JCA Admission

Students interested in joining the Jordan College of the Arts (JCA) have additional requirements to their application process compared with students applying to other majors at Butler.

Students should first follow the standard admission procedures outlined for their student type—First-Year, International, or Transfer. In addition to the standard application requirements, JCA applicants are asked to complete a supplement and complete an audition, interview, and/or portfolio review.

JCA applicants will receive two admission decisions. Students are evaluated academically for general admission to the University and—separately—evaluated for admission into their JCA program of choice. The JCA admission decision is based on the supplement and audition/interview/portfolio review. These decisions are communicated separately, and timing can vary based on when a student complete their application and the scheduled audition/interview date.

JCA Application Checklist

Students applying to the Jordan College of the Arts have the following requirements:

In addition to the Common App, applicants to the Jordan College of the Arts must complete an Art, Arts Administration, Dance, Music, or Theatre supplement. Students will gain access to their supplement on their student status page after they’ve submitted their Common App.

All JCA majors must also complete an audition, portfolio review, and/or interview. After completing your Common App and supplement, we’ll send you an email with more information and instructions to select a date. Requirements by program are listed below.

Art + Design: Portfolio review conducted by Art faculty only; no scheduled review necessary.

Arts Administration: Interview required for General and Art History applicants; Audition or portfolio review and interview required for Art, Music, and Theatre applicants

Dance: Audition required for all applicants; either video submission or in-person auditions are available

Music (Vocal applicants): Video pre-screen and possible invitation to an in-person audition

Music (Instrumental applicants): In-person audition

Theatre: Audition or portfolio review

Department Requirements

student sketching on paper

Art

Learn more about the admission process for students majoring in Art.

students measuring a painting with purple gloves on

Arts Administration

Learn more about the admission process for students majoring in Arts Administration.

dancer

Dance

Learn more about the admission process for students majoring in Dance.

Jordan College of the Arts Percussion

Music

Learn more about the admission process for students majoring in Music.

Midsummer nights dream play

Theatre

Learn more about the admission process for students majoring in Theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the JCA admission process? Check here first!

Start your Butler journey today

Beginning your college search? Our Admission team works with prospective students and families from across the country, and can provide more information about the Jordan College of the Arts.