Admission Information and Requirements

Admission Contact Information

Office of Admission

Butler University
4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208-3485
Local: 317-940-8100
Toll-free: 888-940-8100
Fax: 317-940-8150

admission@butler.edu

www.butler.edu/admission-aid/ CEEB SAT code 1073; ACT code 1180

Visiting Campus

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit campus in-person or attend a virtual event or presentation. On-campus visits are offered at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM every weekday and include a presentation about Butler and our admission and financial aid process, concluding with a student-led tour of campus. We also offer tours of campus on select Saturdays throughout the academic year. In addition, several large visit programs are scheduled throughout the year with additional visit opportunities available for admitted students. For more information and to view all our visit options, go to www.butler.edu/visit. Those unable to visit campus or who would like a preview before their campus visit experience are encouraged to view our virtual tour at www.butler.edu/virtual-tour.

First-Time Students

Prospective first-year students, regardless of major, are expected to have the following academic preparation:

• Four years of English
• Three years of math, including algebra I, algebra II, and geometry
• Three years of laboratory science
• Two years of history or social studies
• Two years of the same foreign language (preferred)

Butler University strongly urges all prospective students from Indiana to complete the Core 40 With Academic Honors Diploma curriculum in high school. Students intending to major in science, engineering, pharmacy and health sciences, or mathematics are strongly encouraged to have additional units in science and math. Students intending to major in business or computer science are also encouraged to have additional units in mathematics.

In evaluating students’ credentials, the Admission Committee strives to determine potential for success in Butler’s rigorous academic programs, taking into account the following criteria:

• Academic achievement in high school (GPA, class rank, course selection, grade trends, and strength of school)
• Official SAT and/or ACT scores-(optional: first-year and transfer students can apply to Butler with or without standardized test scores such as the SAT and the ACT. This policy, established in 2020, reflects Butler’s commitment to a holistic admission review process.)
• Writing sample, personal statement, or essay
• A Secondary School Report completed by your high school counseling office
• Résumé outlining extracurricular activities, work experience, and academic honors (optional)
• Letters of recommendation (1-2 optional)

All required admission credentials must be received by the Office of Admission before the student’s application can be processed. It is the student’s responsibility to see that all required documents are sent. Admission decisions for students applying by the Early-Action deadline of November 1 will be released by mid- to late-December. Admission decisions for students applying by the Regular Decision deadline of February 1 will be released by mid-March. Students applying after the Regular Decision deadline will receive admission decisions on an ongoing basis. Students offered admission two weeks prior to May 1 or earlier have until May 1 to decide if they will attend. Students offered admission within two weeks of May 1 (or after May 1) have two weeks from receiving their decision to decide if they will attend.

All application materials become the property of Butler University and are kept on file for a minimum of one year. Application materials as well as transcripts received from other institutions will not be returned to the student or released to another institution or third party.

Advanced Course Placement

Butler offers advanced course placement, with appropriate academic credit, in most subjects covered by:

• Advanced Placement (AP) examinations (administered to students in participating high schools), International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests (administered at test centers). Applicants should request that their AP, IB, and/or CLEP scores be reported to the Office of Registration and Records.
• 100-level or higher coursework designated as dual credit or dual enrollment through another accredited institution.

Scores required for credit have been established by the appropriate department heads and are available in the Office of Admission and at www.butler.edu/registrar/credits-ap/.

A student who has not attempted to qualify for credit under these programs may be placed in an advanced course if the department head or senior faculty member in that area is satisfied that the student can handle the work. A student who wishes to receive credit for the course or courses bypassed should consult the appropriate Dean and department chair or designated faculty member. Upon their joint recommendation, credit may be awarded on the basis of the student’s performance in the advanced course.

Applying for First-Year Student Admission

Application Methods

Students may apply for first-year admission using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org; additional info available at www.butler.edu/admission-aid/first-year/.

Arts Applicants

• All Jordan College of the Arts applicants must submit supplemental information in addition to the application for first-year admission.
• Jordan College of the Arts applicants must also complete an audition, interview, or portfolio review depending on the area of study.
• Students who complete an audition or interview may be considered for Jordan College of the Arts awards.

