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Located in Ruston, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University is a public research university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Louisiana Tech University has been ranked top in the state by Money’s Best Colleges Report and is designated as the only Tier One national university within the nine-member University of Louisiana System by US News & World Report. A space grant college, Louisiana Tech University is a member of both the Southeastern Universities Research Association and of the Association of the Public and Land-Grant Universities. The University’s roots reach back to 1894 when the Industrial Institute and College of Louisiana first opened its doors for the original purpose of the educating of students in the arts and sciences for the purpose of developing an industrial economy in post-Reconstruction Louisiana. Over the years, the school’s mission and scope have grown and evolved and in 1970 the school achieved university status.
Academic Programs
Louisiana Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1927. The University’s mission is to hold a commitment to “quality in teaching, research, creative activity, public service, and workforce/ economic development.” The University’s mission statement continues, “Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development of its students in a challenging, yet safe and supportive, diverse community of learners.” Louisiana Tech University’s vision is to be recognized “as a top public research university with an unparalleled integrated educational experience.”Louisiana Tech University is made up of several colleges, including the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Science, and the College of Liberal Arts. The University confers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees through each of these academic colleges. Doctoral degrees in audiology, business administration, counseling psychology, industrial/ organizational psychology, computer analysis and modeling, engineering, and biomedical engineering are also offered through a joint MD-PhD program with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport.
Student Life
Louisiana Tech University has a total enrollment figure of more than 11,000, including more than 9,500 undergraduate students. Students from approximately 45 states in the Union and over 60 foreign nations are represented in Louisiana Tech University’s student body, as are members from nearly every Louisiana parish. Most students are required to live on campus for seven quarters or eighty credit hours, which equals just over two years. Students are housed in either traditional residence halls or in the University apartment complexes.More than 160 student organizations are officially recognized by the University, including groups focused on Student Government; Union Board; Greek Life societies; religious; honor; service; spirit; intramurals; pre-professional; club sports; and special interest organizations. These and many more provide students with ample opportunity to engage and connect with fellow students outside of the classroom. Louisiana Tech University’s varsity athletic teams compete within the NCAA Division I-A and the school is a member of the Conference USA of the Football Bowl Subdivision.