Chapman University

What you'll study

This programme integrates coursework across psychology, social work, public health and allied helping professions to build a foundation in mental health theory, human development, assessment and intervention. Core topics typically include abnormal psychology, lifespan development, counselling techniques, family systems, substance use and addiction, multicultural competence, ethics and legal issues in helping professions, and research methods and statistics.

Students also complete applied practice components. These commonly feature supervised field practica or internships in community agencies, schools, clinics or hospitals, a skills lab for practising interviewing and brief interventions, and a capstone project or senior seminar that synthesises clinical knowledge with research or programme evaluation.

• Typical modules: Introduction to Mental Health and Social Services; Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Helping Skills and Interviewing; Substance Use and Addiction Studies; Family Systems; Multicultural Issues in Mental Health; Ethics and Professional Issues; Research Methods and Statistics; Community Mental Health Practicum.
• Structure: The degree combines general education requirements with a major-specific sequence of lower- and upper-division courses, supervised fieldwork hours, and a culminating capstone experience. Students often have opportunities for electives focused on topics such as trauma-informed care, school-based mental health, geriatric mental health or program evaluation.

Entry requirements

Admission to Chapman University’s undergraduate programmes typically requires a completed secondary school credential equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma and a competitive academic record. Successful applicants for this programme usually present strong grades in social sciences and science or mathematics courses.

Other application components commonly used in the evaluation include a personal statement or essay describing interest in mental and social health, one or more letters of recommendation, and evidence of extracurricular or volunteer experience in helping or community settings. Standardised test submission policies (SAT/ACT) vary; applicants should consult Chapman’s admissions office for current guidance.

International applicants are expected to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. Transfer students should present college transcripts and course descriptions for transfer credit evaluation, and are often required to have completed introductory coursework in psychology or related fields.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry- and paraprofessional roles in the mental and social health sector, often working under supervision or alongside licensed clinicians. Common positions include community mental health worker, case manager, behavioural health technician, outreach or program coordinator, residential treatment staff, and substance abuse support specialist.

The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate training. Many students go on to professional programmes such as Master of Social Work (MSW), marriage and family therapy (MFT), clinical and counselling psychology, or public health, which are required for independent clinical licensure and many advanced practice roles.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a focused, practice-oriented curriculum delivered in small classes with close faculty mentorship, allowing for personalised academic and career guidance. The university’s Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and related centres provide access to clinical training opportunities, community partnerships across Orange County and an on-campus environment supportive of applied learning.

Students benefit from Chapman’s emphasis on experiential education—supervised practica, internships and community-engaged projects—that connect classroom learning with real-world settings. The university’s location in Southern California gives access to a diverse population and a wide range of practicum sites, while campus career services and graduate school advising help students map pathways to licensure and advanced professional training.