Decoding Your LSU Diploma: A Comprehensive Guide

Graduation from Louisiana State University (LSU) marks a significant milestone, the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and memorable experiences. From late-night study sessions in Middleton Library to cheering at football games and visiting Mike the Tiger, your time as a Tiger has prepared you for the next chapter. Understanding the details of your LSU diploma and how to best preserve and showcase it is essential. This article provides a comprehensive overview of LSU diplomas, including framing options, degree programs, graduation procedures, and related information for both LSU and LSU Eunice graduates.

Preserving and Displaying Your LSU Diploma

The Importance of Diploma Framing

As you transition from university life to your chosen career, it's crucial to professionally display your qualifications. A Louisiana State University diploma frame not only safeguards your degree from dust and damage but also showcases your achievement to friends, family, and colleagues. A diploma frame from a reputable retailer adds a touch of professionalism to any office or home setting.

Officially Licensed LSU Diploma Frames

When selecting a frame, opt for officially licensed LSU products. These frames feature the official school seal and logo, ensuring authenticity and pride. Retailers like Church Hill Classics offer handcrafted frames made with high-quality materials, including acid-free mats and solid hardwood mouldings, to ensure the preservation and longevity of your Louisiana State University diploma.

LSU Graduation Gifts and Mementos

Consider capturing the nostalgia of your college days with photo frames and shadow boxes, perfect for storing LSU graduation mementos like your graduation stole or cap. These make great Louisiana gift ideas for alumni and recent graduates. If you're unsure of the perfect gift, an eGift Card allows the graduate to choose their preferred item from the Louisiana State University store.

Degree Programs at LSU Eunice

LSU Eunice offers a variety of degree programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or further academic pursuits.

Read also: LSU Calendar Guide

Associate Degrees

LSU Eunice offers several associate degrees, including:

Associate of Arts (AA): An academic degree program with a significant general education core, designed primarily to serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.
Associate of Science (AS): An academic degree program with a significant general education core, designed primarily to serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS): An applied/academic degree program, with a limited general education core component, primarily designed to prepare students for immediate employment or career entry.
Associate (A): An academic degree program with a significant general education core, designed to prepare students for immediate employment or career entry, but which also may serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.

These programs typically require between 60 and 72 credit hours.

Technical Programs

In addition to associate degrees, LSU Eunice offers technical programs designed to provide students with specific skills for the workforce:

Technical Diploma (TD): An applied, technical program (45 to 60 hours) designed to provide a student with a broad technical competency.
Certificate of Applied Science (CAS): A more academically-oriented offering created by combining a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) with a limited general education component (at least 9 hours).
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS): An applied, technical program (usually 16-33 hours) designed to provide a student with a broad technical competency.
Technical Competency Areas (TCA): An applied course or a series of courses (1-16 hours) that provides a student with a specific technical competency and serves as a curricular construct.

These programs are strictly limited to technical and community colleges.

Fields of Study

Students can prepare for rewarding careers in fields such as office administration, management, criminal justice, computer information technology, care and development of young children, fire and emergency services, radiologic technology, respiratory care, and nursing through these programs. Graduates of these programs are actively sought by employers throughout the state and nation.

Read also: Louisiana Scholarship Eligibility

Graduation Requirements and Procedures at LSU Eunice

Curricular Requirements

Students must meet the curricular requirements for a degree as outlined in one issue of the LSU Eunice Catalog. Students are responsible for knowing degree requirements and may elect any issue of the LSU Eunice Catalog in force during their residence at this or any other accredited institution of higher learning, provided their residence is continuous. The catalog chosen is to be used for determining curricular requirements only.

Enrollment Requirements

Students whose enrollment here or elsewhere is interrupted (either voluntarily or by compulsion) for at least two consecutive regular semesters may not elect a catalog issued earlier than the one in force at the time of re-entry. The act of transferring from one institution to another is not regarded in itself as an interruption of enrollment; the interval between enrollments is the controlling factor.

Students changing from one curriculum to another may not elect to follow a catalog in force earlier than the date on which the student’s change was made. Where programs include curricular requirements set by external agencies, e.g., accrediting associations, changes in such requirements may be made without prior notice, and students may be required to conform to such changes when they become effective.

