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Chapman University

Orange, CA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

ὀ Χριστòς καì ἡ Ἐκκλησíα (Greek)("Christ and Church")

Private research university
Type
10,001
Total Students
7,656
Undergrad
2,345
Graduate
$811M
Endowment
(2024)
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Chapman University

Chapman University: A dynamic private research institution empowering future leaders since 1861.

Chapman University stands as a vibrant private research institution, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative programs, and a rich, evolving history. From its origins as Hesperian College in 1861, founded with an early commitment to admitting students regardless of sex or race, Chapman has continuously transformed, embodying a spirit of adaptability and progress. Now a Carnegie-classified R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity, it offers a distinct blend of comprehensive academic offerings and a supportive environment for ambitious students.

Over the decades, Chapman underwent multiple relocations and name changes, eventually settling permanently in the city of Orange, California, in 1954. It officially became Chapman University in 1991, ushering in a period of significant growth and the establishment of cornerstone schools like the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This dedication to expansion continued into the new millennium, adding vital centers like the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, Leatherby Libraries, and the Schmid College of Science and Technology, further enriching the campus experience.

Academically, Chapman boasts a diverse portfolio of strengths across its many colleges and schools. Prospective students can explore cutting-edge programs in the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering, pursue legal education at the Dale E. Fowler School of Law, or delve into health sciences at the School of Pharmacy on the Rinker Health Science Campus. The Musco Center for the Arts and the Keck Center for Science and Engineering exemplify the university's investment in state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with unparalleled resources for artistic expression, scientific discovery, and robust research endeavors, fostering an engaging and intellectually stimulating student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity.
  • Endowment of $0.8 billion supporting academic initiatives and student resources.
  • A vibrant community of 10,001 students pursuing diverse fields of study.
  • Home to the first Rhodes Scholar, Vidal Arroyo '19, reflecting academic excellence.
  • Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing its growth and prestige.
  • Opened the 1,110-seat Musco Center for the Arts in 2016, enriching campus cultural life.
  • Founded in 1861 as Hesperian College, admitting students regardless of sex or race from its inception.

Timeline

1861
Founded as Hesperian College in Woodland, California, admitting students regardless of sex or race.
1896
Hesperian merged with Pierce Christian College to form Berkeley Bible Seminary.
1920
Acquired by California Christian College and moved to Southern California as the California School of Christianity.
1934
Renamed Chapman College after benefactor C. C. Chapman.
1954
Permanently relocated to its present campus in Orange, California.
1991
Became Chapman University; James L. Doti became president; Wilkinson College and School of Education established.
1996
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts opened.
2013
Rinker Health Science Campus opened in Irvine, becoming home to the School of Pharmacy.
2016
Mathematician Daniele C. Struppa became President; Musco Center for the Arts opened.
2018
Keck Center for Science and Engineering opened; earned Carnegie Classification of R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity.
2019
Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering opened; first Rhodes Scholar, Vidal Arroyo '19.

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Chapman University

⚖️

Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Offers Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees in various specialties.

⚙️

Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering

The newest school, opened in 2019, offering undergraduate programs, minors, and one graduate program in Swenson Hall, featuring Design/Create/Innovate labs.

💊

School of Pharmacy

Located at the Rinker Campus in Irvine, offering Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (MSPS), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

🏫

School of Communication

Located on the main campus within Doti Hall, offering three undergraduate majors, an MS in Health and Strategic Communication, and a PhD program.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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