High School Students

Students may apply for first-year student admission upon completion of the sixth semester or third year of high school. Students attending high school in the United States or similar institutions overseas should submit the following:

1. Application for First-Year Admission.
2. Official high school transcript showing coursework completed through at least the sixth semester of the junior year and, if the student is currently in high school, a list of courses for the entire senior year.
3. Secondary School Report from the high school counseling office. All matriculated students must submit an official final transcript indicating the date of graduation from a secondary school approved by a state or regional accrediting agency.
4. Official score reports of the SAT and/or ACT. (optional: first-year and transfer students can apply to Butler with or without standardized test scores such as the SAT and the ACT.) Score reports should be sent directly to Butler University (codes: SAT 1073; ACT 1180) or included on the official high school transcript.
5. Writing sample, personal statement, or essay; Students should use one of the essay prompts provided in the Common App platform in 650 words or less. Alternatively, you may submit a personal statement or essay on a topic of your choice. Submit your writing sample either with your application or after submitting your application by uploading it to your student status page
6. List of activities/résumé (optional).
7. Letters of recommendation (1-2, optional).

International Students

Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents should submit the following application items:

1. Application for First-Year Admission.
2. Original or official certified/attested true copies of transcripts from each secondary school (high school), college, or university attended. All transcripts must be sent directly from each school to the Office of Admission and must be accompanied by certified English translations, if needed.
3. Applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency can be met by any of the following exams or testing systems:
   1. Duolingo: A score of 100 is required to meet Butler University’s requirements.
   2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A score of 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073.
   3. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): For the SAT, an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 500 meets Butler’s English proficiency requirements. Butler’s SAT school code is 1073.
   4. American College Test (ACT): An English score of 19 meets Butler’s requirements. Butler’s ACT school code is 1180.
   5. International English Language Training System (IELTS): A score of 6.0 meets Butler’s requirements.
   6. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): A score of 80 meets Butler’s requirements.
   7. London or Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE)/General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): A grade of A or B in English meets Butler’s requirements.
   8. International Baccalaureate (IB): A score of 5-7 or grade of A or B on HL English meets Butler’s requirements.
   9. PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: A score of 53 meets Butler’s requirements.
4. Writing sample, personal statement, or essay; Students should use one of the essay prompts provided in the Common App platform in 650 words or less. Alternatively, you may submit a personal statement or essay on a topic of your choice. Submit your writing sample either with your application or after submitting your application by uploading it to your student status page.
5. Secondary School Report and/or letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher.
6. Optional:
   • Official SAT (code 1073) or ACT (code 1180) scores*
   • Resume outlining activities and honors
   • 1-2 Letters of Recommendation

*Test Scores

First-year and transfer students can apply to Butler with or without standardized test scores such as the SAT and the ACT. This policy, established in 2020, reflects Butler’s commitment to a holistic admission review process. If applying with test scores, self-reported scores are accepted. More information can be found here.

Completing the Immigration Status/Application for Form I-20

IInternational applicants to Butler University must also complete Butler University’s Immigration Status/Application for Form I-20.* This application will provide biographical information, an affidavit of support, and financial sponsor information Butler needs to issue the Form I-20 in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services SEVIS information system. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the estimated total cost used on Form I-20 for undergraduates is $67,710 for tuition, room, board, fees, books, health insurance, and incidentals. Once you receive an I-20 from Butler University, you must pay the SEVIS fee and then schedule an appointment to meet with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a visa.

* Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students

First-Year Student Application Dates

Butler offers two non-binding admission programs for first-year students, each following an established timeline. Students applying for Early Action should present a strong record of academic achievement.

Early Action

• Complete application submitted on or before November 1
• Decisions will be released by mid- to late-December
• Consideration for the First-Year Student Academic Scholarship program, the Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Award, and the Center for Faith and Vocation Scholarship
• Consideration for the University Honors Program
• Replies to the offer of admission and enrollment deposits must be submitted by May 1 for fall term; deposits are refundable through May 1

After replying to the offer of admission and submitting the enrollment deposit, students are eligible for housing and new student registration, which become available in March.

Regular Decision

• Complete applications must be submitted on or before February 1
• Decisions will be released by mid-March
• Consideration for the First-Year Student Academic Scholarship program and the Morton-Finney Diversity Scholar Award
• Consideration for the University Honors Program
• Replies to the offer of admission and enrollment deposits must be submitted by May 1 for fall term; deposits are refundable through May 1

After replying to the offer of admission and submitting the enrollment deposit, students are eligible for housing and new student registration, which become available in March.

