• Students using their laptops and working together on a school project
Undergraduate Admission

General Education

» General Education

Going to college will give you the skills and knowledge you need to specialize in your major, enter your chosen field and pursue your passions.

But that’s only half of your academic journey. The other half is general education.

General education (GE) covers a wide variety of subjects and helps you round out your knowledge. That’s why it’s an essential part of the college experience.

General education at Chapman:

  • Will give you general skills and knowledge that will help you in any field or job
  • Can help you discover what (else) you’re interested in
  • May lead to a second major or a minor
  • Will help you get acclimated to college-level classes
Justin Simien '05
Film Production alumnus, Dear White People creator
You probably know Chapman alumnus Justin Simien from his hit movie/Netflix series Dear White People. But did you know he was inspired by a GE class he took at Chapman?

General Education Requirements

General education at Chapman includes four requirements:

  • First-year Focus: This class will help you adjust to college and learn critical-thinking and study skills that you’ll use for your entire college career.
  • Liberals Arts and Sciences Focus: These classes will give you experience in a variety of disciplines. Think of them as advanced versions of the core subject classes you take in high school.
  • Global Focus: You’ll explore diversity, citizenship and language in these classes.
  • Exploration Focus: This is where you will have the chance to explore any academic area that interests you.

The Academic Advising Center will give you the info you need to select your GE classes for your first year and stay on track to completing all four requirements throughout your college journey.


Toggle Section

General Education for Transfer Students

Transfer students are required to meet the same General Education requirements, but may be exempt from some.

We recommend you meet one-on-one (on campus or by phone) with a member of the Admission Transfer Team before applying. They can help you develop an academic plan that includes which courses will satisfy General Education requirements.

To schedule a transfer advising appointment, email transfers@chapman.edu or call us at (714) 997-6711.


Ask a Student

Still have questions about the Chapman experience? Our student ambassadors are here to help. Feel free to reach out!

Office of Admission Contacts


Email us:

Email General Admission

Email Transfer Admission

Email International Admission

Call us: (714) 997-6711

Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive 
Orange, CA 92866

Follow Us on Social Media


Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University:

Red Instagram logo Admission Instagram

 

Red Facebook logo Admission Facebook

 

Red Twitter logo Admission Twitter

 

Red YouTube logo Admission YouTube

 

Red Instagram logo

 Chapman TikTok

Discover Student Life


Students celebrating Holi on campus

Curious about student life at Chapman? Check out all we have to offer.