»MA in WDS Program Handbook

This program handbook is intended as a resource guide for graduate students in the War, Diplomacy, and Society program, where you will find helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions. However, the Graduate Catalog is considered the official representation of program requirements for all graduate programs at Chapman University. If a conflict between the information in this handbook and the Graduate Catalog arises, the information in the Graduate Catalog prevails.

The Chapman University Graduate Student Handbook is the location for graduate student academic policies, expectations, and helpful information as well as non-academic information, resources, and support. Important information will not be repeated here, and graduate students are encouraged to utilize both handbooks.

In addition to these handbooks, all Wilkinson College graduate students are expected to adhere to The Student Code of Conduct.

If you have questions or need information that is not addressed in this handbook, you can seek guidance from the Program Director and/or Graduate Programs Coordinator, whose contact information can be found on this page.

Last updated: Summer 2026

Program Overview


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Program Overview & Sample Timeline

The MA in War, Diplomacy & Society combines rigorous graduate coursework in reading and research seminars with an independent thesis completed under faculty supervision. The degree requires 30 units of coursework, which full-time students typically complete in two years.

Students complete two core courses (WS 500A and 500B), two readings seminars (510-level), two research seminars (520-level), two electives, and two sections of the thesis course (HIST 698).

Year 1 – Fall Semester

  • Enroll in WS 500A: Historical Approaches to War and Society, one of the program’s two core courses
  • Enroll in a WD&S readings or research seminar
  • Enroll in an additional readings/research seminar or an elective

Year 1 – Spring Semester

  • Enroll in WS 500B: Historical Approaches to Diplomacy and Society, the second core course
  • Enroll in a WD&S readings or research seminar
  • Enroll in an additional readings/research seminar or an elective

Summer (after Year 1)

  • Identify a thesis director
  • Submit a 1,000-word thesis proposal
  • Begin thesis research

Year 2 – Fall Semester

  • Enroll in HIST 698: Thesis (3 units) and begin writing the thesis
  • Complete remaining coursework with readings seminars, research seminars, or electives as needed

Year 2 – Spring Semester

  • Enroll in the final 3 units of HIST 698: Thesis
  • Finalize the thesis draft and revisions
  • Form the thesis committee, schedule the defense, apply to graduate, and submit the thesis to Leatherby Libraries

Extended Timeline (Year 3 and Beyond)

Students who pursue a reduced course load may take longer to complete the program. All degree requirements must be finished within seven years of matriculation. Students considering an extended timeline should consult with the Graduate Programs Coordinator or Program Director.

Program Requirements


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Required Coursework and Additional Elective Courses

Current requirements for the MA program, as well as all courses offered, are included in the Graduate Catalog; this information is not duplicated here in this handbook. The student’s individual Program Evaluation in the Learning Management System is designed to help the student understand degree requirements and track progress toward the degree.

Log into the Leaning Management System at StudentCenter.chapman.edu.

Students are also permitted to enroll in graduate-level courses in other colleges/departments at Chapman University that have a significant war and/or diplomacy focus with the approval of the Program Director.

The Master’s Thesis


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Thesis Overview

All MA students in War, Diplomacy & Society must complete and orally defend a master’s thesis to earn the degree. The thesis is an original work of scholarship based on primary-source research and engagement with relevant secondary literature. While most theses are grounded in historical methodology, the program also welcomes interdisciplinary projects, provided they are based on original primary research.

By the end of the first year, students identify a core faculty member to serve as thesis director and committee chair. In consultation with the director, students develop a research topic and submit a formal thesis proposal for approval. During the summer between the first and second years, students typically refine the proposal and begin preliminary research.

In the second year, students enroll in HIST 698 (Thesis) over two consecutive semesters. During this time, they conduct research, develop an original argument, and complete the thesis. Students also form a three-member thesis committee, chaired by the thesis director, for program approval.

