Louisiana State University in Shreveport originated with Act 41 of the 1964 Louisiana Legislature, which authorized the establishment of a two-year commuter college in Shreveport. On February 6, 1965, the LSU Board of Supervisors formally established Louisiana State University in Shreveport as a division of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College System. The campus is a 200-acre tract located on Highway 1 in south Shreveport.

LSU in Shreveport began its first session on September 21, 1967, offering basic freshman courses and extending the advantages of a great university system to the residents of Northwest Louisiana. Sophomore courses were added in 1968. The school was supported by 68 dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff who helped set the course for years to come.

Following approval by the Coordinating Council for Higher Education, Act 66 of the Louisiana Legislature authorized baccalaureate degree-granting status. Subsequent approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors resulted in the decision to add junior-level courses in 1973 and senior-level courses in 1974. The first class was graduated in 1975.

The University was first accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in December 1975. Many baccalaureate degrees have since become available in the Colleges of Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts, and Sciences. The Master of Education degree program began in 1978, the Master of Business Administration degree program in 1979, the Specialist in School Psychology degree program in 1982, the Master of Liberal Arts degree program in 1983, and the Master of Science in Systems Technology degree program in 1988. Continuing education programs are offered, as are seminars and workshops in specialized fields.