»Our Program

Apply now using the Online Application. All applicants must provide the following materials:

• Official transcripts from all degree-granting (bachelor’s or master’s degrees) colleges and universities attended. 
• A 500-word essay stating reasons for pursuing the MA in War, Diplomacy, and Society. What are your personal and career goals, and how will this particular degree from Chapman University help you reach those goals? Your essay should be double-spaced and in a size 12 font.
• A writing sample of at least 2,000 words (excluding endnotes and bibliography) that demonstrates competency in scholarly writing. The writing sample should be critical and argumentative, informed by primary research. Your sample should be double spaced and size 12 font.
• Two letters of recommendation that speak to academic preparation and aptitude for graduate study.
• Your resume or curriculum vitae.

Students complete 30 credits of academic coursework culminating in an advanced research thesis project. For further information on degree prerequisites, admission requirements and a list of courses view the Graduate Course Catalog.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore past students' MA theses for insight into the depth and diversity of research conducted in our program. These projects showcase the creativity, rigor, and intellectual curiosity that define our graduate community.

Each fall, the War, Diplomacy, and Society program will offer exceptionally qualified applicants tuition fellowships for study in our program. The value of these fellowships may vary, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 for the first year of study.

The program also offers competitive graduate assistantship opportunities. Working with a faculty advisor, students assist with research and/or writing projects. Unlike tuition fellowships, the graduate assistantships pay an hourly wage directly to the student. Students work approximately 9 hours per week, starting at around $34 per hour. This is a value of approximately $4,500, working the full extent of the assistantship.

Financial aid often contains mainly student loans. In addition to any program funding, you will also receive your “financial aid package” from the Graduate Financial Aid Office after you have been admitted. Regarding loans, please contact their office directly with any questions at gradfinaid@chapman.edu.

Important Dates

In order to be considered, applicants need only complete and submit an application by the February 1 priority deadline. No additional steps are required for consideration.

Fully completed applications received by the February 1 priority deadline are automatically considered for fellowship. Offers of fellowship are released with offers of admission, typically by March 15.