Chapman University is a 148–year old independent institution of liberal arts and professional education dedicated to providing a solid foundation of knowledge that enables its graduates to become fully educated persons. The university is comprised of the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics, the College of Educational Studies, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the Wilkinson College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Law, the College of Performing Arts, and the Schmid College of Science. Additional course offerings developed specifically for adult learners are available through Brandman University, with locations in California and Washington.
Chapman is recognized for its liberal arts core, distinguished faculty, innovative programs and personalized attention to students. The university strives to develop in students the ability to think clearly, communicate effectively, explore issues from contrasting points of view, value human and cultural diversity and make informed ethical judgments in an increasingly complex world.
Chapman traces its roots to Hesperian College, opened at the very hour of Abraham Lincoln's inauguration as the sixteenth U. S. president. Hesperian and several other institutions later merged with California Christian College in Los Angeles. In 1934 the institution was renamed in recognition of its most generous benefactor, C. C. Chapman, successful real estate investor, rancher, and pioneer Orange County church leader. The college moved to the city of Orange in 1954. In September of 1991 the college became Chapman University, further strengthening its commitment to international education and an innovative undergraduate curriculum and graduate programs.
The university offers more than 40 fields of undergraduate study as well as graduate degree programs and credential programs for educators.
Chapman's undergraduate programs are founded in the liberal arts. The university offers BA, BS, BFA and BM degrees. As defined in the general education program, the university is dedicated to offering a distinctive education that encourages students to see and appreciate the linkages between their majors and the general education program. See index listing for undergraduate programs.
More information about Chapman's graduate programs can be found in the Graduate Catalog available from the Office of Admission, Argyros Forum, Room 304, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, 714/ 997–6786.
Information about courses through Brandman University is available in the Brandman University catalog available from the Office of Admission, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, or by calling 1-866-CHAPMAN.
The general education program reflects the university's mission to provide its students with a personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens. The program is thus flexible but enables all students to develop ability in critical inquiry; gain breadth and depth of knowledge; integrate knowledge within and across disciplines; cultivate ethical awareness in learning and practice; engage in experiential learning as thoughtful, principled citizens; and become independent thinkers able to sustain a lifelong desire for intellectual growth.
Students may share up to 9 credits between General Education and their major, and 6 credits between General Education and their minor. Courses may not double-count in general education categories; students may use a course to satisfy one inquiry or exploration category only.
The Chapman General Education Plan
For a current list of courses in each general education category, visit http://www.chapman.edu/academics/ge
The more than 350 full–time and 250 part–time faculty on the Orange campus represent an outstanding range of intellectual interests, research endeavors, and creative activities. They include noted researchers in the sciences and social sciences, gifted artists, prolific writers, talented film makers and widely published and recognized scholars.
As a community, the faculty is comprised of people who connect active scholarship and creative activity with teaching and learning as a bridge between research and practice. Their research and creative work informs both their teaching and their lives in ways that enable students to see the value of a commitment to lifelong learning. Some 89% hold terminal degrees; 47% are tenured. Full–time faculty teach two to three courses a semester.
The 2008–2009 student body population on the Orange campus was 6,128, 4,293 of whom were undergraduate. Almost half of the undergraduate students live in university housing. Chapman welcomes students from around the country and the world. Approximately 59 countries are represented among Chapman's international student body. Among first year students on the Orange campus approximately one third come from outside California.
Enrollment has steadily grown since the early 1990s. The average SAT score of new freshmen has increased every year during that period to the current level of over 1,219. Chapman upholds its tradition of providing personalized education to students by maintaining a faculty to student ratio of 1:14.
Student life at Chapman is educationally stimulating and diverse. Students come from varied economic, social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Yet because of Chapman's size, opportunities for involvement are extended to all students through an active student government, service and social fraternities and sororities, religious organizations, intercollegiate and intramural athletics, student publications, numerous social and cultural events, and student productions in drama, music, film and dance.
