• Learn the requirements to earn an undergraduate degree from Chapman University
Undergraduate Academics

General Education Requirements

» General Education Requirements

One of your graduation requirements at Chapman is to complete general education. General education (GE) is a selection of classes across different subjects, ranging from STEM to the humanities and more.

  • You need at least 45 General Education credits to fulfill the general education requirement.
  • Though the primary General Education categories are defined for you (see below), you have plenty of leeway within those categories to take classes that interest you.
  • As part of the General Education process all students must add at least one of the following:
Why general education?

The purpose of General Education is to provide build foundational knowledge in core academic subjects. If you are thinking of adding a second major or minor, general education classes are also a good chance to explore fields you might be interested in.

General education focus areas

General education is split up into four distinct focus areas that you must complete. Each focus area is a category containing specific classes. Some focus areas have further sub-categories within them.

  • First-Year Focus (3 credits): The First-Year Focus is a single class where you will get to learn about a unique topic of your choosing and build the skills you will need throughout college.
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences Focus (18–19 credits): The Liberal Arts and Sciences Focus introduces you to a variety of fields within the arts, humanities and sciences.
  • Global Focus (12–18 credits): The Global Focus consists of language classes and other classes themed around global citizenship.
  • Exploration Focus (12 credits minimum): The Exploration Focus gives you the opportunity to explore areas of interest outside your major through avenues such as a double major or a minor.

Sharing general education classes

GE classes may be shared in the following ways:

  • Up to 9 credits in your major or major discipline* may be shared with the GE program.
  • Up to 6 credits in a minor or minor discipline* may be shared with the GE program.
  • Additional majors and minors are held to the same sharing restrictions as those listed above.
  • No class that fulfills a GE category may be used to complete another GE category.
  • No class in a Themed Inquiry may be shared with GE or with classes in the discipline* of the major.

It is important to review your major and minor program plans and advising sheets to see which classes in your major or minor program may already fulfill GE categories. Many major advising sheets provided by your major department or division will identify those courses that fulfill GE requirements. Otherwise you should ask your advisor.

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General education for transfer students

If you are transferring to Chapman, see our General Education Transfer Policies page to learn the ins and outs of transferring your credits and fulfilling all the GE requirements.

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General education and studying abroad

As you fulfill your GE requirements, you'll eventually have the option to take classes that allow you to study abroad. Check out our General Education for Study Abroad page to learn more about the opportunity to go abroad as you complete your GE requirements.

Your advisor is here to help

If you have questions about General Education at Chapman, always feel to get in touch with your assigned advisor. Your advisor can help you navigate GE categories, plan out your approach to fulfilling GE requirements and more. You can get in touch with your advisor via our Find Your Advisor page