Requirements and restrictions College of Fine Arts
In addition to submitting a complete application for admission, freshman applicants to the College of Fine Arts should also review the following information regarding each department’s special application requirements and admission restrictions.
Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music
To major in music, a student must be accepted for admission to the university and pass an audition conducted by the Butler School of Music. Students who fail the audition may not enter as music majors even though they may be admitted to the University.
To request an audition, Music applicants must submit the online Butler School of Music application. Visit the Butler School of Music website for access to the application, the application deadline, information about letters of recommendation, and additional details.
First-choice major selection
The Butler School of Music gives preference to applicants who select music as their first-choice major. So, to be seriously considered for admission to the Butler School of Music and performance scholarships, you should select Music as your first choice.
For additional information, contact the undergraduate studies office at 512-471-0504.
Department of Art & Art History
When applying for freshman admission to majors in the Department of Art & Art History (art history, design, studio art, and visual art studies/art teacher certification), you should consider the following special requirements.
Special requirements for the Department of Art & Art History
Fall-only admission
Newly admitted students to this department must begin their studies in the fall semester.
Art essay
In addition to a response to Topic B, applicants to an art major must submit an essay in response to Topic D as part of their complete application. Essay D may replace Essay A in meeting the two-essay requirement. (Art applicants who apply for scholarships, however, must submit Essay A as part of their scholarship application.)
Art portfolio
Freshman applicants to Design, Studio Art, and Visual Art Studies must submit an art portfolio as part of the admissions application process. The portfolio must be received in the Department’s Undergraduate Office by the admissions application deadline, Dec. 1.
Please do not send any art portfolio materials to the Office of Admissions. Visit the department’s website for details about creating your art portfolio, including information about suggested content and the process for submitting your portfolio.
Annual appraisals for design majors
Students admitted to the design major must pass annual performance reviews to continue in the major.
First-choice major selection
The Department of Art & Art History gives preference to applicants who select an Art & Art History major as their first-choice major. To be seriously considered for admission to the Department of Art & Art History and artistic scholarships, you should select an Art & Art History major as your first choice.
For more information, contact the undergraduate studies office of the Department of Art & Art History at 512-475-8757.
Department of Theatre and Dance
When applying for freshman admission to majors in the Department of Theatre and Dance, you should consider the following special requirements:
Special requirements for the Department of Theatre and Dance
Fall-only admission
Newly admitted students to this department must begin their studies during the fall semester.
BFA Dance Audition
Applicants to BFA Dance are required to audition. Visit Theatre and Dance to request an audtition. Auditions are offered in November.
BFA in Theatre Studies Interview
Applicants to BFA Theatre Studies are required to take part in an interview. Interviews can be conducted on campus, over the phone, or via the Internet. After applying for admission, applicants should schedule an interview.
The BFA in Theatre Studies leads to K-12 teacher certification, so applicants must have a sincere desire to teach theatre to qualify for admission. Applicants wishing to study theatre who do not plan to seek teacher certification should apply to the BA in Theatre.
First-choice major selection
The Department of Theatre and Dance gives preference to applicants who select a Theatre and Dance major as their first-choice major. To be seriously considered for admission to the Department of Theatre and Dance and artistic scholarships, you should select a Theatre and Dance major as your first choice.
For more information on how to complete your audition or interview for the Department of Theatre and Dance, please contact Barbara Pope at 512-232-4436.
Learn More about Fine Arts
Still not certain about your major choice? Learn more about the College of Fine Arts.