Chapman's long and distinguished heritage in intercollegiate sports includes six NCAA national championships in baseball, tennis, and softball. Students participate in NCAA Division III athletics, a non-scholarship division. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, crew (club sport), football, golf, lacrosse (club sport), soccer, swimming and diving (club sport), tennis, and water polo. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, crew, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and water polo. Approximately 20% of Chapman's student body participates in intercollegiate athletics, club sports and intramurals.
Student athletes as well as all students and members of the Chapman community who wish to keep physically fit have access to the facilities in the Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex (opened in August 2008). Such facilities include Wilson Field, one of 30 collegiate fields to use Field Turf, and is circled by a state-of-the-art two-lane Mondo track; the Julianne Argyros Fitness Center, which includes a wide variety of weight training and exercise equipment; and the Zee Allred Aquatics Center, opened in August 2008 complete with an Olympic-sized pool and a state-of-the-art treatment control system and equipment. For more information and hours of operation, please vist http://www.chapmanathletics.com/facilities/index.
The Chapman Alumni Association encompasses about 57,000 alumni consisting of 23,000 Orange Campus alumni. In addition to benefits, programs and services available to alumni, there are also many programs sponsored by the Alumni Association that support Chapman students. Alumni volunteers share career advice, serve on advisory boards, create employment opportunities and give back to Chapman University with passion and pride.
Prominent Chapman alumni include the former U.S. Ambassador to Spain and philanthrophist George L. Argyros ('59), the Honorable Loretta Sanchez ('82), and the Honorable Chris Lee ('97), members of Congress; the Honorable David Bonior ('72), former member of Congress and House Minority Whip; Jose Gomez ('75), member of the Panamanian National Assembly; television and film producers John Copeland ('73) and John David Currey ('98); cinematographer Gene Jackson ('70); television sports analyst and former UCLA basketball coach Steve Lavin ('88); major league baseball executive Gordon Blakeley ('76); former major league baseball stars Gary Lucas ('76); Tim Flannery ('79); Marty Castillo ('79); and Randy Jones ('72); and Tony Award nominee and star of Broadway's "Showboat," Michel Bell ('68); and resident tenor at the Staatsoper-Vienna John Nuzzo ('91).
To learn more about the Alumni Association and explore opportunities for involvement, go online to www.chapman.edu/alumni.
Chapman's roots are firmly grounded in its historic covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). That rich spiritual legacy lives on through Chapman's focus on the development of the ethical, spiritual, and intellectual person. A variety of religious studies courses and spiritual programming activities are offered, but not required. The dean of the chapel oversees an active interfaith program designed to meet the spiritual needs of the university's students, faculty, and staff. A full-time director of church relations strengthens the university's covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as well as provides programs for the broader ecumenical community.
The new Fish Interfaith Center houses the Wallace All Faiths Chapel, Wilkinson Founders Chapel, Yoder Sanctuary, Peterson Conference Room, The Fashionables Courtyard, Dee's Garden of the Senses, a lounge, administrative offices, and a columbarium. A team of internationally known architects and artists cooperated in the design of this inspirational and award-winning sacred space.
Chapman's academic year is on a 4–1–4 calendar. Fall classes begin in late August and end just prior to Christmas. An interterm session is held in January, offering special opportunities for students to participate in travel courses or take experimental courses. The course offerings in interterm, however, are limited. The spring semester begins at the end of January and ends in May. Four summer sessions are scheduled from the end of May through mid–August. Evening classes are also offered for working professionals. A special emphasis is made to meet the requirements of public school credentials.
The Chapman University Leatherby Libraries contain over 260,000 volumes and provides access to over 34,000 full text electronic journals, over 10,000 electronic books, 1,900 print journal titles as well as DVDs, videos, CDs and other media. The library's Web page — http://www.chapman.edu/library — is the starting point for accessing the book holdings and journal indexes, including over 55 full text databases and extensive online resource sources. Library users may also renew books online via the library web page. The ILLIAD Interlibrary Loan program enhances the hard-copy and electronic holdings, enabling the library staff to further support the research needs of students and faculty. A multi–format library instruction program, including computer assisted instruction, is an important part of the freshman through the senior year experience. Library instruction and information literacy promoting life long learning skills occurs throughout the curriculum, ensuring that students are connected to the information resources they need to succeed academically.