Rolling Admission

• Complete applications submitted beginning February 2
• Decisions will be released on an ongoing basis
• Replies to the offer of admission and enrollment deposits must be returned by May 1 (unless the decision was received within two weeks of May 1 or after May 1-students have two weeks to reply to the offer of admission) for fall term; deposits are refundable through May 1

After replying to the offer of admission and submitting the enrollment deposit, students are eligible for housing and new student registration, which become available in March.

Spring Admission

• August 1: Application opens
• November 1: Priority application deadline for scholarship consideration
• January 1: Enrollment deposit refund deadline

We continue accepting applications for rolling spring admission after November 1. We share spring admission decisions on a rolling basis.

Need-Based Financial Aid: Priority consideration for all need-based gift assistance is given to admitted spring students who submit or update the FAFSA by the priority application deadline.

Enrolling in the University as a First-Year Student

All newly admitted full-time students will be asked to make an enrollment deposit, which holds a place in the class and is applied toward first-semester costs. The deposit is refundable until May 1 prior to the fall term and December 1 prior to the spring term. Deposits paid after May 1 for fall enrollment or December 1 for spring enrollment are nonrefundable.

Admitted students also must submit an official final transcript indicating the date of graduation from a secondary school approved by a state or regional accrediting agency.

Course Registration (Virtual Registration)

Registration days begin in April of the student’s senior year in high school. Students who have submitted an enrollment deposit will have access to the registration form starting in March.

First-Year Student Academic Scholarship Program

For details and application criteria, visit www.butler.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/

Transfer Students

Any student who has completed 12 or more hours of college coursework at a regionally accredited institution since high school graduation and is seeking to complete an undergraduate degree, or any student seeking a second undergraduate degree, is considered a transfer student and must submit the Application for Transfer Admission.

The admission of transfer students is made on a selective basis. In evaluating transfer applications for admission, the University takes into account the accreditation and the general quality of previous coursework. Applicants must be in good standing with their previous colleges/universities; a total cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred for admission consideration for most majors, with no grades below C- in the most recent semester. It is recommended that transfer applicants to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences have a B average (3.0/4.0) or greater for admission consideration. Eligibility for consideration does not guarantee admission. Any transfer applicant whose high school record would not have met Butler’s requirements for first-year student admission is required to demonstrate a strong record of college-level work after a minimum one semester (equivalent of 12 semester hours) of study.

A student who has completed fewer than 12 hours of college coursework at a regionally accredited institution after high school graduation will be required to meet the criteria as defined for first-year student admission, in addition to submitting official transcripts of all college-level work.

Applying for Transfer Admission

Applications for transfer admission are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students applying to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences should refer to the appropriate sections below. To be considered for admission, transfer students must submit the following:

• Application for Transfer Admission
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended, sent directly from the schools to the Office of Admission. Only transcripts received from the registrar of former colleges will be treated as official. Concealing previous college attendance is grounds for denial or dismissal. Certification that the student is in good standing, not on probation, and eligible to return to that college.
• Official high school transcript indicating the date of graduation from a secondary school approved by a state or regional accrediting agency is required for transfer students with fewer than 20 college semester credits after high school graduation. Students who did not complete high school but successfully passed a high school equivalency test should submit official documentation if they will have fewer than 20 college semester credits. Neither is required of students who have completed 20+ college semester credits after high school graduation, or students who have earned a four-year undergraduate degree.
• Test scores are optional for all transfer applicants, even those who have earned fewer than 20 credit hours.
• Official AP or CLEP results. Exam scores should be sent to the Office of Registration and Records.
• For international students, applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency can be met by any of the following exams or testing systems:
  1. Duolingo: A score of 100 is required to meet Butler University’s requirements.
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A score of 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073.
  3. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): For the SAT, an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 500 meets Butler’s English proficiency requirements. Butler’s SAT school code is 1073.
  4. American College Test (ACT): An English score of 19 meets Butler’s requirements. Butler’s ACT school code is 1180.
  5. International English Language Training System (IELTS): A score of 6.0 meets Butler’s requirements.
  6. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): A score of 80 meets Butler’s requirements.
  7. London or Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE)/General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): A grade of A or B in English meets Butler’s requirements.
  8. International Baccalaureate (IB): A score of 5-7 or grade of A or B on HL English meets Butler’s requirements.
  9. PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: A score of 53 meets Butler’s requirements.
• All application materials become the property of Butler University. Transcripts received from other institutions will not be returned to the student or released to another institution or third party.

