LSUS breaks number of graduates record for second straight semester

LSUS breaks number of graduates record for second straight semester

SHREVEPORT - LSUS will confer a record number of diplomas and certificates for the second straight semester when purple-and-gold clad graduates strut across the stage at Brookshire Grocery Arena on Friday

More than 1,700 students completed their degrees in the spring semester, breaking LSUS's previous record of 1,550 graduates in December.

The majority of those graduates (more than 1,400) obtained an advanced degree.

The Master of Business Administration topped 950 graduates with the Master of Health Administration (232) and the Master of Education (191) leading the way in terms of number of degrees awarded.

Ten scholars completed the doctorate of education in leadership studies.

LSUS also increased its number of undergraduates crossing the stage nearly 250 this spring.

Biological sciences (25), computer science (15) and digital arts (11) surged this spring while business (95) and general studies (27) degrees remain the most popular among undergraduates.

This spring's graduating class represents LSUS's 16^th consecutive class of at least 1,000 graduates as the university has experienced explosive growth in the past decade.

The university continues to expand its non-degree offerings with 26 students completing an undergraduate certificate and one a graduate certificate, which consists of core classes without the general education requirements.

Friday's ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

No tickets are required to attend the event, and graduates can invite as many guests as they would like to the 14,000-seat arena. Parking is free.

The ADA entrance is located on the north side of the building, which includes a wheelchair accessible ramp. Parking lot A is reserved for handicapped guests.

The ceremony will be livestreamed through the LSUS YouTube channel.

WHERE ARE GRADUATES FROM?

LSUS spring graduates hail from 47 states/territories and 37 countries.

Louisiana students make up nearly a third of overall graduates with 585 with Texas (202), Florida (142), California (87), Georgia (82) and North Carolina (36) rounding out the top five.

Seventy-eight graduates hail from 36 countries other than the U.S. with India (7), Mexico (7), Nigeria (7), Egypt (5), United Kingdom (5) and Canada (5) leading the way.

The list includes Azerbaijan to Zambia with other notables including Nepal (4), Poland (3) and Svalbard and Jan Mayen - two distinct territories of Norway located in the Arctic.