The new Leatherby Libraries opened in fall 2004. With 16 group study rooms, hundreds of user workstations and capacity for 350,000 books, it provides exemplary library services and resources to the Chapman community.
The beautiful tree–lined 75–acre main campus in Orange, California is 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Ocean beaches are less than ten miles away; mountains and deserts are within an hour's drive; San Diego and Mexico are 90 miles south; and just minutes from the university are major recreation and entertainment venues, including Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Pacific Amphitheater, Irvine Meadows, Edison Stadium and Honda Center.
The Chapman University honors program is a broad interdisciplinary course of study based on great books and events from cultures around the world. Students and faculty concentrate on mutually critical exchanges between the classics of human cultures and the contemporary world. The goal of these dialogical exchanges is collaborative and intentional learning in which students and faculty together connect enduring and emerging ideas, drawing on shared texts, lectures, seminar discussions, and cultural experiences.
Students in the university-wide program are required to complete a total of eight honors courses, including the Senior Capstone Seminar, for a minimum of 24 credits. The program satisfies the GE Inter/Multidisciplinary Cluster; select courses may also satisfy major, other GE, and/or elective requirements. Transfer students with 60 credits or more prior to matriculation take five courses, including the senior capstone. Three of the five courses must be at the 300 level or above.
Applicants typically have a first-rate GPA and highly competitive SAT and ACT scores. Other criteria may include outstanding leadership and/or creative achievement, community involvement and a range of interests and experiences. The program best serves students who approach their education in a mature and responsible manner.
Acceptance to the program is limited. Students must submit a separate application for admission to the honors program, in addition to applying for admission to the university. Students already at Chapman and transfer students may also apply for admission. Applications are available online at www.chapman.edu/honors.
A growing variety of online courses are available. Using Blackboard 6, Chapman students and faculty have access to both online courses and on–campus courses that utilize this electronic tool, which enables document sharing, electronic discussion, Internet research and the use of other teaching and learning tools. Students and faculty alike also have access to the Chapman University Portal, My Chapman, which offers a variety of online services, including announcements, community discussion, and personal services such as a calendar, e–mail, task lists, online grades and others, depending on the activities and Blackboard classes in which a student is enrolled.
Selected freshman courses are now offered as Notebook classes as part of the Student Mobile Computing Initiative. Students lease notebook computers from the university to participate in these classes.
Lecture Series and Cultural Offerings
The Distinguished Lecture Series is a university wide program that brings distinguished individuals to campus for lectures, seminars, and class visits. Past speakers have included Maya Angelou, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Ralph Nader, Edward James Olmos, Cornel West and Howard Zinn.
The Guggenheim Art Gallery sponsors regular exhibitions by locally, nationally, and internationally known artists as well as student shows. The gallery provides a venue for artists and exhibitions that question aesthetic conventions and the role of the arts in society. The gallery encourages programming that crosses cultural boundaries and offers exhibition opportunities for emerging, under–recognized and minority artists.
Shakespeare Orange County is an award–winning professional theatre company dedicated to presenting the finest Shakespearean productions. Housed in Chapman's Waltmar Theatre, Shakespeare Orange County offers a summer season of plays as well as a Christmas season special. Founding Artistic Director Thomas Bradac is a member of the Chapman faculty.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad and exchange programs in many academic fields in almost every part of the world. Studying overseas provides a unique opportunity which can open up fresh perspectives on international political, economic and social issues, interpersonal relationships and ultimate career choices. All regularly enrolled Chapman students of sophomore, junior or senior standing with a minimum 3.000 GPA are eligible to apply. Some programs offered require no previous foreign language study. Students studying abroad through Chapman-approved programs are enrolled in a full course of study at the host institution, but receive Chapman credit. Students are often pleasantly surprised to learn that the cost for studying abroad is equivalent to the current cost of studying at Chapman and most financial aid can apply depending on the program selected. The study abroad and exchange programs directly support Chapman's emphasis on encouraging students to recognize and develop their roles as global citizens in an increasingly interdependent world. When enrolled full-time, students who complete a semester abroad automatically satisfy the Global Study portion of the general education program and the courses taken abroad can satisfy major, minor, or applicable general education area requirements.
