Graduate Admission

While requirements vary in each of Chapman University’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.

An applicant seeking admission to a graduate program must submit evidence of eligibility for admission, including a completed application form listing all institutions attended, the application fee, official copies of transcripts from all institutions attended, and any additional evidence of eligibility required by the graduate program. Upon meeting these eligibility requirements, applicants may be classified into one of three admission classifications: (1) regular admission, (2) provisional admission, or (3) conditional admission.

All admission procedures must be completed by the end of the first semester in which the course work is taken, or the applicant will not be permitted to enroll further.

Requirements for Admission
Baccalaureate Degree
Admission to graduate programs at Chapman requires the completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. This must be documented by an official copy of a transcript showing the baccalaureate degree. Students who cannot provide official evidence of completing a baccalaureate degree upon application for admission are permitted to enroll for a maximum of one semester, during which time official evidence of a completed baccalaureate degree must be provided.

The baccalaureate-granting institution must have been accredited at the time the degree was awarded. Accreditation must be by one of the six regionally accredited institutions: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Grade Point Average
The university-wide grade point requirement for regular admission to graduate degree programs is a grade point average of 3.0. Applicants who have an admission grade point average between 2.5 and 2.99 may be admitted upon submission of a satisfactory score on an accepted graduate admissions examination.

For the MA in Teaching and credential programs, please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog.

The admission grade point average is calculated over the most recent 60 graded semester (or 90 quarter) credits completed toward a baccalaureate degree; this may include an average of up to 15 graded semester (22½ quarter) credits of graduate-level course work applicable to a graduate degree taken at an accredited institution other than Chapman. The graduate-level course work must have been completed prior to consideration for admission at Chapman and may not include correspondence or extension course work.

Students seeking admission with a minimum required grade point average but fewer than 60 graded semester credits must submit an admission examination score; the graded credits must include 36 upper-division credits. Students with a passing score and minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be admitted in regular standing.

Admission Examinations
Some degree programs require submission of graduate admission test scores from all applicants. All graduate degree programs require an admission examination for applicants who have an admission grade point average above 2.5 but below 3.0. An admission examination is required for all master of arts in teaching applicants with an admission grade point average above 2.75 but below 3.0 and for all credential program applicants with admission grade point averages above 2.5 but below 2.75.

For the MA in Teaching and credential programs, please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog.

Chapman University accepts scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), and the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Not all examinations are accepted by all programs. It is recommended that the examination scores submitted as part of the admission process be recent. Consult the departmental sections for specific tests and score requirements.

Program Requirements
Most degree programs have requirements in addition to the university requirements listed above. Please consult the appropriate program section for additional information and specific admission requirements.

Admission Classifications

1. Regular Admission
   Applicants who fulfill all admission requirements of the university and the specific graduate program may be granted regular admission. These admission requirements include the following:
   
   
   1. An earned baccalaureate degree with a minimum of 36 graded upper-division credits from a regionally accredited institution.
      
      
   2. A 3.0 admission grade point average calculated over the most recent 60 semester (or 90 quarter) credits completed toward a baccalaureate degree; this may include an average of up to 15 graded semester (22½ quarter) credits of graduate-level course work that are applicable to a graduate degree program completed at an accredited institution other than Chapman. The graduate-level course work must have been completed prior to consideration for admission to Chapman; or 2.5 admission grade point average and a satisfactory score on an accepted graduate admissions examination; or a 3.5 admission grade point average calculated on an earned advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution.
      
      
   3. Fulfillment of all specific program admission requirements.
      
      
2. Provisional Admission
   Applicants who fail to meet all requirements for regular admission may be granted provisional admission. The requirements for provisional admission include the following:
   
   
   1. An earned baccalaureate degree that must include 36 upper-division credits from a regionally accredited institution.
      
      
   2. A 2.5 admission grade point average calculated over the most recent 60 semester (or 90 quarter) credits completed toward a baccalaureate degree; this may include an average of up to 15 graded semester (22½ quarter) credits of graduate-level course work that are applicable to a graduate degree program at an accredited institution other than Chapman. The graduate-level course work must have been completed prior to consideration for admission to Chapman. Provisional admission to the master of arts in teaching or credential programs requires a minimum admission grade point average of 2.75.
      
      
   3. Fulfillment of all specific program admission requirements.
      
      
   4. Students in provisional admission are permitted to enroll in one semester only (maximum of 12 credits), including prerequisites. After completion of one semester, the student will not be permitted to register for additional coursework unless regular admission status has been achieved.
      
