Applying to Art

When applying to the Jordan College of the Arts as an incoming first year applicant, students are required to follow the standard application process outlined on the Office of Admission website.

Additionally, Art students are required to complete or submit:

• A supplemental Art questionnaire
• Ten (10) images of your artwork​
  • NOTE: Students considering an Art+Design Major OR a Double Major with Art and another area should choose “Art” as their first major on their application in order to receive the proper supplemental application and be considered for art scholarship.

Information on these additional requirements are emailed to prospective students after the Common App is submitted.

Admission Deadlines

November 1: Early Action Deadline

February 1: Regular Decision Deadline

Get Started…

Begin your application by visiting the Office of Admission website.

​All portfolio reviews will be conducted electronically by our Art faculty.  Admission decisions to the Art Department will be made based on when an applicant’s art supplement is complete.  All Early Action applicants will learn their Art decision by mid-December, Regular Decision applicants by February 28, and all others on a rolling basis.

We encourage all applicants who have been admitted to both Butler University and the Art Department to attend an Admitted Art Student Scholarship Day.  You will have the opportunity to visit campus, meet our Art faculty, see the art facilities, and interview for an additional art-based JCA scholarship Award. While we prefer you to come to campus, we understand that this is not an option for every applicant.  Electronic scholarship interviews can be scheduled with the JCA Admission office if you are not able to attend an on-campus day.

More details about these visit days coming soon!

Suggestions for determining which artwork to submit with your supplementary application:

• Do your best to convey your passion for art and/or design (ideally both).
• Think about what the artwork suggests about you as an artist/designer.
• Feature current or recent work over older ones.
• Title the digital file with your name (eg. Smith.jpg).

Financial assistance may come from several different sources. Butler offers two types of scholarships that are awarded as part of the application and audition process.

Academic scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate a strong record of academic excellence in high school.
Jordan College of the Arts Awards may be awarded to students who display promise in the performing arts.

Jordan College of the Arts Awards for Art

Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) Awards in art are merit-based awards available for art majors only. Applicants are automatically evaluated for JCA Award as part of their portfolio review. Applications must be received and faculty portfolio reviews must be completed prior to February 24, 2023 for JCA Award consideration. Notification of any award available to the student will be communicated in mid-March.

Butler also offers additional types of scholarships that require a separate application and interview. We also accept scholarships from outside sources. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about financial aid options and other scholarship opportunities for incoming students.

To apply as an Art + Design Major, complete the Art Application which includes uploads of 5–10 images of your artwork that best represents you as an artist. You will receive a confirmation email to let you know these items have been received and forwarded to the Art program faculty for review. Once your admission to the program has been decided, you will receive an email notice from the chair of the Art Department, Steve Nyktas.

The Art History major and all of the Art Department minors do NOT require an application. Please fill out a change of major form through your college dean’s office. For any of these, you are encouraged to reach out to Art faculty about your decision to add the major or minor.

Portfolio Review Tips

Suggestions for determining which artwork to submit with your application:

• Do your best to convey your passion for art and/or design (ideally both).
• Think about what the artwork suggests about you as an artist/designer.
• Feature current or recent work over older ones.
• Title the digital file with your name (eg. Smith.jpg).