studies, an assistantship appointment must relate to the student’s academic objective and be supervised by Lamar University faculty. Graduate assistants are Lamar University employees who are also graduate students. They are employed by a department or college to instruct in classrooms and labs, advise undergraduate students, proctor exams, supervise practica, assist in research and creative activity, or perform other teaching, research, or creative duties.

Under specified conditions, Texas law permits the waiver of out-of-state tuition status for some classifications of graduate assistants. When these conditions are met, graduate assistants may be allowed to pay tuition at the less expensive instate or Texas resident rate. In addition, local tuition, graduate tuition, and some fees are waived for full-time doctoral students who satisfy certain criteria. Forms are available in the student’s major department to apply for this later waiver of tuition and some other fees.

Publication of and Public Access to Thesis/Field Study/Dissertation Abstracts

The Graduate Council requires that thesis, field study, and dissertation abstracts be published by University Microfilms. Fees for this service are included in the binding fees. If copyrighting is desired, the cost is $55. All theses, field studies, and dissertations will be placed in the library if permission to do so is granted by the student.

Refund of Tuition and/or Fees

Students requesting a refund of tuition and/or fees resulting from dropped courses or from withdrawing from the university should direct questions to the Cashiers’ Office. Withdrawal refunds are calculated as a percentage of total fees assessed, not as a percentage of partial payments on installments. Refunds for dropped classes are generally processed at the end of the second week past the 12th semester day of regular semesters and after the 4th semester day during summer sessions. Refunds for withdrawals are generally processed at the end of the second week following the 12th semester day for regular semesters and two weeks after the 6th semester day for summer sessions.

Graduate students taking five-week courses may view the calendar for refunds.

Dropped Courses

In order to receive a 100% reduction of tuition and fees for dropped courses, a student must drop according to the following schedule and remain in at least one course at the university for that semester. Questions should be directed to the Cashiers’ Office.

In the fall or spring semester, through the twelfth semester day, 100 percent. After the twelfth semester day, no refund.

In the summer session, through the fourth semester day, 100 percent. After the fourth semester day, no refund.

Withdrawal from the University

Tuition and fees may be reduced when a student withdraws. Depending on the amount of reduction and what the student has paid, the student may receive a refund or may still owe money to the university. Any student who officially withdraws from the university will receive a reduction in tuition and fees according to the following schedule.

Fall or Spring Semester

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent, less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first through fifth semester days, 80 percent.
3. During the sixth through tenth semester days, 70 percent.
4. During the eleventh through fifteenth semester days, 50 percent.
5. During the sixteenth through twentieth semester days, 25 percent.
6. After the twentieth semester day, none.

Summer Session

1. Prior to the first semester day, 100 percent, less a $15 matriculation fee.
2. During the first, second or third semester day, 80 percent.
3. During the fourth, fifth or sixth semester day, 50 percent.
4. Seventh semester day and after, none.

Summary of Fees. To find current tuition and fees for graduate study, go to https://www.lamar.edu/students/paying-for-school/tuition-and-fees.html.

• Student Service Fee. The student service fee supports student activities such as athletics, recreational sports, the University Press, and other student services. The current rate is $23.75 per hour with a maximum of $250.
• Setzer Student Center Fee. This fee supports the Setzer Student Center and its programs. The current rate is $100 per long semester and $35 per summer session.
• Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center Fee. This fee supports the recreational sports center. The current rate is $77.00 per long semester and $38 per summer session.
• Technology Service Fee. This fee primarily supports both the administrative mainframe computer and the academic mainframe computer. The current rate is $30 per hour.
• Health Center Fee. The Health Center Fee supports the student Health Center and is $38 per long semester and $19 per summer session.
• Library Use Fee. This fee is used to support the library. As every course (including field center courses) are given the mandate to use the library, all students are charged this fee. The current rate is $16 per hour.
• Distance Learning Fee. A charge up to $50.00 per semester credit hour of instruction will be charged to students enrolled in courses offered by means of distance learning.
• Private Lessons in Voice and Instrumental Music. Graduate applied music courses (per semester hour) $50.00. Maximum $150 per course.
• Late Registration Fee. A charge of $10 is made for late registration or for paying after the start of the semester (not including the second or third payments under the installment plan).
  • Reinstatement Fee. A student seeking reinstatement to the university after withdrawing from the university without paying the full amount of tuition and fees due, or after having been denied credit for work done for failure to pay an installment payment or late payment fee, shall pay a $50.00 reinstatement fee in addition to past due installment payments and late payment fees.
• Parking Fee. Charges for parking on campus are made at registration. Automobile registration fees are as follows: fall semester, $60; spring semester, $40; summer, $20. Only one registration is required during an academic year, and a student’s parking fee is honored until the end of Summer Session II.
• Health and Accident Insurance. Health and accident insurance coverage are available for purchase at registration for students carrying nine or more semester hours. This insurance is required of all international students. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of Student Engagement.
• The Records Fee would provide the student with five transcripts each year and cover those administrative costs. The charge is $15.00 per semester and $8.00 per summer session.
• Cardinal One Fee. This fee is used for administrative costs of the Cardinal One card, which replaces the student ID, and provides a means to issue refunds to students. The charge is $15.00 per semester and $8.00 per summer session.

Other Fees

• Thesis, field study, or dissertation printing and binding: $.07 per black/white page, $.17 per color page for printing, a flat rate of $8.20 per book for binding.
• Master's Diploma - $22.45
• Master's additional diploma - $10.60
• Doctoral Diploma $44.45
• Doctoral additional diploma – $20.60
• Master's Cap, gown and hood (plus tax) – $75.96. Order from bookstore/purchase only.
• Doctoral Cap, gown and hood (plus tax) – $81.96. Order from bookstore/allow six to eight weeks for delivery.
• Transcript Fee – $5.00
• Photo Identification – $5.00
• Insufficient Funds Fees. Checks written to the university and returned unpaid for any reason will result in a $25 charge plus applicable fees for a delinquent account (e.g., $10 late registration fee, $15 late installment payment fee, etc.). Students with a returned check will be on “cash only” status for the duration of their enrollment at Lamar University, subject to appeal. Students on a “cash only” basis are prohibited from paying with a personal check (all other payment methods are acceptable).
• Fine and Breakage Loss. All library fines, charges for breakage or loss of equipment, or other charges must be paid before a transcript of credit or a permit to re-enter the university will be issued.
• Matriculation Fee. A matriculation fee of $15 will be incurred by students who withdraw prior to the first day of class. This $15 fee will be deducted from refunds.

4. Housing

Questions concerning the housing program, its policies, and room and board rates, should be directed to Cardinal Village, Lamar University, Box 10040, Beaumont, Texas 77710, (409) 880-8550.