Credit Requirements

Students must earn 25 percent of the credits required for the associate degree and technical diploma at LSU Eunice. The last 15 hours of degree or diploma requirements must be completed in residence at LSU Eunice. All students must be enrolled at LSU Eunice during the semester in which degree or diploma requirements are fulfilled. Students desiring to receive more than one associate degree or technical diploma must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours at LSU Eunice in addition to fulfilling the requirements for the first degree or diploma.

Course Substitutions and Waivers

Students earning associate degrees must complete ENGL 1001 and ENGL 1002. No substitutions may be made for the English composition and the mathematics requirements specified in the associate degree curriculum. When the courses in question are from the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences, another course from the same general areas must be substituted.

Read also: Understanding TOPS Eligibility

A waiver of no more than two course requirements (six semester hours) may be made in an associate degree or technical diploma curriculum. Students should consult with the appropriate division head concerning transfer credit evaluation. Transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions will be accepted on the same basis as if it were earned in the LSU System. Credit earned at institutions which are not regionally accredited must be validated through appropriate departmental examinations. A waiver of no more than one course requirement (three semester hours) may be made in a certificate program. No substitutions may be made for the English and mathematics requirements specified.

Graduation with Honors

Louisiana State University Eunice recognizes those students who complete degree/diploma/certificate requirements with high academic achievements. Students who complete degree/diploma/certificate requirements with a cumulative grade point average of 3.50-3.79 will graduate with honors. The associate degree is awarded with highest honors to any student whose grade-point average is at least 3.80. Students with averages of 3.50 to 3.79 will graduate with high honors.

General Education Requirements at LSU Eunice

The University’s General Education Requirements represent a conviction on the part of the faculty that all students need to reason logically, communicate effectively, and relate to the world around them. LSU Eunice believes that students should acquire a substantial knowledge when completing any associate degree program.

Graduation Application and Ceremony at LSUS

Application Process

To graduate from LSU Shreveport (LSUS), students must complete several steps:

Log into myLSUS to fill out and submit the Graduation Application, available in the Quick Links.
Download the Graduation Checklist from the graduation web page.
Pay the graduation fee online through myLSUS.
Note that late orders may be subject to additional charges.
Celebrate your accomplishment at the commencement ceremony!

Conferral Dates

The conferral date is the day the university officially posts your degree to your transcript. Here are the conferral dates for upcoming sessions:

October 28, 2025 - applies to students enrolled in an online, accelerated program who complete degree requirements by the end of fall session AP1.
December 19, 2025 - applies to students who will complete degree requirements by the end of fall sessions 1, AP2 or 1D.
March 17, 2026 - applies to students enrolled in an online, accelerated program who complete degree requirements by the end of spring session AP1.
May 15, 2026 - applies to students who will complete degree requirements by the end of spring sessions 1, AP2 or 1D.
July 7, 2026 - applies to students enrolled in an online, accelerated program who complete degree requirements by the end of summer session AP1.
August 5, 2026 - applies to students who complete degree requirements by the end of summer session 1.
September 1, 2026 - applies to students enrolled in an online, accelerated program who complete degree requirements by the end of summer session AP2.

All September graduates are encouraged to participate in the summer commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026.

Regalia

While regalia is available for purchase on campus and at the ceremony on the day of, supplies are extremely limited. Graduates are strongly encouraged to order prior to the deadline.

Additional Resources for LSUS Graduates

Transcript Requests

To request a paper copy of your official LSUS transcript:

Request a paper copy of your official LSUS transcript via Parchment.
Make sure to provide a current address.
In the search bar, input Louisiana State University - Shreveport.
Choose the option that says Louisiana State University - Shreveport.
A pop-up will appear asking if you are sure you want to send it.
Enter your preferred name, what degree you received, and area of study (i.e. Business Administration, English, etc.).
On the Order Summary page, you will be able to add additional copies if needed.
Continue through the payment portal and pay for your order.

Notarization or Apostilling of Transcripts and Diplomas

Please complete a Request for Certification of Information form prior to requesting the notarization or apostilling of a transcript or diploma. This form may be accessed by logging into your myLSUS account and clicking on the Records/Forms tab at the top of the page.

Course Enrollment Through CTEP

During the 1993 Regular Legislative Session, the Legislature passed House Bill 535, and the Governor later signed into law, Act 253 of 1993 which enacted Louisiana Revised Statutes (L.R.S.) 17:3129.3. Do not add the course(s) to your schedule yourself. CTEP operates on a space available basis. Once the last day to add has passed, eligible students will be added to the course if there are seats available.

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