Program Description
The demand for students with fluency in Chinese combined with conventional degrees and professional experience is growing rapidly. The Master of Arts in Chinese Studies (MACS) is an innovative program designed to prepare students in any field of undergraduate study, with at least two of college Chinese, for the opportunities and challenges posed by the emergence of China as a formidable political and economic force over the next several decades. The 37-credit program emphasizes developing fluency in Chinese (Mandarin) language as well as an understanding of Chinese culture, politics, and history. During their course of study, students may enroll in up to 6 credits of graduate coursework in a discipline related to their major field of study, assuming such coursework is available.

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

K-12 teachers of Chinese language may complete the program by combining three summers of study at the VU China Study Center in Hangzhou, PRC, with online coursework on a part-time basis during fall and spring semesters. Coursework will include a course on pedagogy of teaching Chinese language. Students in this track may require at least two years to complete this program.

Why this program?
The MACS program provides a unique mix of learning experiences and opportunities not found in similar programs. Attractive features and benefits include:

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

Criteria for Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:

• An overall grade point average of 3.0;
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 550 (paper version), 230 (computer-based), or Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 80; minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6; CET score of 6, or an INTERLINK Language Center Level 5, or the equivalent for non-native English speakers;
• 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:

• Valparaiso University Graduate Application and MACS Supplemental Application;
• 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;
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic adviser or faculty);
• A reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in Chinese Studies;
• Application fee: $30 for U.S. citizens and $50 for international students.

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
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 2009-2010 academic year is $480 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. Students enrolled in graduate courses pay a $95 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. To learn more about these financial assistance opportunities, click here.  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 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.