Butler University
Indianapolis, United States • Founded 1855 • World Rank #4777
Overview
Founded in 1855, the Butler University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Indianapolis (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Indiana.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Butler University is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Butler University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 169-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Butler University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Butler University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Butler University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
How Butler University structures its academic side — by faculty, school, and unit — is detailed below. The structure affects everything from credit transfer to cross-faculty modules.
Unit 5 items
- Business Administration
- Education
- Jordan College of Fine Arts
- Liberal arts and Sciences
- Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Programs Offered
Butler University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
Bachelor's Degree
64 programmes
Browse 64 programmes at Butler University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Dance Performing Arts
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Economics Economics
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Psychology, Other Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other Philosophy & Ethics
History History
Insurance Business Administration
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
International Business International Business
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Public Health Public Health
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Journalism Journalism
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Data Science Liberal Arts
Classical and Ancient Studies Liberal Arts
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
17 programmes
These 17 programmes form Butler University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Music Music
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
Insurance Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Education, General Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
Browse 3 programmes of research-degree study at Butler University. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
9 programmes
These 9 programmes group Butler University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Butler University
Application guidance for Butler University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Butler University offers 93 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Butler University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Butler University's online portal at www.butler.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (317) 940 8000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Butler University
The questions below summarise Butler University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Butler University open?
Butler University traces its founding to 1855 (approximately 171 years ago).
Where is Butler University located?
Butler University is located in Indianapolis, United States.
Is Butler University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Butler University?
Student enrolment at Butler University is around 5,000-5,999.
What is Butler University's ranking?
Butler University holds rank #4777 globally and #494 in United States.
How is Butler University organised academically?
Butler University has 5 academic units.
Is Butler University accredited?
Yes, Butler University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Butler University online?
You can find Butler University online at www.butler.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Butler University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near Butler University. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose Butler University or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Faculty publication output for Education & Teaching researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with Butler University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
