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valpo.edu/grad

Graduate Student Life and Culture

The Value of a Valpo Graduate Degree

About Valparaiso University

Founded in 1859, Valparaiso University is well known for the integration of its outstanding liberal arts education and professional programs. Graduate programs at Valpo extend this tradition of excellence to include a number of areas of advanced study. Our programs are intentionally limited to the kinds of graduate study that fit our larger mission of both service and scholarship and that blend liberal and professional education.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Valparaiso University a top master’s-level university in the Midwest for quality and value for more than 25 years.

The University’s location in Northwest Indiana provides students the benefits of Chicago and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan as well as the friendliness and safety of the residential community of Valparaiso. Visit Valpo and experience the community firsthand.

Graduate school is your time to specialize. To delve deeper into a subject you discovered as an undergraduate. To sharpen your professional skills, broaden your perspective at work and even change careers. To expand your horizons and to deepen your personal commitments. It’s an exciting time for you, and it’s an exciting time to consider Valparaiso University for graduate study.

With its stellar reputation for undergraduate studies, some are surprised to learn that Valparaiso University offers graduate degrees and certificates. Indeed, through the Graduate School, which is now in its 51st year, Valpo offers more than two dozen graduate degree programs that are fully integrated into academic departments in three Colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Nursing and Health Professions. Some programs, like education, psychology, nursing, and business, are nationally accredited. We offer unique interdisciplinary degrees that can be customized to your interests and career goals.

Your route to quality graduate programs at Valparaiso University begins with an application through the Graduate School (and through MBA in the College of Business for graduate programs in management). After enrolling at Valpo, you work closely with a faculty advisor to design a plan of study to help you reach your goals. Our service-oriented Graduate School staff remains on hand to assist you from matriculation through graduation. The Graduate School sponsors events throughout the year for the academic, social, and professional development of our students, including orientation, social gatherings, academic symposia, celebration dinners, and even international study trips for credit.

This viewbook is your introduction to our programs and the many benefits of a graduate degree at Valpo. We invite you to learn more by visiting our website (valpo.edu/grad), by scheduling a campus visit, or by calling 219.464.5313.

Pursue your specialty. Join us at Valpo.

Jennifer A. Ziegler, Ph.D. Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Professor of Communication

Greetings from Dean Jennifer A. Ziegler

Graduate Student Life and Culture

The Value of a Valpo Graduate Degree

More than 750 students in the Graduate School form a select group, not only because of their academic credentials, but also because they value the community learning experience that characterizes Valparaiso University.

Valpo graduate students:

• Flourish in an environment that emphasizes strong mentoring through frequent interaction with faculty.

• Develop a sense of identity within their degree programs and bond with other students in their cohorts.

• Benefit from small class sizes characterized by discussion, interaction, and hands-on learning.

• Explore career pathways and pursue internships and career opportunities in their fields of study.

• Participate in events and activities, including international study trips, throughout their course of study.

• Collaborate with faculty, making presentations, and contributing to scholarly publications and creative work.

• Serve in important leadership roles on campus and within the Valparaiso community.

Many Valparaiso University graduate students hail from the Great Lakes region, but students and alumni also represent numerous states and countries from around the world. Nearly all have chosen Valpo because of its reputation for quality.

About Valparaiso University

Greetings from Dean Jennifer A. Ziegler

The value of a Valparaiso University degree goes beyond our very affordable cost per credit hour. Valpo faculty prepare our graduates for leadership and service in an increasingly globalized workforce. Specialty courses just for graduate students help you to explore and articulate your identity as a scholar and a professional, preparing you for internships and career opportunities that are in line with your career goals.

Many programs also offer add-on certificates that can add tremendous value to your graduate degree. (See the complete list of certificates on the programs page).

“ I had an outstanding experience at Valpo. The small class sizes allowed for one-on-one interaction with the professors, and the classes allowed me to get the real-world experiences necessary for a journalist in today’s media landscape. The students at Valpo possess different areas of expertise, and I was able to learn from them as well as the professors to gain a well-rounded and beneficial educational experience.” — Andrew Stem ’13

Sports Media

Awards andRecognition

• No. 5 among U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges in the Midwest for 2015.

• No. 3 among master’s level universities in the nation for contribution to public good, according to Washington Monthly magazine.

• In the top 100 schools in the country among those offering a master’s degree in nursing, according to U.S. News.

• Among the best 295 Business Schools for 2014, according to Princeton Review; part-time MBA on U.S. News 2013 Best Business Schools list.

• Recipient of the prestigious Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, and featured in Internationalizing the Campus 2008: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities.

• On Forbes top 100 list for universities in the Midwest.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND PRIORITY APPLICATION DATESDEGREE PROGRAMS

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ADMINISTRATIONM.A. in Arts & Entertainment AdministrationSee also Media and Communications

BUSINESS MBA (Master of Business Administration) with concentrations in: • General Business • Business Intelligence• Engineering Management • Entrepreneurship• Finance • Management • Marketing • Sustainability

Dual J.D./MBAJune 30 Application Deadlines for Full-time MBA (only) Rolling Admissions for Part-time Professional MBA

CHINESE STUDIES M.A. in Chinese StudiesApril 1 Application Deadline for Summer

COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SCIENCES M.S. in Information Technology • Computing Track• Management Track

M.S. in Cyber Security

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGY M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Dual J.D./M.A. in:• Clinical Mental Health Counseling• Psychology

Feb. 15 Priority Application Deadline See also Education, Health Professions

EDUCATION M.Ed. (Master of Education) Initial Licensure in:• Primary Education• Secondary Education• Humane Education*• Instructional LeadershipApplication Deadlines: March 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1

• LEAPs (Lutheran Education Alliance with Parochial Schools)Jan.15 Application Deadline

• Woodrow Wilson Teachers Fellowship ProgramOct. 13, Nov.14, and Jan. 31 Application Deadlines

M.Ed. in School CounselingM.Ed. and Ed.S. (Education Specialist) in School Psychology

March 1 Priority Application Deadline See also Humane Education, Liberal Studies

ECONOMICS M.S. in International Economics & Finance

ENGLISH STUDIES M.A. in English Studies and Communication M.A. in TESOL (Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Language) MALS (Master of Arts and Liberal Studies) in English Dual J.D./English M.A.