In the final semester, students defend their thesis before their committee. Successful completion of both the written thesis and oral defense is required for degree conferral. All degree requirements, including the thesis, must be completed within seven years of matriculation.

The program offers two thesis formats:

  • Traditional Thesis: A ~75-page manuscript consisting of an introduction, 2–3 chapters, and a conclusion delivering a unified argument in response to a clear research question.
  • Project-Based Thesis (Portfolio): A thematically unified project consisting of two article-length papers (approx. 25 pages each), a third scholarly or creative component developed in consultation with the thesis director, and an introduction that connects the components.

This timeline assumes full-time enrollment; students following a different schedule will work with the Program Director to develop a customized plan.

For examples of past projects, visit our published theses page for models and inspiration.

The Thesis Proposal

By the end of the first year, students identify a thesis director based on subject or methodological expertise and begin developing a thesis proposal. Full-time students typically complete the proposal during the summer between Years 1 and 2.

Once the proposal is approved, the student and thesis director should contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator to initiate enrollment in HIST 698: Thesis. Each student is assigned a unique section of HIST 698, created specifically after the director’s approval.

Proposal Requirements

The proposal (approximately 1,000 words) should include:

  • A central research question
  • A discussion of relevant historiography
  • Proposed methods, with special attention to the primary source base
  • A statement of the project’s importance
  • A timeline for completion
  • A preliminary bibliography of primary and secondary sources

For students pursuing the project-based (portfolio) thesis, the proposal should also outline the two article-length papers and describe the third component of the project.

Submitting the Proposal

After approval by the thesis director, students submit the proposal through the War, Diplomacy & Society Thesis Proposal Submission Form. Students will be notified via their Chapman email within approximately two weeks whether the proposal is approved or requires revisions.

Crafting the Thesis: HIST 698

HIST 698: Thesisis an individualized course of independent research and writing conducted under the supervision of a thesis director. Each student is enrolled in a dedicated section and meets regularly with the director to develop, write, and refine the thesis.

First Semester of HIST 698 (Thesis, Part I)
By the end of the first thesis semester, students are expected to have:

  • Completed the bulk of primary and secondary source research
  • Fully conceptualized the project, including a complete project outline and chapter-level plans
  • Begun substantial drafting of the thesis

Successful completion of this stage requires a passing grade and the thesis director’s approval to advance to the final semester of HIST 698.

Second Semester of HIST 698 (Thesis, Part II)
During the final thesis semester, students are expected to focus on:

  • Completing all remaining writing (chapters, introduction, and conclusion)
  • Allowing sufficient time for revision in consultation with the thesis director
  • Preparing the thesis for defense and final submission

All students must earn a passing grade in their first section of HIST 698, as well as the thesis director’s consent, before moving advancing into their final section of HIST 698. If students receive an “incomplete” for any section of HIST 698, they have one year from the first day of the term in which the incomplete was recorded to resolve the grade, unless a shorter period of time is specified by the director. Professors have the option of granting a “satisfactory progress” (SP) to those students who are likely to complete HIST 698 requirements in a timely fashion, as designated by the thesis advisor and program director.

Thesis Requirements and Formatting

The thesis is an original work of scholarship based on primary-source research and engagement with relevant secondary literature. While most theses are grounded in historical methodology, the program also welcomes interdisciplinary projects, provided they are based on original primary research.

Students may complete the thesis in one of two formats:

Traditional Thesis

  • Approximately 75 pages (excluding front matter and bibliography)
  • Structured as an introduction, 2–3 chapters, and a conclusion
  • Presents a sustained argument based on primary-source research
  • Formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style (footnotes)

Project-Based Thesis (Portfolio)

  • A thematically unified project that includes:
  • An introduction that connects and frames the project as a whole
  • Two article-length papers (approx. 25 pages each; may include revised seminar work)
  • A third scholarly or creative component developed in consultation with the thesis director
  • Demonstrates a coherent intellectual contribution across all components
  • Formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style (footnotes)

All theses must include required front matter (e.g., title page, abstract, table of contents) and adhere to Leatherby Libraries formatting guidelines.

