Dual Law JD/MA in Chinese Studies


Scholarship/Fellowship opportunities for MACS students


Program Description
The dual JD/MA in Chinese Studies (MACS) program enables law students to meet the growing demand for students with fluency in Chinese combined with conventional degrees and professional experience. The MACS program is an innovative program designed to prepare students in any field of undergraduate study who have at least two years of college Chinese language for the opportunities and challenges posed by the emergence of China as a formidable political and economic force on the world stage.

The 37-credit program emphasizes developing fluency in Mandarin Chinese language as well as an understanding of Chinese cultures, politics, history, and society. It also provides opportunities for students to grow professionally by enrolling in graduate level coursework in their field of interest. As such, this credential (and associated language skills) will distinguish program graduates among their peers in a relatively short period of time.

As part of a Summer Advanced Chinese Program in China, students will engage in intensive language training and cultural experiences.

Language Tracks
Track 1: Students entering with two years of college Chinese or the equivalent complete most of the MACS degree prior to enrolling in Valparaiso University School of Law.
Track 2: Students entering with two years of college Chinese or the equivalent complete MACS degree after JD degree, or during 2L and 3L years at Valparaiso University School of Law.
Track 3: Students having little or no Chinese language background audit first and second years of Chinese language during 1L and 2L years at Valparaiso University School of Law, then complete MACS degree during summers and after 3L year.

Why this program?
The MACS program provides a unique mix of learning experiences and opportunities. Its attractive features and benefits include:

  1. Rigorous training in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding authentic Chinese texts;
  2. Understanding of Chinese culture and society through a variety of topic courses;
  3. Summer-long program in China (Summer Advanced Chinese Program) with rich learning and travel experiences combined with work/internship opportunities;
  4. Strong competitive advantage in the international job market dealing with East Asia;
  5. Opportunity to enroll in graduate-level courses in most major fields;
  6. Active career counseling and assistance.

Curriculum

Core Requirements                                        
31-34 credits
CHST 531 Contemporary Chinese in Mass Media I
4 cr
CHST 532 Contemporary Chinese in Mass Media II
4 cr
CHST 607 Intensified Fourth Year Chinese I
5 cr
CHST 608 Intensified Fourth Year Chinese II
5 cr
CHST 686 Internship in China
3 cr
CHST 696 Seminar in Chinese Studies
0.5 cr
CHST 697 Career and Professional Development
0.5 cr
Choose 9 credits from:
CHST 520 Introduction to Chinese Literature
3 cr
CHST 590 Topics in Chinese Studies
1-3 cr
CHST 690 Seminar in Chinese Studies
1-3 cr
CHST 695 Supervised Readings & Research in Chinese Studies (optional)
0-3 cr
Electives
6 credits
In addition to meeting all the standard requirements of the JD degree, up to 6 credits from the following Graduate Division courses may be applied toward the 90-credit JD degree:
Comparative Law
2-3 cr
International Business Transactions
3 cr
International Law I or II
3 cr
International Commercial Dispute Resolution
3 cr
International Environmental Law
3 cr
The Law of eCommerce
3 cr
International Intellectual Property
2-3 cr
INS or US Customs Externships
2-4 cr
Summer Advanced Chinese Program
All students enrolled in the MACS program (with the exception of those whose level of Chinese is determined by VU as sufficient to take the intensified fourth year Chinese upon admission) are required to enroll in the Summer Semester. The program offers seven to eleven weeks of intensive training in Chinese language and an optional four-week internship program. With small classes, daily drills, and a curriculum designed to match the needs of individual students, the program prepares students for taking the far more rigorous, intensified Fourth Year Chinese and Topics in Chinese courses on campus in fall and spring. Students who successfully complete the summer semester will earn 6 credits that can be applied to their degree with an additional 3 credits if they opt to do the internship. Students who enter the program with less than three years of college Chinese may be required to study at the VU China Study Center for two summers. To learn more about the Summer Advanced Chinese Program, please visit the SACP website.

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must be admitted to both the Graduate Division and the School of Law. Admission to each program is separate. For a graduate application, click here.  For a VU School of Law application, click here.  Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

  1. An overall grade point average of 3.0;
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in Chinese language by any one of the following:
    1) Completion of three years of college Chinese;
    2) Completion of two years of college Chinese and at least one study abroad program in China;
    3) Strong background in Chinese language (e.g., through family heritage) and having received a “B”or above certificate on the HSK language test (basic level) or its equivalent.

As part of the admission process, applicants' language ability will be assessed through a telephone interview and a diagnostic test.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application & MACS Supplemental Application;
  2. Certified transcripts of a bachelor’s degree;
  3. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic adviser or faculty; can be received from the law school);
  4. A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in Chinese Studies;
  5. Application Fee: $20.

Due to the limited number of seats available, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials by April 15 in order to be considered for the summer session. Students needing to take preparatory coursework in third year Chinese must begin their study during the summer.

Financial Considerations
Full time students enrolled in the VU School of Law may take a maximum of 6 credits in the Graduate Division without paying additional tuition, as long as these credits are taken during the fall and spring semesters. The savings afforded by combining degrees enables a law student to add on a master's degree for about $13,950.

Students are strongly encouraged to begin their study during either the summer or fall semesters. Students may be surprised to discover the affordable tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $80 general fee each semester. Financial aid is available through direct and indirect student loans for students taking 6 credits or more during fall and spring semesters. Students may transfer up to 6 credits of approved graduate coursework into the program.

Program scholarships and research/teaching assistantships of up to $5,000/year are offered to full-time students on the basis of merit or special need. In addition, scholarships to assist with summer travel to China may be awarded each year. Financial aid in the form of federal loans is also available to students enrolling in 6 or more credits each semester. To learn more about financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid by phone at 1-888-GO-VALPO (1-888-468-2576) or by email at finaid@valpo.edu.

For more information about the JD / Master of Arts in Chinese Studies program
To learn more about the Master of Arts in Chinese Studies, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/cjsp/masters/index.html.

To learn more about the School of Law, visit their website at http://www.valpo.edu/law/.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.

To learn more about our Chinese Studies Degree and Non-Degree Programs/Opportunities, visit the following websites:

  1. Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
  2. Master of Arts in Chinese Studies-Specialized track for K-12 Teachers
  3. Summer Advanced Chinese Program
  4. Confucius Institute

*Photo provided by Alice McWilliams-Summer Immersion Participant