Chapman is an R2 university with high research activity under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Numerous Chapman faculty are currently involved in research related to the environment and sustainability. Through independent or faculty-led research, students have the opportunity to be on the frontline of research regarding the environment and climate change. Much of Chapman's environmental research occurs within Schmid College of Science and Technology, the home of the B.S Environmental and Policy degree, but it extends to other colleges throughout campus where research touches on climate change and sustainability as well.
Many Chapman faculty are on the leading edge of research in their fields, tackling environmental problems such as biology conservation, habitat studies, and environmental justice. Scientists, sociologists, and political scientists are exploring different environmental issues from varying perspectives in an effort to address the climate crisis, environmental social justice, and other topics that will help shape the future of our planet.