Transfer Scholarships

Scholarships are available for students who transfer to Butler for fall and spring semester and enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours of study per semester, based on their total cumulative GPA. Transfer scholarships are not available for students pursuing their second undergraduate degree. Contact the Office of Admission for application deadline information.

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Transfer Applicants–Special Requirements

Doctor of Pharmacy transfer applicants are considered only for fall entry. Previous applicants electing to reapply to the Doctor of Pharmacy program should submit a new application for admission and transcripts of additional coursework. The final decisions for determining which applicants will be admitted and which will be placed on the waiting list for the professional phase are made by the Pharmacy Admission Committee.

Pharmacy Applicants

Students transferring into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program are required to study no fewer than four years at Butler University to complete the degree. Transfer applications for the pre-professional phase of the pharmacy program should be submitted to the Office of Admission by June 1 (fall) or November 1 (spring). Students applying to the professional phase of the program should complete an application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS: www.pharmcas.org) by April 1 (recommended Butler deadline). Selected candidates will be invited to an interview with faculty. It is recommended that transfer applicants to the program have:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 and successfully complete pre-requisite courses (C- or higher)
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school in the United States
• A bachelor’s degree from a school outside the United States
• Official English proficiency scores (International students) as described above for transfer students

Health Sciences Applicants

It is recommended that transfer applicants to the program have:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 and successful completion of at least three rigorous science courses (C or higher).

Enrolling in the University as a Transfer Student

Newly admitted transfer students must submit an enrollment deposit, which will be applied to the first semester’s costs. For students entering as transfer students in the fall semester, the deposit is refundable through August 1 (January 1 for spring semester). Admitted students who have not already earned a four-year undergraduate degree also must submit an official final transcript from the most recent college attended with most recent grades posted.

Other Admission Options

Renewed Enrollment

Former Butler students in good standing who wish to return to the same program they were in before do not have to apply for admission again. These students must file an application for renewed enrollment with the Office of Registration and Records. The application can be found at www.butler.edu/registrar/returning-students. Due to the sequential and cumulative nature of health science curricula, students seeking renewed enrollment in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences after an absence from the College of two semesters or more must seek approval for renewed enrollment from the Dean. Remedial coursework and/or assessment of current knowledge and skills may be required as a condition for enrollment. An official transcript of any coursework taken since last attending Butler must be sent directly to the Office of Registration and Records from the college(s) attended.

If you wish to change majors, you may use the Renewed Enrollment Form to return to the old program, and then petition the appropriate Dean’s office for a change of degree program. Students seeking to renew enrollment into a program different from their previous degree, or at a new degree level, must submit the appropriate application to the Office of Admission. Students who have been dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons during their previous enrollment at Butler also must be approved for readmission by the appropriate college Dean.

Non-Degree

Applicants who wish to take courses for credit while not pursuing a degree may apply for non-degree status. The non-degree application may be obtained from the Office of Admission or found on its website and must be completed one week prior to the first day of the term.

Non-degree applicants who have completed high school but who have not attended a college or university must have an official high school transcript (or a copy of their satisfactory GED results) sent to the Office of Admission to complete the application. Students who have attended a college or university must submit an official transcript from the last school attended indicating a C (2.0/4.0) or higher cumulative GPA and eligibility to return.

A non-degree student may apply only 18 hours of credit earned as a non-degree student toward a degree program. A degree-seeking student at Butler may not be reclassified as non-degree. The following are all non-degree options:

Audit for Enrichment

The Audit for Enrichment (AFE) program is designed for adults who have achieved at least a high school education who are interested in not-for-credit learning experiences for personal or professional enrichment. This program is available during the fall, spring, and summer terms. Individuals must submit an application to this program no later than two (2) weeks before the start of the term. First-time applicants will be asked to provide proof of the highest educational degree received (i.e., transcript or diploma). The college and/or departments of instruction will review the application and you will be notified of your acceptance into the program by the Office of Registration and Records. Once you have been approved for AFE registrations, you do not need to submit the education documents again but must continue to request coursework at least two (2) weeks in advance of the term for review and specific course approval.

After your application has been approved, Registration and Records will register you on the first day of the term if there is still a seat available in the class. The AFE fee ($125 per credit hour) together with all additional course-related fees are payable at the time of registration and are not refundable. For an application, visit the Registrar’s office in Jordan Hall, Room 180, or find it at www.butler.edu/registrar/audit.

Courses taken in this program will be designated as an “audit” on an official transcript and may not be changed to “credit” enrollment later in the semester.