Thesis Committee, Defense & Deadlines

Thesis Committee

Students form their thesis committee during the second semester of HIST 698 (Thesis II) in consultation with the thesis director. The committee consists of three members:

  • Thesis director (chair)
  • Second reader
  • Third reader

The Thesis Committee Approval Form must be submitted early in the semester, in coordination with the planned defense date. Any changes to the committee require approval from the thesis director and Program Director.

The Thesis Defense

The thesis defense is an oral examination of the student’s research and argument.

Students begin with a 10–15 minute presentation addressing:

  • The development of the project (genesis)
  • The central research question
  • The main argument
  • Sources and methodology
  • The project’s contribution to the field

This presentation is followed by discussion and questioning from the committee.

A complete or near-final draft of the thesis must be shared with all committee members at least two weeks prior to the defense, unless otherwise agreed.

Deadlines & Final Submission

  • Thesis Defense: Typically scheduled in July (summer), November (fall), and April (spring)
  • Final Thesis Submission: Due in August, December, and May

After a successful defense, students must:

  • Work with the thesis director to complete the Thesis Submission Checklist
  • Obtain all required committee signatures on the thesis signature page
  • Submit the final, approved thesis to Leatherby Libraries

After a successful defense, faculty must:

  • Evaluate the project using the War, Diplomacy & Society Assessment Rubric

For degree conferral, students must also successfully submit the thesis to:

  • Chapman University Digital Commons
  • ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

Complete submission instructions, required checklists, and official deadlines are available on the Leatherby Libraries website:
https://libguides.chapman.edu/dissertations

The Dissertations and Theses Librarian is available to assist students with formatting and submission. Students are encouraged to reach out in person at Leatherby Libraries or via email for support.

Expectations and Responsibilities

These expectations and responsibilities are offered as general guidance to the roles of thesis director, student, and reader. Please note that individual faculty and programs may have varied approaches in advising students.

Student Responsibilities

The primary responsibility for completing the thesis rests with the student. Students are expected to:

  • Develop and execute an original, feasible research project
  • Establish and follow a clear timeline in consultation with the thesis director
  • Maintain regular communication and demonstrate consistent progress
  • Seek feedback and respond constructively to guidance
  • Coordinate with the thesis committee (including sharing drafts and scheduling the defense)
  • Meet all program and university requirements and deadlines

Thesis Director Responsibilities

The thesis director serves as the student’s primary mentor and advisor. Directors are expected to:

  • Help define a viable research plan and guide its development, especially in the selection of primary sources and relevant secondary literature
  • Support the student in establishing a clear writing plan
  • Provide regular feedback and set clear expectations for progress
  • Ensure the student understands disciplinary standards and research practices
  • Approve key milestones (proposal, advancement, defense readiness)

Committee Member Responsibilities

Second and third readers support the thesis process by:

  • Reviewing a final or near-final draft of the thesis
  • Participating in the thesis defense
  • Providing feedback and, when appropriate, advising on the final evaluation

Student Research and Conference Travel Grants


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Chapman University Student Scholarly/Creative Grants and Conference Travel Grants

In line with Chapman University's commitment to the scholarly and creative activities of its graduate students, Scholarly/Creative Activity Grants and Conference Travel Grants are offered on a competitive basis to all current graduate students. Graduate Student Scholarly/Creative Activity Grants are intended to provide support for a variety of clearly defined scholarly or creative projects. Graduate Student Conference Travel Grants are intended to provide support for graduate students to travel to academic conferences.

Scholarly/Creative Activity Grants require a proposal, budget, and a letter of support from the faculty mentoring the project. There is no limit on the number of scholarly/creative projects Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences will fund as long as the awards do not exceed the $750 yearly cap per student. Sometimes, additional funding is available by Wilkinson College programs and departments. However, given multiple strong proposals, priority will be given to applicants who have received the least funding within the current fiscal year.

