Option 1: Adding a minor
A minor is a secondary area of academic focus that you can pursue alongside your major. They don’t require as many credits as a major, so they are quicker to complete.
We offer minors in many different subjects. You can choose a minor related to your
major (for example, a major in English and a minor in Journalism) or one unrelated
(for example, a major in Chemistry and a minor in Art History).
- You cannot take a minor that is the same as your major. For example, a History major
cannot take a History minor to fulfill the requirement.
- The minor must have 12 unique credits that are not shared with the major or any other
minor. This applies to all courses listed in both degrees or minors, not just to those
courses you take.
- For a full list of available minors, see our Program Finder. For information on how to add a minor once you are at Chapman, see our Adding Majors and Minors page.
Option 2: Taking a second major
If you want to explore multiple subjects in depth during your time at university, taking a second major is a great way to do so. You
may take any combination of majors that you want.
Keep in mind that majors take many credits to complete. Taking a second major is a
greater commitment than adding a minor or a themed inquiry.
- At least 18 credits must be unique between your first and second major. This applies
to all courses listed in both degrees, not just to those you take.
- Nine credits from each major may share courses with the GE program.
- For a full list of available majors, see our Program Finder. For information on how to add or change a major once you are at Chapman, see our
Adding Majors and Minors page.
Option 3: Enrolling in the University Honors Program
Being admitted to the University Honors Program satisfies the Exploration Focus requirement. See our University Honors Program page for more information on how to apply.
Option 4: Taking a themed inquiry
A themed inquiry is an alternative to a minor or a second major. Themed inquiries
are groups of classes based around a specific theme or topic. Taking four classes within any themed inquiry fulfills the Exploration focus requirement.
- No courses used to complete the themed inquiry area may be in the discipline of your
major. While there may be courses in your major discipline available in the themed
inquiry, you may not use them to complete the themed inquiry.
- Some themed inquiry courses are not open to certain majors, which is noted in the
themed inquiry description.
- No themed inquiry courses may be shared with GE.
- Transfer students who choose a themed inquiry should be aware of specific transfer
policies that will affect them. See GE Policies for Transfer Students.
- A secondary area (minor/second major/honors/themed inquiry) must be selected by the
time you have completed 60 credits, or you will have a registration hold placed on
your account.
- You must declare a themed inquiry officially through the Office of the University
Registrar. To do so, please visit the Academic Program Changes information page.
- For more information on themed inquiries and to see the groupings and lists of classes,
see our Themed Inquiries page.
