STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION ADMISSION
Learn More about Application Requirements and Important Dates for Our 100% Online Programs.
ADMISSION OVERVIEW
At Butler University, we believe that a student-centered education grounded in experiential learning and innovative teaching methods can cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. From business to communications to data analytics, our online graduate programs integrate transformative and holistic academic studies with real-world, immersive experiences that prepare students to excel after graduation.
We foster a positive learning environment that helps students thrive within our connected community. Our students graduate with invaluable experience gained throughout their programs, ready to make an impact in their careers and lives. Are you ready to join our ambitious community of Bulldogs?
Scholarships are available for qualifying applicants. For more information, connect with an enrollment advisor by emailing stratcomm-grad@butler.edu or calling 317-249-8638.
“I’m a firm believer that the communications strategist at every corporation or nonprofit plays an integral role in ensuring the health of the company. Strategic communication is much more than writing a press release or posting to social media. It’s a science into understanding how to cut through the clutter and deliver a specific message to a specific audience at a specific time on a specific device. A professional of any age who has invested the time to dive deeper into strategic communication through Butler’s master’s program is even more marketable, as it demonstrates a keen desire to be a problem solver.”
Chris Gahl (’00) | Senior Vice President, Visit Indy Butler University Trustee
ONLINE PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants to the strategic communication programs must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or the international equivalent prior to enrollment at the graduate level. A GMAT/GRE score is not required for admission to these programs.
Candidates should submit the following documents with their Butler Application:
- Personal Statement
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities where candidates:
- 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 candidates are applying for transfer credit
- Current Résumé
- Applicants must submit a $35 application fee. Early decision applicants are eligible to waive their application fee.
International applicants must additionally submit the following:
- TOEFL scores or equivalent proof of English proficiency
- A clear copy of your passport
International students from non-English speaking countries must meet the minimum scores listed below:
- TOEFL = 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based)
- IELTS = 6.0
- MELAB = 80
ADVICE FOR APPLICANTS
Successful applicants present a strong academic record, professional experience, or both, to demonstrate they are a good fit for our programs. The most important components of your application are your personal essay, letters of recommendation, and your academic record. Below are guidelines to help present your best self to our admission committee.
Your personal statement should explain your interest in the program, how it will help you reach your career goals, and any additional context you would like to provide in support of the other application materials. For example, you may wish to explain some inconsistencies in your undergraduate or professional career. Ensure that your essay is thorough, well-organized, persuasive, and clear as we also assess the quality of writing in your personal statement.
Two letters of recommendations are required. If you completed your undergraduate degree within the past three years, at least one letter must be from a professor at your undergraduate institution. For those who completed an undergraduate degree over three years ago, you may opt for professional references from a recent supervisor or colleague. Character references or letters from relatives or friends are not acceptable.
Your recommenders should know your interests in our program and how they fit with your career path and goals. If possible, we suggest you give them at least three weeks advance notice to complete your recommendation. When they receive the recommendation link, they will be asked to rate you on a few competencies that are important to our program, such as work ethic, integrity, problem-solving, writing skills, etc. We also list a few attributes we want them to discuss in their letters. We suggest selecting recommenders that are able to attest to these qualities about you.
Should you waive the right to see your Letters of Recommendation?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) gives you the right of access to the contents of any recommendation letters, unless you specifically waive that right. The option to waive or not to waive your right is on our form, so your recommenders will know what you request.
That said, many graduate schools prefer confidential letters, which means you’ve waived the right to read the recommendations. These evaluations are considered more candid and accurate. It is up to you to consider the pros and cons of keeping or waiving your right, but you should make the same decision for both recommendations.
We will assess your undergraduate transcripts and professor recommendations (if required). We recognize that not everyone has the same advantages that foster success in the undergraduate classroom. In this case, your personal essay should reflect on your academic career to help us understand why you would perform well as a graduate student in light of your previous academic performance. Professor and professional recommenders should also shed light on your ability to succeed in our graduate programs.
Successful applicants who enter our programs several years post-college come from many fields and experiences. What unifies them is a desire to grow intellectually and professionally, with a goal to improve their skill set or to transition to new careers and/or leadership positions. Your résumé will be a critical component to your evaluation process, especially if you have been out of college for several years.
If you have any questions about the application process, do not hesitate to contact Graduate Director, Dr. Mark Rademacher at mrademac@butler.edu.
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline scholarships available to eligible students. Scholarships will be distributed for fall and spring semesters over the course of your enrollment.