Important dates and deadlines

With six start terms per year, JBU makes it easy to find the perfect time to begin your studies. Whether you’re ready to start right away or need more time to plan, our flexible options help you stay on track toward your goals.

Application deadlines vary by program. In general, it's best to apply early, though applications may be considered up to a week before the term start date in some cases. Not all programs can be started in all terms. Please review the program information page of your desired program for complete details.

Term Start Date
Summer B July 6, 2026
Fall A August 24, 2026
Fall B October 19, 2026
Spring A January 11, 2027
Spring B March 8, 2027

Admission requirements

Graduate study at JBU emphasizes scholarship, research and professional experience. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by accreditation bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, applicants must meet the admission requirements for their program.

Find admission requirements for your program:

International students

JBU admits international students who hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or recognized university, meet the admission requirements of their desired program and have demonstrated proficiency in English.

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How to apply

Complete your application for admission

JBU's graduate program application can typically be completed in fewer than 15 minutes.

The application is free to submit for domestic applicants.

Applications from international students require payment of a $75 fee.


Schedule a call with your admissions counselor

After you submit your application, your personal admissions counselor will help you navigate the rest of the admission and enrollment process.


Request official transcripts

Request that the college or university that awarded your undergraduate degree send JBU an official transcript. Official transcripts of graduate coursework completed and/or degrees earned at any other institution should also be requested.

JBU prefers to receive transcripts electronically via:

  • National Student Clearinghouse
  • Parchment (Naviance)

JBU will also accept transcripts sent directly from your school via email to systems@jbu.edu.

We cannot receive hand-delivered transcripts as official, but your school may mail your transcript directly to JBU:

John Brown University
Attn: Admissions Office
2000 W University St
Siloam Springs, AR 72761

For transcripts from non-US institutions, please use The Evaluations Company to send your transcript to JBU. The Evaluations Company will evaluate your transcript for a charge of around $150 USD. Translation services are available for an additional fee, though you may find more affordable translation services in the country of study. Get started with JBU's custom The Evaluations Company request form.

If you have questions or concerns about The Evaluations Company or getting your transcripts to JBU, please contact the international student admissions counselor.


Complete your application file

Required application materials and review vary by program and may include essays, references, a background check, etc. An interview may also be required.

Once you have applied, use your applicant portal to find and upload requested materials.

Find admission requirements for your program:


Complete the FAFSA form

You'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid, including federal student loans.

To send your results to JBU, add JBU (federal code 001100) to your FAFSA form on the School Selection page.


Does JBU accept transfer credit for graduate coursework?

Applicants who have taken graduate courses at other universities may be allowed to transfer some of their previous courses into their JBU graduate program. Review the Transfer Credit policy in the Graduate Catalog for details.

Can I take courses as a non-degree-seeking student?

Yes, non-degree-seeking students must meet the admissions requirements required for JBU Graduate Programs in order to register. Such students may enroll for no more than 5 hours per semester, and credit earned may count toward a degree only after students reapply and are accepted for admission under regular student status. Review the Enrollment Status policy in the Graduate Catalog for details.

Non-Discrimination Policy

JBU affirms the biblical truth that all people are created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. In keeping with that commitment, JBU aspires to be an authentically diverse community where people can flourish and grow in keeping with God’s design for their lives. In that context, JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities. JBU is committed to preserving human dignity and is particularly concerned about harassment, whether sexual, racial, ethnic, or any other type.
 
 As a Christ-centered, religious institution, JBU retains the right to make employment, admission, and educational decisions based on an individual’s religious beliefs and conduct consistent with the JBU’s Statement of Faith, Employee Expectations, Student Community Covenant, and other university policies. In general, JBU opposes discrimination, harassment and retaliation as stated in this Policy, but it is also exempt from certain state and federal anti-discrimination laws due to its status as a religious non-profit corporation and its constitutional right to act in accordance with its religious beliefs. Nothing in this policy is intended, nor should it be construed, to waive JBU’s rights to those exemptions or legal defenses, or of JBU’s right to make and enforce policies in furtherance of its religious beliefs.

The future you starts at JBU.

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