»Department of Art

B.F.A. Graphic Design B.F.A. Art B.A. Art History

Our Mission

The mission of the Department of Art at Chapman University is to offer a comprehensive education that develops the technical, perceptual, theoretical, historical and critical expertise needed for successful careers in visual art, graphic design and art history. The department supports artists, designers, and scholars within a rigorous liberal arts environment that enriches the human mind and spirit. We foster the artistic and academic growth necessary to encourage lifelong study and practice of the arts through a curriculum that contains strong foundation and history components as a basis for continued innovations in contemporary practice and scholarship.

Our Vision

The vision of the Department of Art at Chapman University is to provide outstanding educational and exhibition related programs in art and design preparing students for creative professional and academic careers.

Department of Art Statement of Solidarity with all people:

The Department of Art in Wilkinson College stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and all marginalized communities. We condemn all forms of racism, violence, bias, aggression and the marginalization of Black, Indigenous, and Peoples of Color (BIPOC) as well as discrimination based on race, intersectionality, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. We mourn the victims of oppressive systems that continue to enforce institutionalized racism, sexism, poverty, and disenfranchisement: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Read, Tony McDade, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, and far too many more.

Our conversations include ways to assess and examine our department’s progress addressing and responding to issues of diversity and inclusion in our curriculum, course offerings, admissions practices, scholarship opportunities, faculty hiring, and the invitations extended to guest speakers. To inform this necessary work, our Faculty & Student led DEI Advisory Committee collaborate to move anti-racism, substantively forward. The DEI Committee’s mission is to identify student leaders who will decide on the use of available funds for more anti-racist programming, advancement, and space-making. These efforts include a newly created group called the Diversity Lab, an initiative led by student artivists in residence to expand the discourse and practice of social justice through artmaking.

Undergraduate Applications for Department of Art

This process is only for our incoming 1st Year and Transfer students. The BFA Studio Art & BFA Graphic Design includes two applications: the Common Application and the Creative Supplement. Your portfolio images should be JPEG format. Please select the degree of interest and follow the simple steps to submit your application.

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Application Process:

Creative Supplement: The following items must be submitted as part of your Creative Supplement to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art:

Statement of Interest: The Department of Art at Chapman University is committed to fostering interdisciplinary dialogues. Please describe why you are interested in studying studio art at Chapman University, including your artistic and educational goals, and the academic and non-academic interests that influence your art. (500 words or fewer)
Statement of Two Most Successful Works: Art is visual communication. Pick the two most successful works in your portfolio and explain what makes them the most significant, including how the formal elements of the works support their meaning. (500 words or fewer).
Media Uploads: Upload 8-10 examples from your portfolio that you feel best demonstrates your artistic talents. You may include design, drawing, photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, or video.
Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from an art teacher or art mentor that speaks to your creative talents and merits as a student. This letter would be in addition to the letter of recommendation required by the Office of Admission in your Common Application, so you would be submitting two letters total.

Application Process:

Creative Supplement: The following items must be submitted as part of your Creative Supplement to be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design:

Statement of Interest: Provide insight to your creative background and experiences. What about Chapman’s Graphic Design program appeals to you? (500 words or fewer)
Influential Artist: Describe the most influential designer or artist to you. What is impactful about their body of work and how has this person’s work impacted your decision to be a designer?
Statement of Two Most Successful Works: Art is visual communication. Pick the two most-successful works in your portfolio and explain what makes them the most significant, including how the formal elements of the works support their meaning. (500 words or fewer)
Media Uploads: Upload 8-10 pieces from your portfolio that you feel best demonstrates your artistic talents. It may include design, drawing, photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture or video.
Letter of Recommendation: Submit a letter of recommendation from an art / design teacher or art mentor that speaks to your creative talents and merits as a student. This letter would be in addition to the letter of recommendation required by the Office of Admission in your Common Application, so you would be submitting two letters total.

Application Process

As a new student to Chapman University, if you wish to declare an Art History Major, no additional application forms are required. You simply mark Art History as your preferred major on the Common Application.

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Please visit the university’s, “How to Apply” page, for undergraduate application deadlines.

Tuition & Financial Aid: All up-to-date information regarding the cost of tuition (including housing costs) and financial aid can be found on the Chapman University website. Any additional questions regarding tuition and financial aid should be directed to Chapman University Office of Admission at admit@chapman.edu or 714.997.6711 or the following links:

Merit Scholarships: Chapman University awards merit scholarships based on the applicant's academics performance. These scholarships are awarded specifically by the Office of Admissions at Chapman. Please contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.

Art Talent Scholarships: The Department of Art awards Talent Scholarships to students based on their Creative Supplement application and materials. All students applying to the BFA in Studio Art & BFA in Graphic Design, are automatically considered for Art Talent Scholarships without any additional forms. These awards are distributed during May and students are notified via email. Please contact the Art office at art@chapman.edu, for more information.