Students planning to present at a conference should complete the Conference Travel Grant Application. The deadline for submitting conference travel grant applications is rolling; applications can be submitted at any time prior to the conference. However, funds are limited so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and can apply before booking travel.

To apply for a Scholarly/Creative Activity Grant or Conference Travel Grant, or for more information about the Graduate Student Grant program, the expenditure of grant funds, and the submission of reimbursement requests, please contact the Wilkinson College Graduate Programs Coordinator.

Graduate Student Employment Opportunities


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Graduate Research Assistantships

All currently enrolled graduate students in the War, Diplomacy, and Society program at Chapman University are eligible for consideration to work as paid Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). GRAs are graduate student employment positions where graduate students are engaged in academic and research endeavors designed, to the extent possible, to further the graduate student’s graduate career and development as a researcher, scholar, teacher, and professional.

Graduate students who are interested in working as a GRA should contact a faculty member they are interested in working with to find out if the faculty member plans to hire a GRA. GRA positions are dependent on budget, and a limited number are available each semester.

Additional Employment Opportunities

Additional Graduate Assistant and student work opportunities are posted online through the student employment office website. Positions are typically posted a couple weeks before the start of each semester but may become available at other times.


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Conditions of Accuracy

The information within this handbook is accurate as of the time of publication. Students are responsible for informing themselves of and satisfactorily meeting all requirements pertinent to their relationship with the University. Students and others who use this handbook should be aware that the information changes from time to time at the sole discretion of Chapman University and that these changes may alter information contained in this handbook. More current and complete information may be obtained in the appropriate department, school, or administrative offices. The University reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to make any changes to all rules, policies, procedures, and any other information that pertains to students or to the institution including but not limited to, admission, registration, tuition and fees, attendance, curriculum requirements, conduct, academic standing, candidacy, and graduation. This handbook does not constitute a contract or terms or conditions of a contract between the student and Chapman University.

IN CASES OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE HANDBOOK AND GRADUATE CATALOG

The Graduate Catalog is considered the official representation of program requirements for all graduate programs at Chapman University. If a conflict between the information in this handbook and the Graduate Catalog arises, the information in the Graduate Catalog prevails.

Current Policies: Institutional, Academic, and Enrollment

CURRENT INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES may be found on the Institutional Policies at Chapman webpage. They include:

  • Graduate Catalogs
  • Discrimination and Title IX
  • Religious Accommodations Policy
  • Sexual Misconduct, Sex Based/Gender Discrimination and Title IX
  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Integrity in Research Policy
  • Inventions and Patents Policy
  • Accessibility Policy (Web and Electronic Resources)
  • Administering Online Surveys Involving Students, Faculty and Staff
  • Computer and Acceptable Use Policy
  • Copyrighted Works Policy
  • Records Retention and Destruction Policy
  • Reporting Misconduct
  • Smoking Policy
  • Student Privacy Policies (FERPA)
  • Electronic Records Accessibility Policy
  • Privacy Policy

ACADEMIC AND ENROLLMENT POLICIES can be found in the Graduate Catalog and contains the following university policies:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Add/Drop/Withdrawal
  • Degree Conferral and Commencement
  • Grades/GPA/Incompletes
  • Grade Reviews
  • Leave of Absence
  • Petitions and Appeals
  • Probation and Dismissal
  • Repeating Courses/Course Audits
  • Thesis/Dissertation Committee and Comprehensive Exams
  • Transfer Credits/Residency Requirements

Helpful Information & Quick Links


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General Information

Canvas.chapman.edu

The Canvas Learning Management System helps students to read and see content organized by the instructor, communicate with the instructor, receive notifications of due dates and important announcements, upload assessments, and view grades, among other tools.

