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.

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 optional summer of course work on VU’s campus, and on-line offered by VU during Fall, Spring, and Summer 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.

Scholarship
Through the support from Hanban of China, qualified students enrolled in the MACS-Teacher Track are eligible to receive significant amount of scholarship (up to 75% of the total tuition). Recipients of the scholarship must pledge to teach at least two years of Chinese in US K-12 schools after completion of the MACS degree. Applicants for this scholarship must be US citizens at the time of application.

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.

 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. 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 third-year Chinese classes through the summer advanced Chinese program in Hangzhou, China). To verify your eligibility of the program, please contact the Dr. Zhimin Lin (219-464-5749, Zhimin.Lin@valpo.edu) or the Graduate School at 219-464-5313 or by email at Graduate.School@valpo.edu.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School, which include:

·    An overall grade point average of 3.0;

·    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:

·    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 (enrollment for the 2010-2011 academic year is limited to 10), applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application materials by April 1 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 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.

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 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 Graduate School through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.School@valpo.edu.