Non-Credit

Individuals who wish to register for non-credit courses or certificates through the Division of Professional Studies should register online using the registration link for the selected program: Programs for Individuals | Butler University. Individuals will be prompted to pay the registration fee at the time of registration. An email confirmation with information on how to access the selected program will be sent to the individual’s email provided at the time of registration.

Individual High School Student Enrollment Policy

Summary of Program

This program is designed for students to enroll in courses otherwise not available in their high school curricular offerings. Admitted high school students may enroll as non-degree students to take courses for college credit at Butler University while still attending high school. Enrollment in a course is based upon placement exam results, consultation with the academic department(s) and/or the Center for Academic Success and Exploration, and availability and capacity within the department or program. Credits earned may be applied toward a degree at Butler.

Application Information

Student applicants must submit the following items:

• Individual High School Student Enrollment Application
• Official high school transcript
• Letter of recommendation from a high school counselor or teacher

Additional Eligibility Criteria

• Students must have successfully completed four semesters of high school coursework, preferably at the college preparatory, honors, or advanced level.*
• Students interested in taking courses with programs from the Jordan College of the Arts must also complete an audition. The audition process will be coordinated after the review of the admission application.
• Students interested in taking courses in math and foreign language subjects will be required to prove proficiency in those areas, in addition to completing a placement exam.
• Registration in specific courses is subject to availability, and the Butler University department or instructor may require additional information for enrollment.
• Enrollment in an online course requires the specific approval of the Dean of the college offering the course.
• Students are limited to six hours of credit each semester.

* Dual credit courses taught by Butler qualified faculty and mentored teachers in certain high schools may have different requirements for admission to the course.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: August 16
• Spring Semester: January 9
• Summer Session: May 6

Summer Guest Registration

Butler has a simplified process for students at other institutions who want to take undergraduate classes during the summer but do not want to be admitted to a degree program. There is no fee to apply, and no transcripts from your home school are required. Undergraduates can find the steps to enroll, as well as the Summer Guest Student Registration Form at www.butler.edu/registrar/summer-guest-registration.

Non-Degree to Degree-Seeking Status

Students who have been attending Butler University in a non-degree capacity may apply for degree-seeking status by submitting an application for admission and following the guidelines listed in this Bulletin. Check with the Office of Admission or the Office of Registration and Records for the appropriate application dates.

Graduate Studies

The following information generally is applicable to all graduate programs. For exceptions and special requirements, refer to the specific admission requirements by program. Admission is based upon undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) grades and other information, as may be required for a specific program.

Butler seniors desiring to take graduate courses may make special arrangements with the Associate Dean or Program Director in which the graduate degree is to be earned. Credit for such courses will not be recorded on a graduate record until the bachelor’s degree is awarded and the student has been admitted to a graduate program. Note: Students must be degree-seeking MBA, MPAcc, MSRI or MiM admits to be eligible to enroll in Lacy School of Business graduate-level courses.

Students intending to work toward an advanced degree must satisfy the prerequisites for the program. If prerequisites are to be completed, the student may, under some circumstances, be admitted with a stipulation that the courses be completed satisfactorily. If not admitted, a student may, depending on the college, enroll as a non-degree student while completing the prerequisites.

Applying for Graduate Admission

Applications may be obtained on Butler’s website at go.butler.edu/apply. All candidates for admission to graduate programs must generally submit the following. Some programs may have additional requirements. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the some certificate programs have different transcript requirements.

• Application for Graduate Admission to the college in which they want to enroll
• Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where the applicant:
  • Earned a degree
  • Earned more than 15 credits (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Completed any program prerequisite (regardless of number of credit hours)
  • Completed courses for which the applicant is applying for transfer credit

Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded in your online application for review. Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required at that time to submit official transcripts for verification prior to enrollment.

International students must hold a degree from a school recognized by the government or education ministry within the country.

Students admitted on the basis of unofficial transcripts or with coursework in progress must have their official transcripts sent to Butler University from their previous institution(s) no later than 30 days prior to the start of their entry term.

Butler University transcripts are not required from current Butler University students and alumni. If you have submitted official transcripts from other institutions within the last three years, you may not need to submit them again. Please contact gradadmission@butler.edu to confirm.