Graduate Student Orientation Videos and Tutorials

The Vice Provost for Graduate Education hosts a wealth of quick, informative videos designed especially for graduate students. Topics range from Parking at Chapman, Off- Campus Housing Support, Disability Services, Graduate Student Health Services (including Health Insurance information), Graduate Student Psychological and Counseling Services, Getting Involved as a Graduate Student, as well as How to Use Your Program Evaluation and Student Center Tutorials.

Course Information

The Graduate Catalog

The Graduate Catalog is considered the official representation of program requirements for all graduate programs at Chapman University. One should enroll for courses by comparing the required courses listed on the Graduate Catalog page of their program with the offerings for the semester.

Make sure you select the correct catalog from the drop-down menu: 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog.

How to Register for Classes

Student Resources

Campus Map

Disability Services

Disability Services approves and coordinates accommodations and services for students with disabilities at Chapman to help students acquire skills essential to achieve academic and personal success.

Chapman Food Pantry

Chapman University has two food pantries to support students experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined by many as: the inability to have two meals a day and have access to healthy food. Chapman food pantries provide an assortment of healthy meal options to facilitate student success at Chapman.

Frances Smith Center for Individual and Family Counseling

The Frances Smith Center for Individual and Family Therapy is offering free counseling to all Chapman graduate students. These services include those suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family problems, and other mental health issues. To access care, call the Center's mainline (714–997–6746), press "1" for intake line, and follow the instructions.

Leatherby Libraries

The Leatherby Libraries at Chapman University is a unifying presence on the Chapman campus that provides personalized services and relevant collections in support of the curricular, creative, and scholarly needs of students, faculty, staff, and community. Whether you are seeking sources for a final paper, want to take advantage of article databases, or need to format your thesis, librarians and library staff are available to guide you.

Graduate students can book study rooms in the library for up to six hours.

Software

Chapman students have free access to an array of software through IS&T. Software that may be particularly useful for graduate students include Adobe Creative Cloud, Endnote, Grammarly Premium, and Microsoft Office 365.

Wilkinson College Graduate Career Resources

Chapman University and the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Career Resources offer comprehensive personalized career services for graduate students and alumni. Wilkinson's Graduate Programs Coordinator and Career Advisor are available for one-on-one advising appointments and can provide you with program-specific career support.

Core Faculty & Research Interests


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Faculty List

Alex Bay       

Dr. Alexander Bay 

Associate Professor, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Department of History

Research Interests: Public health, medical history, history of medicine, Japanese medical history, Japanese and East Asia Studies

Marilyn Harran

Dr. Marilyn Harran 

Professor, Director, Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education
Stern Chair in Holocaust Education

Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Religious Studies, Department of History

Research Interests: European history, Reformation, Holocaust studies

Jarquin

Dr. Mateo Jarquin

Assistant Professor, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: Revolutions in the Global South, development and democracy, international relations, contemporary Central American politics

Jennifer Keene

Dr. Jennifer D. Keene

Professor, Dean of Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: World War I, American soldiers experience, teaching U.S. history

Shira Klein

Dr. Shira Klein

Associate Professor, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: Italian Jewry, Jewish migration, and the Holocaust

Jeff Koerber

Dr. Jeffrey Koerber

Associate Professor, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: Holocaust history, architecture, and building preservation

Kyle Longley

Dr. Kyle Longley

Professor, Master of Arts in War, Diplomacy, and Society, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: U.S. Foreign relations and diplomacy, military history and combat experience, presidential and political history, Latin American Studies

Luevano

Dr. Rafael Luévano

Associate Professor, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Religious Studies

Research Interests: Mysticism and religious studies; violence, justice, and theodicy; immigration and public sociology; death, memory, and cultural narratives

Charissa Threat

Dr. Charissa Threat

Associate Professor, Associate Dean of Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Department of History

Research Interests: Civil-military relations; history of nursing and public health; race, gender, and social movements; war, conflict, and historical memory

Frequently Asked Questions


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What should I do to make sure I’m on track to graduate?

Use the Program Evaluation in the Student Center to track your progress through the program and plan your courses. Review your Program Evaluation on a regular basis to ensure your courses are counting as they should, and if anything looks out of the ordinary, contact the Program Director and Graduate Programs Coordinator.