Travel Courses
Chapman faculty representing a range of academic departments lead travel courses during the summer and January interterm session. These courses range in length from 1 to 6 weeks and are both domestic and international. All students are encouraged to participate in these courses in order to get a perspective about other countries and cultures. There is academic work involved in these classes and credit is awarded. All travel courses outside the U.S. are approved in the Global Study portion of the 2007 general education program. Students may be eligible for a tuition waiver for their participation.
International Internships
Internships abroad allow students to gain both cultural immersion and practical work experience-both extremely beneficial in today's global marketplace. Additionally, these summer programs are viable options for those students who are unable to participate in semester study abroad programs due to campus or academic commitments. All programs are open to Juniors and Seniors in any major. Requirements vary for each program, but students intern 8-10 weeks and earn 3-6 units which can fulfill the Global Study Portion of 2007 general education requirements. Students may be eligible for a tuition waiver for their participation.
Contact the Center for Global Education for more information or visit their website at www.chapman.edu/cge.
International Student Services
International Student Services was established to serve the special needs of international students on the Chapman University campus. The office acts primarily as a source of information and assistance with the goal of helping to make the international students' experience at Chapman as productive and meaningful as possible.
The office provides the following services: issuance of required immigration documents; F–1 visa student tracking and reporting as required by USICE; fall and spring orientation programs; counseling for academic, financial and personal matters; assistance with health insurance, internships, on-campus employment, tax and immigration matters; certificates of enrollment and official letters for foreign administration offices; information on social and cultural events; and liaison with campus and community programs.
The Academic Advising Center offers advising services for all incoming and continuing students, supports students in formulating their educational goals, and encourages students to develop individualized plans for realizing them. The Center is responsible for advising in all majors and serves all undeclared students; offers general academic counseling and placement testing services; advises students on academic probation; and is an information, resource, and referral center for all students needing current information about general education, degree requirements, and academic policies. Individual, drop-in, and online advising is available, along with advising workshops.
The goal of the Center for Academic Success is to help students achieve their own greatest academic success and realize their educational goals. Tutoring services help students personalize learning. Study techniques and services help them reap the greatest benefits from their investment of study time and effort. The Center also provides accommodations for students with disabilities. In addition, it provides general information and referrals to other university programs and services.
A wide variety of study and research opportunities are available through Chapman's academic and research centers. These include the A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research, the Albert Schweitzer Institute, the Barry and Phyllis Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, the Center for Educational and Social Equity, the John Fowles Center for Creative Writing, the Ralph W. Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, the Walter Schmid Center for International Business, the C. Larry Hoag Center for Real Estate and Finance, the Institute for the Study of Media and the Public Interest, the Center for Global Trade and Development, the Economic Science Institute and the Center of Excellence in Applied, Fundamental and Computational Sciences. Students may work with faculty on specific research projects as well as participate in special programs including guest lectures, film screenings, panels and seminars.
The mission of the Career Development Center is to assist students at Chapman University with identifying, developing and implementing their career goals through self–direction and personal responsibility. To that end, the Center is committed to providing quality services to students including individual career counseling, career assessment, help with choosing or changing a major, resume and cover letter writing and critiques, interview coaching, internship opportunities, job postings, career fairs, on–campus recruiting, career related workshops and panels, graduate school advising and a career and graduate school resource library.
Through arrangements with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in west Los Angeles, students may participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. AFROTC offers a variety of two, three and four year scholarships, many of which pay the full costs of tuition, books and fees. Successful completion of as few as four semesters of AFROTC academic classes and leadership laboratories can lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Classes consist of one hour of academics and two hours of laboratory for freshmen and sophomores, and three hours of academics and two hours of laboratory for juniors and seniors. The academic hours earned can normally be counted as elective credit toward graduation. All AFROTC classes and laboratories are held on Fridays to accommodate students commuting from other colleges and universities. Currently, LMU does not charge for AFROTC courses and offers cross-town students free parking while attending AFROTC activities. Additionally, AFROTC cadets under scholarship and all juniors and seniors receive a $150 per month tax–free stipend.