• Some programs may require standardized test scores (e.g., GMAT, MAT, GRE, etc.) to be considered for graduate admission. These test scores are valid for five years. Prospective students may visit the departmental website of their respective programs to obtain more information regarding standardized test requirements and waivers.
• International students also must provide official financial documentation, as required by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State.
• International applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of this proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency can be met by any of the following exams or testing systems:
  1. Duolingo: A score of 100 is required to meet Butler University’s requirements.
  2. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A score of 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073.
  3. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): For the SAT, an Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 500 meets Butler’s English proficiency requirements. Butler’s SAT school code is 1073.
  4. American College Test (ACT): An English score of 19 meets Butler’s requirements. Butler’s ACT school code is 1180.
  5. International English Language Training System (IELTS): A score of 6.0 meets Butler’s requirements.
  6. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): A score of 80 meets Butler’s requirements.
  7. London or Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE)/General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): A grade of A or B in English meets Butler’s requirements.
  8. International Baccalaureate (IB): A score of 5-7 or grade of A or B on HL English meets Butler’s requirements.
  9. PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online: A score of 53 meets Butler’s requirements.

All application materials become the property of Butler University. Transcripts received from other institutions will not be returned to the student or released to another institution or third party.

Graduate Non-Degree Admission

A person holding a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university who wishes to enroll in graduate courses at Butler University for purposes other than obtaining an advanced degree (e.g., for teacher licensure, to transfer to another institution, or for self-enrichment) may apply as a graduate non-degree student by completing the application for graduate admission to the college in which they would like to enroll. The application may be obtained and submitted online at go.butler.edu/apply .

The process for applying for admission is the same as the process outlined above for degree-seeking students.

If a graduate non-degree student chooses to enter a graduate degree program, the student must complete a graduate degree-seeking application and follow the application procedures for that graduate program. Check with the Office of Admission for exact dates. A maximum of 12 graduate credit hours completed as a non-degree student may be applied toward the selected degree program. Prospective students should check with individual colleges with regard to policies governing converting from non-degree to degree-seeking status.

Renewed Enrollment–Graduate Students

See Other Admission Options/Renewed Enrollment section above for general information. In addition, students enrolled in a graduate program at Butler University 10 or more years previously, as well as students seeking enrollment into a new degree program or degree level, must submit a new degree-seeking application (see Applying for Graduate Admission) and meet current admission requirements. Only coursework taken subsequent to the new admission will be counted toward degree requirements. All academic records, however, will be maintained so that the transcripts will reflect all of the studies and cumulative GPA undertaken at Butler University.

Graduate Transfer Credit

All work toward a graduate degree should be completed at Butler. However, under special circumstances and within certain limits, graduate work taken at a regionally accredited institution may be transferred and applied toward the degree. Note: Lacy School of Business graduate transfer credits must be from an AACSB-accredited institution. In order for credit to be transferred, a prospective student must receive a grade of A or B. All coursework must be approved by the student’s Butler University academic advisor. Subject to these restrictions, up to 9 semester hours may be transferred in 30-hour master’s programs and up to 12 hours may be transferred in 36-hour and longer master’s programs. The student should submit the Request for the Transfer of Graduate Credit application found at butler.edu/registrar/transfer-credits.

Time Limitations

Beginning at the time when their first graduate degree-applicable course is taken, students in 30-hour programs have five years to complete the degree requirements, and students in longer programs have seven years to complete the degree requirements.

Degree Requirements

Thesis/Project: Some graduate programs may require a thesis or scholarly project. Generally, 3 credit hours are allotted for a thesis/project, although 6-hour projects may be authorized. Regulations governing the preparation and submission of the thesis are available from the college in which the work is being done. If a comprehensive examination also is required, half of the exam is allotted for the thesis defense. Students may contact their respective graduate program to see if their specific program requires a thesis.

GPA: Students must achieve a grade average of B or above in all graduate courses attempted. Courses in which a student earns a C-, D, or F will not be counted toward degree requirements. While grades below a C are not counted toward the completion of degree requirements, they are counted in determining the student’s GPA. In no case may a student take more than 12 credit hours in excess of the degree requirements to satisfy the foregoing GPA requirement. Any graduate student–whether degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking–who fails to make satisfactory progress in the coursework may be declared academically ineligible for additional enrollment.

Student Status

Full-time: An individual must take a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 credits of graduate-eligible courses per semester to be considered a full-time student. A petition can be filed for consideration of fewer credits for the final semester before graduation. International students with F1 visa status can be admitted for full-time status only. A maximum of four years is allowed to complete all the degree requirements.

Part-time: Prospective students should contact their respective program to determine the feasibility of part-time enrollment for timely completion of the degree.