Chapman University

What you'll study

The programme emphasises breadth and intellectual flexibility. You will complete foundational courses across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, then choose concentration areas or electives to tailor your degree to specific interests such as literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, political science, psychology or environmental studies. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Core liberal arts seminars that develop critical reading, argumentation and academic writing.
• Humanities electives such as world literature, film and media studies, art history, religion and ethnography.
• Social science courses covering topics like sociology, political thought, cultural anthropology and introductory economics.
• Quantitative and scientific literacy options, including statistics, environmental science or introductory biology/physics, to ensure balanced analytical skills.
• Research methods and capstone project that require independent research, interdisciplinary synthesis and public presentation of findings.
• Internship and experiential learning placements with local cultural organisations, non-profits, schools or businesses, plus opportunities for community-engaged projects and study abroad.

Entry requirements

Admission to Chapman University’s undergraduate programmes typically requires a completed secondary school qualification or equivalent recognised by the university, supported by academic transcripts. Successful applicants usually demonstrate:

• Strong academic record in high school subjects relevant to liberal arts study.
• Personal statement or application essay describing intellectual interests, goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors may be requested or encouraged to support the application.
• For international applicants, certified proof of secondary credentials and evidence of English language proficiency are required (for example recognised English tests or equivalent qualifications).

Chapman considers applications holistically; relevant extracurricular activities, work experience, portfolios for arts-focused concentrations and interview performances can strengthen an application. Specific entry criteria and documentation requirements should be confirmed with the university’s admissions office.

Career prospects

A degree in General Studies and Humanities prepares graduates for a wide range of careers by emphasising communication, analysis, cultural literacy and problem-solving. Common career paths include:

• Communications and media: journalism, public relations, content creation and digital media roles.
• Education and training: classroom teaching (with additional certification where required), educational support, curriculum development and museum education.
• Public service and non-profit: program coordination, advocacy, policy research and community development.
• Business and management: human resources, marketing, project coordination and organisational development.
• Cultural and creative industries: publishing, arts administration, curatorial work and cultural heritage roles.
• Graduate study: many graduates progress to postgraduate degrees in fields such as law, education, public policy, creative writing or specialised humanities and social science disciplines.

Internships, campus career services and Chapman's regional networks in Southern California help students build professional experience and employer connections while studying.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a personalised liberal arts experience with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling sustained interdisciplinary inquiry and tailored academic advising. The university’s location in Orange County provides access to a wide range of internship and cultural opportunities across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, from museums and theatres to civic organisations and startups.

Students benefit from a supportive campus environment that combines strong liberal arts traditions with practical experiential learning: opportunities for faculty-led research, community engagement, study abroad and industry placements are integrated into many programmes. Additionally, Chapman’s career services, alumni network and professional development programmes help translate a broad humanities education into concrete career trajectories.