Prior to the semester in which you will complete your degree requirements and defend the thesis, submit an Application for Degree Conferral in the Student Center.

Who is my advisor?

The Program Director is the official advisor for graduate students. All other members of the graduate core faculty can provide additional mentoring on intellectual and professional pursuits. The thesis director also provides individualized guidance.

The course requirements have changed since I arrived. Which requirements do I need to fulfill?

The set of requirements you need to fulfill is determined by the Graduate Catalog of the year you enrolled. Your Program Evaluation will indicate the appropriate catalog year. Current and past graduate catalogs can be accessed online.

May I switch to the requirements of a newer catalog?

Students may request to move their catalog year forward by emailing aps@chapman.edu with the desired catalog year. Please note that changing catalog years updates all requirements.

Why won’t the Student Center allow me to enroll in a course?

The Student Center blocks registration when a class has reached its enrollment limit, when prerequisites have not been met, when a business hold is in place, or when enrollment requires faculty approval (e.g., thesis writing courses). Enrollment limits and prerequisites may be waived in specific situations if the professor feels it is warranted. In these cases, you need to secure the professor’s consent to enroll, and contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator. Business holds need to be resolved with the Student Business Services Office.

I’m an integrated student. How do I register for graduate courses during my senior year of undergraduate studies?

Current undergraduate students admitted into an integrated program must use the Undergraduate Request to Register for Graduate Course Form. One form should be completed for each graduate class the student is seeking to enroll in. The Graduate Programs Coordinator may sign on behalf of the instructor and department chair. The completed forms are then submitted to the office of the register during the student’s registration appointment. The form cannot be submitted earlier than the student’s registration appointment.

How do I add a course that has been closed?

Once the semester begins, the Student Center blocks enrollment in all courses that have reached their enrollment caps, even if seats are subsequently freed up. To add a course that has been closed, you will need to secure the professor’s consent to enroll and contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator.

How do I develop and register for an Individual Study course?

Aligned with Chapman University's commitment to an individualized education, graduate students in the War, Diplomacy, and Society program have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with a program core faculty member in co-developing a specialized course that can count towards the student's degree requirements. Individual Study can be taken in a variety of ways, such as continued exploration of an subject or topic originally studied in a previous class, the development of a relevant project, or in preparation for the thesis.

Individual Study courses are voluntary agreements between individual faculty members and individual students, in which students complete a course of study and assignment. The course of study and assignments for a three-unit Individual Study is comparable to that required for a regular three-unit course.

Because Individual Studies are intensive activities, faculty members regard them as a significant commitment. Faculty members are not obligated to supervise Individual Studies, and they typically do so with students who have completed a class or other educational/research activity under their supervision.

Only members of the core faculty of the War, Diplomacy, and Society program can supervise an Individual Study.

If you wish to do an Individual Study course, you should contact that faculty member directly to discuss the possibility. Once you and a faculty member have agreed on a course, you will need to fill out the Individual Study and Research Form. Also required will be a course description and course learning outcomes developed between the student and faculty member which must be approved by the instructor and Department Chair.

  • The Subject is HIST
  • The Course Number and Title of Individual Study must be 599 Individual Study
  • The Individual Study must be for 3 Credits and Graded as the Grading Option

The deadline to add individual study courses for each term can be found on the academic calendar. A fully approved request must be submitted to the office of the registrar well ahead of that deadline.

For any additional questions regarding the Individual Study process, please contact the Program Director and Graduate Programs Coordinator.

Is it possible to substitute another course for a required course?

Substitutions are allowed only when there is a compelling reason why the required course cannot be taken or why the substituted course would be of greater benefit to the student. Substituted courses should be comparable in rigor and content to the required course. To request consideration of a substitution of one course for another, please contact the Program Director.

What is the policy for receiving an Incomplete?

