Graduate Admission

While requirements vary in each of Chapman University College's graduate programs, this section provides information concerning university-wide admission standards as well as general admission policies and procedures. For specific program admission requirements, please refer to the appropriate program section.

Applicants seeking admission to graduate programs must submit the following:

  1. Completed application package listing all institutions attended with an application fee of $50. Applications are available online.
  2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. No credits will be accepted from non-regionally accredited institutions. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university is considered a violation of academic integrity.
  3. Any additional evidence of eligibility required by the graduate program.

Students are not eligible for financial aid until regular admission status is achieved. Official documents (including Option 4 portfolios) submitted for admission consideration become property of the University and cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

Requirements for Admission

Chapman University College is a member of The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) which has published a fundamental standard regarding admission processes focusing on the Adult Learner: "The institution uses an inclusive, non-competitive admissions process to determine the best educational match for the adult learner."

The prospective graduate student in Chapman University College must demonstrate his or her readiness to succeed in graduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the following admission Options. All graduate admissions options listed below require an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Specific program admission requirements must also be met.

Option One

A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from a regionally accredited institution.

Option Two

A GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (MAE/MAT requires 2.75-2.99) calculated over the most recent graded 30 semester units (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from a regionally accredited institution. In addition, a satisfactory score on an accepted graduate admissions exam such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Test (GMAT), The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Consult program for acceptable admissions tests and scores.

Option Three

An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

Option Four

Submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant's ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes he or she is a good candidate for graduate study in the discipline requested. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the reviewers, the applicant may be invited for an interview. The reviewers will forward their recommendation to the CUC admissions committee. The decision of the CUC Graduate Admissions Committee will be final.

Conditional Admission

This admission status is available for applicants whose final completion of the baccalaureate degree is pending at the time of application or their degree has been completed but not yet conferred. Applicants who have already completed 12 credits or more in a Chapman credential or graduate program are not eligible for conditional admission.

Specific requirements for Conditional Admission are:

  1. Have fulfilled all University College graduate admission requirements and all specific program requirements for regular admission.
  2. Certification by the degree-granting institution that the baccalaureate degree can be completed at the conclusion of the semester or session specified by the applicant.
  3. The degree posting date must be prior to the beginning of the semester or session for which the applicant has applied.
  4. No more than twelve credits of graduate coursework may be completed as a conditionally admitted student.

A final graduate classification is determined upon completion of the baccalaureate degree based on graduate admissions policies.

Students who complete coursework but who do not complete the admission application process (or are denied and later achieve admission) will be permitted to use only 12 credits of completed coursework toward a degree program.

Applicants who can provide documentation from the degree granting institution verifying that the degree has been completed will be eligible for financial aid.

Non-degree Seeking Post Baccalaureate Students

Students who have not been granted regular admission status may be permitted to enroll in graduate courses at Chapman University. See specific program for details. However, no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework taken prior to achieving regular admission status may be applied toward a graduate degree at Chapman University.