Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
Specialized Track for K-12 Teachers



IMPORTANT NOTE: At this time, the MACS teacher track leads to a teaching endorsement in Chinese language, but does NOT lead to initial certification as a teacher. Therefore, applicants to this track should either already have a teaching license or not need one for their teaching position.

Individuals who want to earn initial certification as a teacher (required in order to receive an endorsement in Chinese language) should consider applying to the MED-Initial Licensure program. Additional coursework (approximately 12 credits, assuming the applicant is proficient in Mandarin Chinese) taken through the MACS program may be used to receive a Chinese language endorsement.

Valparaiso University is pleased to announce a 37-credit Master of Arts in Chinese Studies program for K-12 teachers (MACS-Teacher’s Track) starting in Summer 2008. K-12 teachers nationwide who currently have a teaching license are encouraged to apply. The Teacher’s Track does not lead to licensure to teach Chinese in K-12 public schools. However, the program is working to develop the ability to award endorsements for teachers. Please check back for updates.

Program Description
The new teacher’s track of MACS is designed specifically for K-12 teachers who want to develop proficiency in Chinese language, expand their appreciation of Chinese culture, and improve their pedagogical skills in this area. Because of the teacher-friendly scheduling of course work, the MACS-Teacher Track does not require teachers to give up their regular employment yet takes only three years to complete. The program features two summers of intensive study in China, one summer of course work on VU’s campus, and evening or on-line courses offered by VU during Fall & Spring Semesters. Students graduating from this new track will possess the language capability sufficient for teaching Chinese and the leadership skills necessary to help integrate Chinese language and culture into the K-12 curriculum of schools in the US.

Curriculum
Students accepted into the new MACS-Teacher’s Track pursue the following plan of study, though adjustments will be made based on individual needs and capabilities.

First Year Requirements                                        
Summer Summer Program in China I which includes:
Second-year Chinese (0 cr.)
Topics Class #1 (3 cr.)
3 cr.
Fall Topics Class #2 (evenings or online)
3 cr.
Spring Topics Class #3 (evenings or online)
3 cr.
Second Year Requirements                                        
Summer Summer Program in China II which includes:
Third-year Chinese (5 cr.)
Chinese in Mass Media I (4 cr.)
9 cr.
Fall Topics Class #4 (evenings or online)
3 cr.
Spring Topics Class #5 (evenings or online)
3 cr.
Third Year Requirements                                        
Summer Summer Program at VU which includes:
Fourth-year Chinese (10 cr.)
Chinese in Mass Media II (4 cr.)
14 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. To learn more about the Summer Advanced Chinese Program, please visit the SACP website.
NOTES                                     
  • Second-year Chinese is required but will not count as graduate credits
  • Topics class #1 offers an introduction to traditional and modern Chinese literature and is normally offered as part of the summer programs in China. Topics classes #2, #3, #4, and #5 may be selected from a wide range of topics offered by VU, at least two must be China-related topics, and the rest may be selected from any discipline. These courses may be offered either online or in the evenings on the VU campus.
  • Students coming into the program with more than two years of college Chinese may skip the first summer immersion program.
  • All participants are required to take guided self-study in Chinese language or Chinese language courses offered near his/her hometown during spring and fall semesters to help maintain and improve the level of Chinese achieved during the summer programs. Students choosing guided self-study will be supervised by VU staff. While not carrying academic credit, assessment of progress through self-study will be made at the end of each semester. The result of these assessments will be used to adjust a student’s study plan if necessary.

Criteria for Admission
K-12 teachers who currently possess a teaching license may apply. The Teacher’s Track does not lead to licensure to teach Chinese in K-12 public schools. However, the program is working to develop the ability to award endorsements for teachers. Applicants should carefully review their state’s endorsement requirements for teaching Chinese to determine if this program will enable them to qualify for a teaching endorsement. Please check back for updates.

Applicants with at least one year of college-level Chinese, or its equivalent, are particularly suitable for the program. Students with very little or no prior exposure to Chinese may also apply but may have to take additional course work in Chinese language prior to starting the second-year or third-year Chinese classes (both are the core courses in the two summer immersion programs in China). To verify your eligibility of the program, please contact Ms. Jamie Haney - Program Coordinator, immediately at 800-821-7685 or by email at Jamie.Haney@valpo.edu.

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 two years of college Chinese;
    2) 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.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

  1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application and MACS Supplemental Application;
  2. Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
  3. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic adviser or faculty);
  4. A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in Chinese Studies;
  5. Application fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international students.

Due to the limited number of seats available (enrollment for the 2008-2009 academic year is limited to 10), applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials by April 15 in order to be considered but admissions may close if the program is full before that date. For best consideration, apply immediately!

Financial Considerations
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 (total tuition of $16,650 based on the 2008-2009 rate), 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.

Qualified K-12 teachers who maintain good academic standing in the MACS-Teacher’s Track may benefit from one or more of the following, thereby reducing their total tuition of $16,650 by a significant amount:

  • Summer tuition discount of $1,890 (based on a total of 12 credits taken at both Summer Programs I and II in China), representing a savings of 35% of the normal VU tuition;
  • Up to $1,000 international travel assistance and subsidized housing each summer during participation in Summer Programs I and II in China;
  • A limited number of Starr scholarships are available for students with financial needs and Freeman merit scholarships are available for students with extraordinary academic record and demonstration of strong commitment to teaching Chinese language at the K-12 level.

For more information about the 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.

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. JD (Law) / Master of Arts in Chinese Studies
  3. Summer Advanced Chinese Program
  4. Confucius Institute


*Photo provided by Alice McWilliams-Summer Immersion Participant