Admission Process

Butler University is eager to receive applications from educators and those in education-related fields who have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Application forms for admission to the Master's in Effective Teaching and Leadership Program must be filed with the Graduate Admission Office (317) 940-8140. Formal admission must be granted in writing by the Butler University Admission Office. The application form is also available from the College of Education Graduate Studies Office (317) 940-9501. It is also possible to apply online with our Butler University Online Application.

Application Deadline

Applications may be submitted anytime before the March 1st deadline for summer entrance. The METL program begins with Core I, the Summer cohort (ED 530-531).

Personal interviews are scheduled after complete applications, including test scores if required, are received by the College of Education Graduate Studies Office.

Applicants wishing to begin coursework in the fall or spring semesters should consult the Graduate Non-Degree information.

General Information for Applicants

The application process involves:

Completing an application form.
- The form is available from Graduate Admission Office (317) 940-8140 or the Graduate Studies Office (317) 940-9501. A non-refundable application fee of $35 is required unless you apply on-line. Check or money order should be made payable to Butler University . Those with an undergraduate degree from Butler are not required to pay the application fee.
- An official transcript for all colleges or universities previously attended must be mailed directly from the issuing institution. The institution must be a regionally accredited college or university, and the transcript must indicate the date the bachelor's degree was conferred. International students must hold a degree from an institution recognized by the government or educational ministry within the country.
- Each candidate must submit either a Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogy Test score unless his/her undergraduate GPA is a 3.0 or higher.
Interviewing with a faculty member.
The College of Education contacts each prospective student for an interview once his/her application is complete. During the interview the candidate must submit two letters of recommendation from professional contacts and present a professional portfolio focusing on one or more of the College of Education's four core values.
Undergoing a review of the process by the Graduate Committee.
The College of Education Graduate Committee reviews all applications, interview results, and recommendations from the faculty.
Receiving formal admission in writing from the Butler University Admission Office.

Appeals

Applicants desiring to appeal an admission decision must submit a letter outlining the basis for their appeal to the College of Education Graduate Committee.

Professional Portfolios

The candidate is encouraged to submit a professional portfolio that exemplifies one or more of the College of Education's Core Values:

The appreciation of diversity and similarity.
We value the richness of experiences, values, beliefs and backgrounds that each person brings to the learning environment. We encourage our students to honor differences and see similarities, and we strive to increase the diversity of our faculty, students and staff.
The excitement of teaching, learning, and mentoring.
We value teaching as an exciting profession that promotes the autonomy and continued growth of the student as a learner and of the teacher as a professional. In our practice we support and model mentoring student with student, teacher with student, and teacher with teacher. The teaching/learning process responds sensitively to the needs of the students and provides on-going assessment for the mastery of competencies.
The challenge of integrated theory, practice, and collaboration.
We recognize the power of working with others within and outside our profession, sharing ownership for teaching and learning. We believe the best practitioners integrate their theory/knowledge base with practical experience:
- connecting the content for meaningful application in varied learning environments,
- providing a framework for reflection, interpretation and analysis, and
- encouraging and supporting practitioners as leaders of positive change.
The strength of integrity and responsibility.
We believe professionals should demonstrate ethical behavior and establish a sense of balance between their personal and professional lives. Everything we do professionally is purposeful, practicing what we profess.

Letters of Recommendation

The two letters of recommendation are to be written by professionals in the area of education whenever possible. Writers of recommendations are encouraged to address how the applicant exemplifies the following College of Education dispositions or attitudes listed below. (It is not necessary to address all eight.) Photo of a classroom

Displays appropriate level of professional behavior
Takes responsibility for one's own behavior
Shows an appreciation of diversity and similarity
Shows caring, concern, and patience
Demonstrates appropriate professional ethics
Shows an appreciation for knowledge and skill in the profession
Shows appropriate engagement with the teaching, learning, and mentoring process
Demonstrates the ability to collaborate with others

Graduate Non-Degree Coursework

When entering the program only 9-12 hours of coursework as a graduate non-degree student may count toward a Butler degree in METL, as long as it coincides with the required courses

International Student Admission

In addition to the items listed above, international applicants must submit the items listed below:

Academic records (transcripts) in their original language along with an official English translation.
Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) indicating a score of 550 or above (213 if taking the computerized TOEFL), unless their native language is English or they have already received a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada (excluding French Quebec), English-speaking Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. This requirement is waived for students who successfully complete level five of English instruction at the American Language Academy on the Butler campus.
Proof of financial support for educational and living expenses while at Butler University. The documents required are official bank statements and affidavits of support from all sponsors. Visa documents will not be issued until the university is assured that the annual costs can be met.