According to university policy, incompletes can be given only if extenuating circumstances prevent a student from completing a small portion of the assigned coursework. Please see the Academic Policy for Grades/GPA/Incompletes in the Graduate Catalog for more information.

What if I need to take a leave of absence?

A student can take a one-semester leave without making a formal request. The student should inform the Program Director and the Graduate Programs Coordinator.

If you need to interrupt progress toward your degree for more than one semester, a leave of absence may be granted. Leaves of absence can be granted for one year, with a possible renewal of one additional year. To apply for a leave of absence, the student must fill out and submit a Graduate Petition form, as well as a written statement spelling out the reasons for the leave and bearing the signatures of the Program Director and an Associate Dean of Wilkinson College (which the Graduate Programs Coordinator can assist with). If interrupting enrollment before the end of the academic term, the student must also follow the steps to withdraw from your courses. A leave of absence cannot be approved retroactively.

If a student leaves the university in good academic standing or on academic probation and is absent no more than four consecutive regular semesters (excluding interterm and summer sessions), the student will not need to reapply and may enroll for classes at Chapman, and retain the right to elect either degree requirements in effect for that student at the time of leaving Chapman or the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-entrance.

If a student leaves the university in good standing and is gone more than four consecutive semesters, the student will not need to reapply, may re-enroll for classes at Chapman, and will be assigned the catalog requirements in effect at the time the student returns to Chapman. Students may request to return to their original catalog, and that request will be reviewed and decided upon by the Department or School; decision by the departments or School is final.

Any graduate student who has broken enrollment for a period of more than one semester (interterm and summer sessions do not constitute a semester) without receiving an approved Leave of Absence is required to request re-enrollment through the Department. The student is held to the degree requirements in effect at the time of return unless approved for the original catalog year requirements by the Program Director or Associate Dean.

Note that graduate students must complete their degree requirements within seven years of first matriculating. Leaves of absence do not suspend or extend this seven-year clock.

For more information about interrupting enrollment, see the Interrupted Enrollment guidelines.

Can I receive transfer credit for coursework taken during a leave of absence?

In some cases, transfer credit may be awarded. To receive transfer credit, you must provide transcripts to the Registrar’s Office prior to re-enrollment. Please note unsatisfactory performance may nullify re- enrollment.

What if I need more time to complete my thesis after finishing my coursework?

Students who need extra time to finish their theses may continue working on their thesis by enrolling in HIST 698A or HIST 698B for 1 credit for each additional semester of thesis work. The continuous enrollment course allows students to remain in active status and retain access to university resources. Students must be enrolled in order to defend the thesis and have their degree conferred. Whether active or inactive, however, no student may take longer than seven years from the time of first enrollment to complete all the requirements for their degree.

When am I ready to graduate?

Prior to the semester in which you will complete your degree requirements and defend the thesis, submit an Application for Degree Conferral in the Student Center.

As per university policy, students must successfully submit their thesis projects to the library in order to complete the degree requirements.

What if I apply to graduate but become unable to finish in time?

If you have applied for your degree and will not be able to complete some aspect of your program (e.g., coursework, thesis), you need to send an email to conferral@chapman.edu and request that your graduation date be moved to your anticipated term of completion.

When are graduation exercises?

The schedule of commencement ceremonies and events schedule is available online on the graduation home page.

How do I buy academic regalia for graduation?

Once you submit your Application for Degree Conferral (via the Student Center), you will be added to an email notification list that will advise you of the deadlines for walking in the graduation ceremony and the process for buying robes and hoods. If you have any questions, please visit the commencement website or contact the commencement team at (714) 997-6740 or commencement@chapman.edu.

Handbook Revision History


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Annual Updates

2025: General copy edits for clarity. Addition of online thesis committee approval form. Removal of Professors Cox Han, Rotunda, and Wood from the core faculty.

2024: General copy edits for clarity. Addition of updated thesis assessment rubric. Removal of Professor Zoellner from the core faculty.