      Provisional admission is not granted to students who have completed 12 credits or more in a Chapman credential or graduate program.
      
      
3. 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 specific program requirements for regular admission.
      
      
   2. A grade point average of 3.0 (B) in the last 60 graded semester (or 90 quarter) credits earned for the baccalaureate degree.
      
      
   3. Certification by the degree-granting institution that the baccalaureate degree can be completed at the conclusion of the semester or term specified by the applicant.
      
      
   4. The degree posting date must be prior to the beginning of the semester or term for which the applicant has applied.
      
      
   5. No more than 12 credits of graduate course work may be completed as a conditionally admitted student.

   
   A final graduate classification is determined upon completion of the baccalaureate degree based on graduate admission policies.
   
   Students who complete course work but who do not complete the admission application process (or who are denied and later achieve admission) will be permitted to use only 12 credits of completed course work 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.
   

Admission Procedures

1. Complete the application for admission to graduate study.
   
   
2. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (degree conferral must be indicated) including all post-baccalaureate graduate course work and advanced degrees (if applicable). An official transcript is one sent directly by the issuing institution to the Office of Admission. Send transcripts to: The Office of Admission, Chapman University, Argyros Forum, Room 304, One University Drive, Orange, California 92866. These transcripts become the property of the university.
   
   
3. Remit the non-refundable application fee of $50, payable to Chapman University.

Readmission Policies/Procedures

1. Students who have broken enrollment for a period of more than one semester are required to apply for readmission (Interterm and summer sessions do not constitute a semester).
   
   
2. Students who break continuous enrollment and have not been granted a leave of absence must apply for readmission. Retroactive leaves will not be approved.
   
   
3. Readmission requires submission of an application; students returning from an absence of four years or more are required to submit a new set of official transcripts and current admission examination scores.
   
   
4. To be eligible for readmission, you must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and no grade below a C in Chapman University graduate course work.
   
   
5. Readmission must be approved by the program of study.
   
   
6. All students are held to the admission regulations and requirements in effect at the time of their return. For example, students cannot fulfill programmatic degree requirements in effect for one graduate catalog and admission or prerequisite requirements in effect for a different graduate catalog. (See section on leave of absence for more information regarding this policy.)

Admission Procedures for International Students
International students must submit the following prior to admission:

1. Application for graduate program of study.
   
   
2. Application fee of $50.
   
   
3. Official transcripts (in English) from each university attended are required. There are additional admission requirements for different programs; refer to the specific program for further information. (Note: Applicants to the credential programs and the physical therapy program must have an evaluation of their degree prior to application.)
   
   
4. The applicant must file with the university a certified statement showing financial ability to cover all obligations for the first year of study at Chapman. This statement should be from either a United States bank or agency or an international bank. The certified financial statement must be within six months of the starting date of the program.
   
   The United States Department of Immigration and Naturalization Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility will not be issued until such documentation is on file in the Office of Admission.
   
   
5. All international students except those from countries where English is the primary language, must take the TOEFL examination (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and submit a score of 550 or higher depending on the program to which the applicant is applying. International students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in the United States are not required to submit TOEFL scores.
   
   
6. Upon admission and prior to the first day of instruction, all international students are required to take the English placement test administered by the department of languages. The results of this examination determine whether students will be required to enroll in ENG 503. Additional fees are charged for these English preparatory classes.
   
   International students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a university in the United States or in another country where English is the primary language are not required to take the English placement test.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students
Students who are not pursuing a Chapman graduate degree, certificate or credential may enroll in graduate courses at Chapman in a non-degree-seeking status. To qualify for non-degree-seeking status, students must:

1. Provide an unofficial transcript indicating that they have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution.
   
   
2. Have a minimum baccalaureate grade point average of 2.5.
   
   
3. Sign a waiver form indicating that they have no degree or certificate objective.
   
   
4. Have program approval.
   
   Non-degree-seeking students may take no more than 12 credits, and no more than 12 credits of graduate course work taken prior to achieving regular admission status may be applied toward a graduate degree at Chapman University. All requirements for regular admission to a graduate program must be fulfilled for these courses to be accepted.
   
   Prior to registering for courses, students must fulfill any specified prerequisites. Students who are interested in completing courses for personal enrichment or knowledge should audit courses. No grade or credit is awarded to students for auditing.
   
   Students who are denied admission may not take course work in the program in which they were denied as a non-degree seeking student.