For more information, contact the Loyola Marymount University Department of Aerospace Studies (AFROTC) at 310/338–2770.
Other AFROTC detachments are located at: University of California, Los Angeles, 310/825–1742; University of Southern California, 213/740–2670; San Diego State University, 619/594–5545; and California State University, San Bernardino 909/880–5440.
Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (AROTC) is also available to interested Orange campus Chapman students through arrangements with Cal Poly, Pomona and the Claremont Colleges. Successful completion of the AROTC program leads to a commission as a second lieutenant in either the Army, the National Guard, or the Army Reserve. For additional information, contact the Claremont Colleges, 909/ 624-7965.
The Cal State Fullerton Army ROTC is a program designed to train and develop college students to become motivated US Army leaders. ROTC provides students with the opportunity to gain a college degree while at the same time training to enter the army as a commissioned officer. Cal State Fullerton ROTC offers two, three and four year scholarships for qualified students to help provide financial assistant at Cal State Fullerton, or the student's primary university. Contact the enrollment advisor Eric Sharyer, Captain, Military Police, United States Army, at Cal State Fullerton ROTC for more information about the program and opportunities to join along with scholarship information, at 714/278–3007, or email at esharyer@fullerton.edu.
Expenses
Tuition at Chapman is $35,790 per year. Room and board are approximately $12,826 per year. Books, supplies and student fees average $1,500 per year.
Financial Aid
Chapman is committed to providing financial assistance to qualified students. More than 80 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance. Additional information can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Admission
Chapman seeks and admits students of varying geographic, social, and ethnic backgrounds to create as diverse a student body as possible. Applications for admission should be submitted as early as possible during the academic year. For more details see Undergraduate Admission.
Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, age, disability, national origin, or ethnicity in any of its policies or practices, including, but not limited to: admissions, academic requirements, financial aid, employment, housing, athletics, or any other school-administered program or service.
Chapman University is committed to making its educational opportunities accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. By providing access to qualified students with disabilities, the university demonstrates its belief that the community will benefit from their skills and talents. In this regard, Chapman University has implemented the following policies:
The Disabilities Services Specialist of the Center for Academic Success administers these policies. Information concerning these policies is maintained in the Center for Academic Success. Summaries and references to these policies are provided in the university's application and admissions materials, and its student handbook. Individuals can also obtain information about these policies, services, documentation requirements, etc. from the Center for Academic Success at 714/997–6828.
The Center for Academic Success serves as the clearing house for all requested accommodations. It is the responsibility of the student requesting accommodations to make these needs known in a timely fashion and to provide recent documentation and medical evaluations as required.(www.chapman.edu/cas) It is recommended that the student provide these materials prior to the beginning of the academic year or semester so that the university may better serve the student's needs and the student may avoid any irreversible academic consequences. Once notification has been made the university will engage in an interactive process in order to identify our obligation to provide reasonable accommodations. Services provided will be based on the individual needs of the student, and may include extended test time, notetakers, readers, etc.
Any student with significant learning disabilities, manifested in the learning of foreign language and/or mathematics and has a documented failure in the subject, will be encouraged to attempt the class with accommodations before a petition for substitution is considered. However, if the student has a history of failure to succeed in these areas, based on a documented disability, he/she may request an immediate review of their documentation by the ADA Committee.
The ADA Committee determines the appropriate identification of significant learning disability in the area of foreign language and/or mathematics and is the final authority in the decision to grant a course substitution.
The university, through the Center for Academic Success, will work with the appropriate faculty member who is asked to provide the accommodations for a student in determining what accommodations are appropriate based on the documentation and the individual student needs. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course.
Student and faculty research and programmatic opportunities are supported by the following endowments: