HOW TO APPLY
PhD in Molecular & Cellular Physiology

Admission of a student can be one of three types:

UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION
An acceptable candidate who meets all of the admission requirements is given this kind of admission.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
A candidate who appears to be admissible, but who is unable, for good reason, to supply the required credentials prior to the stated deadline may be given provisional admission. In such cases, complete credentials must be received not later than sixty days after the first day of classes. This does not apply to foreign applicants who will need this information for their visa.

EXCEPTION
A candidate who is judged by the Department Head, Faculty and by the Associate Dean of the Graduate School to show promise for successful graduate work, but has either been absent from coursework for a period of time or does not fully meet the recommendations and requirements stated above for entry into the Physiology program, that student may be accepted into the program, but may be required to take PHYSIO 201 (Human Physiology) in the summer prior to starting the first year of the program. This will provide a foundation for the course work that the student is required to take in the first year of graduate studies.  

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology is participating in the GradCAS Centralized Application Service (GradCAS). Applicants applying to our Program will apply online using the GradCAS application by clicking here. To add our program in the GradCAS application, select Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport from the "Institution" drop down menu, and then select Molecular and Cellular Physiology from the Department subject area. 

Applications are accepted on-line through GradCAS only. The following documents should be uploaded by the applicant:

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 Molecular and Cellular Physiology; 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 from an approved transcript evaluation service for international students)
2. GRE scores
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 acceptance or rejection of applicants. If these letters do not speak directly to the preparation of the applicant for graduate study or if the authenticity of the letter 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

International Transcripts