» How to Apply

On this page, you will find information about applying to graduate programs at Chapman, from what you'll need before you start to deadlines to application links and more. 

For graduate programs on our Orange campus, you'll want to use our General Application. 
For graduate programs on our Rinker campus, use this page to determine which CAS (Centralized Application Service) you should use to apply. 

If you have any questions, you can always contact your Graduate Admission Counselor.

If you're interested in taking individual graduate courses as a non-degree seeking student, please visit the Non-degree Seeking Students webpage for information on how to take a class at Chapman without being enrolled in a degree or certificate program. 

(Last updated: November 26, 2024)

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before you start your application to any of our graduate programs here at Chapman, there are a couple items you'll need to have on hand. These items vary from program to program, but for most of our grad programs, they include the following:

Please note: All submitted documents and applications become property of Chapman University and will not be returned.

• The application fee. This is typically a one-time, non-refundable $60 payment that you submit at the end of your application, though the amount is different for certain programs. You may be eligible for a fee waiver, which you can find out more about within the application itself or by visiting our Application Fee Information page. 

Applicants using the Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS, PTCAS, PharmCAS, PharmGrad, CASPA) will be charged an application fee once they submit their application. This fee is set and paid to the CAS systems and Chapman University has no regulation over this payment. If you are applying via a CAS application, fee waivers are not offered. 

• Your official transcripts from all degree-granting universities and colleges you've received a bachelor's degree (or higher). If you have prerequisite coursework completed at a different school (i.e. community college), please be prepared to submit that official transcript as well.  We only accept transcripts directly from the schools you've attended (not applicants), so contact your school(s) and have them submit your official transcripts on your behalf electronically to admtranscript@chapman.edu or to
  
  
  Chapman University 
  Office of Graduate Admission
  One University Drive
  Orange, CA. 92866
  USA
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, but you attended a university outside the United States, we can accept copies of official transcripts (unofficial) for the application review process. Please note that you may be required to submit scores from an approved English Language Proficiency exam, even if you are a U.S. citizen. English proficiency is shown through undergraduate (or higher) education, and not citizenship. 
  • If you are a current Chapman student or a Chapman alumni, you do not need to submit or request your official transcripts from the Registrar's Office if you are applying via our general application. You will need to list Chapman University in the Academic History portion of the application.
  • If you are applying to a graduate program using a CAS application, then you do need to formally request your official transcripts from the Registrar's Office and have them sent to the appropriate CAS application.

• Your official test scores (if applicable) for exams such as the GRE, GMAT and/or English Language Proficiency Exam scores. Which test scores you need to submit depends on the program you are applying to, so check the specific instructions for your program (which you'll find links to below) for more info. 
  • As of January 2022, we accept the GRE at Home exam if you are not able to secure an in-person GRE exam. Please email us at gradadmit@chapman.edu to confirm if we will accept an online exam that you plan on taking. 
  • If you are a U.S. citizen, but you obtained your bachelor's degree at an institution where English was not the language of instruction, you may be required to submit official scores from an English Language Proficiency Exam as part of your application. If you have any questions, you can email us at gradadmit@chapman.edu with more information about where you obtained your bachelor's degree, and we can confirm if you will need to submit English scores. 
  • If you're not sure which test scores are required for your program of interest, please email us at gradadmit@chapman.edu with your program of interest. 

• Recommendation letters. Most programs require a minimum of two recommendation letters. Some programs might require letters from specific sources, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your program.
  • In the General Application, you'll need to list your recommenders' name and email address, so that they can submit their letter of recommendation directly into the application. Letters of recommendation can also be sent via mail, but we encourage recommenders to use the automated link since that is a faster and more secure way of submitting recommendation letters. 
  • Reminder: Recommendation letters must come directly from the recommender. If an applicant sends or uploads a letter of recommendation, we will not accept it. 
• Resume or CV.
• Statement of intent describing why you are applying to the program and why you'd make a good fit. Most programs have their own prompt for this, so be sure to check the specific instructions for your program.

Applying as a Veteran

We encourage all veterans or military-family members to meet with the Director of Veterans Affairs at least once during the application process (in person or by phone). The director is also Chapman’s certifying officer, and can answer any questions or concerns you have.

You can learn more about applying as a veteran, or set up a meeting with the Director of Veterans Affairs, on the Veterans Resource Center page.

Re-Applying and Re-Enrolling

Re-Applying

You are considered a re-applicant if you have previously applied to a Chapman graduate program, were not accepted or canceled your admission, and would like to apply to the same program or another program.

As a re-applicant, you must submit a new application. You should also contact your program to see what new and/or additional documents might be required on your application.

Re-Enrolling

If you were previously enrolled in a program at Chapman within the last seven years and discontinued for any reason, you can apply for re-enrollment by submitting an Application for Graduate Re-enrollment (PDF) to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@chapman.edu.