The information below is intended for prospective students interested in pursuing a graduate education in interpersonal communication at LSU.
Note. If you are an undergraduate student interested in getting involved in research, my team often recruits research assistants from advanced courses related to interpersonal communication and research methods -- consider enrolling in these classes (e.g., CMST 3114, CMST 4012). You may also reach out to me via email to inquire about upcoming opportunities.
Are you taking graduate students for the 2027-2028 academic year?
Yes. MA and PhD applicants interested in working with me should apply to the Communication Studies (CMST) graduate program at LSU.
What are your research interests, and what kinds of projects can I pursue at LSU?
My research focuses on interpersonal communication processes in close relationships. My past and current projects have examined conversation contexts such as interpersonal conflict and social support (including advice), as well as the processes through which discrete conversation episodes like these reflect and change the nature of close relationships (e.g., relational turbulence theory). I am versed in a wide range of quantitative methods, including survey and experimental methodology, structural equation modeling, multilevel and longitudinal methods, interaction studies, content analysis, dyadic data analysis, dynamic dyadic systems methods, physiological data, and meta-analysis.
Students interested in these substantive and methodological topics are welcome to apply. As my work is predominantly quantitative, students interested in working with me should be comfortable working with numbers.
In general, students in the interpersonal communication area pursue projects to test and/or extend communication theory. The department maintains a research subject pool for participant recruitment to support graduate student research. We also have dedicated lab space for observing and analyzing interpersonal interaction, as well as physiology trackers that monitor pulse rate and skin conductance. You may also be involved in faculty-led projects during your graduate training.
How do I apply?
Information regarding the graduate program in CMST can be found here. In general, students interested in the interpersonal communication area are strongly encouraged to submit GRE scores. You will be asked to submit standard materials, including official transcript(s), a personal statement, a writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. International applicants should also submit scores from a standardized English proficiency test, such as TOEFL and IELTS. Materials will be reviewed by area (i.e., faculty in interpersonal communication will collectively evaluate applications to the interpersonal communication area).
Our application deadline is December 31 for Fall enrollment. We do not offer spring admission.
Do I need to submit a research proposal?
If a research proposal (e.g., completed from a previous class) showcases your writing and analytical skills, you can submit it as your writing sample. I do not, however, expect students to enter the program with a formulated 4-year plan for their dissertation project, as your scholarly interests and priorities may shift and evolve during your training.
I am an undergraduate student at LSU. Can I apply to the MA program?
Yes. You will go through the same application process outlined on the department website.
How can I get in touch?
If after reading the information on this page you are still interested in working with me, you may send me an email (yuweili@lsu.edu) including the following: a current CV detailing your education background and relevant research experience, and a brief description of the research topics you would like to pursue at LSU (8-10 sentences).