HEALTH PROFESSIONS* Master of Health Administration (MHA) M.S. in International Human Services and Counseling (IHSC)Ask about our new five-year BSPH/MSPH (Public Health) ProgramSee also Nursing

HUMANE EDUCATION*M.A. in Humane Education Master of Arts and Liberal Studies, (MALS) in Humane EducationSee also Education, Liberal Studies

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES M.A. in Comparative Global InquiryM.S. in International Commerce & Policy Dual J.D./M.S. in International Commerce & Policy

LIBERAL STUDIES Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) with available concentrations in:• Ethics and Values • Humane Education • History • Human Behavior and Society• Individualized • Theology• Theology and Ministry• Dual J.D./MALS program

MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS M.S. in Analytics and Modeling

Unique Graduate Opportunities

Scholars of Advanced Standing Scholarship program for especially qualified undergraduates to earn up to six credits toward a degree.

Graduate Academic Success Acquaints students with norms and rules for academic work at Valpo, including the honor code and professor and peer expectations.

Semi-Annual Writing Workshop Students learn about required writing styles and formats for graduate study and standards for research papers.

The Graduate Newsletter Quarterly newsletter written by and for graduate students.

Graduate Student Advisory Council Graduate student representatives meet with the dean on issues and trends affecting graduate students.

Study Abroad and Semester Away Internships and courses available in the United States and at Valpo’s study centers around the world. valpo.edu/studyabroad

Graduate Research Assistantships Short-term stipends that enable graduate students to work with faculty mentors on scholarly and creative work.

Graduate Research Expense/ Travel Awards Competitive small grants to defray travel expenses for graduate students presenting original scholarship and creative work at conferences.

Professional and Career Development Graduate students explore and articulate their scholarly and professional identities within their new fields.

Symposium for Graduate Research Annual public showcase for graduate students to display their finest scholarly and creative work and research.

Graduate Banquet Commencement celebration to honor graduating students among family and friends.

Athenaeum Society Graduate School Honor Society that recognizes scholarly, creative, and intellectual achievements.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND PRIORITY APPLICATION DATES

For more information, visit: valpo.edu/grad/programs

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION M.S. in Digital MediaM.S. in Sports Media See also Arts and Entertainment Administration, Sports Administration

NURSING*Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)• MSN in Nursing Education• RN-MSN ProgramDoctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)• BSN to DNP• Post Master’s DNP

Dual MSN/MHA ProgramApril 15 Application Deadline for FallAsk about our new five year BSPA/MSPA (Public Health) Program See also Health Professions

SOCIAL SCIENCESMaster of Arts and Liberal Studies (MALS) in Human Behavior and SocietySee also Liberal Studies, Economics

SPORTS ADMINISTRATIONM.S. in Sports AdministrationDual J.D./M.S. in Sports Administration

See also Media and Communication

THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY*Master of Arts and Liberal Studies (MALS) in: • Theology• Theology and Ministry

MMA in Ministry Administration and Leadership

See also Liberal Studies

GRADUATE CERTIFICATESActuarial Science CertificateAeronautical Principles CertificateSAS Certificate in Applied Econometrics and Data Science FoundationsCoaching CertificateDigital Media CertificateEngineering Management CertificateHealth Administration CertificateHumane Education Certificate*Legal Studies & Principles CertificateLicensed Clinical Addictions Counseling CertificateMinistry Administration CertificateNursing Education CertificateTeaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) CertificateSports Media CertificateWorld Regions Certificate

GENERAL BUSINESS CERTIFICATES Business Intelligence CertificateEntrepreneurship Certificate Finance Certificate Management Certificate Marketing Certificate Sustainability Certificate

POST-GRADUATE MALS CERTIFICATESEnglish CertificateEthics & Values CertificateGerontology CertificateHistory CertificateHuman Behavior & Society CertificateTheology CertificateTheology & Ministry Certificate

EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTEBusiness Analytics IT Infrastructure LibraryOrganizational Change ManagementProject ManagementSAS and AnalyticsSix SigmaWeb Analytics

All programs have Rolling Admissions application deadlines unless otherwise noted *Indicates online or hybrid coursework available

Valpo’s highly qualified faculty form the heart of our graduate programs. The large majority of faculty are full time and hold either a Ph.D. or another terminal degree in their field. At the graduate level, students also benefit from highly specialized courses taught by faculty who are working professionals and experts in their respective fields.

In addition to their impressive qualifications, our faculty members are also dedicated teachers who value their role engaging students in the art and science of learning. They interact with students inside and outside the classroom, eager to discuss your ideas and thoughts. Valpo professors guide students to appreciate and challenge ideas, and they nurture students in their development as professionals.

Their love of learning does not stop with great teaching. They practice the scholarship they teach. Some are poets and creative writers, and many conduct research, publish papers, and write books that have been nationally recognized. They know the community and the region, they network with professionals locally and nationally, and they serve on advisory boards of private and nonprofit groups. In short, their connections often provide gateways to students taking their first critical steps into their profession.

“I felt truly fortunate to be a part of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, and I was most impressed by the caliber of both the program and the diverse

faculty. My experience at Valpo and my participation in excellent internships prepared me for a rewarding future. ”

— Jennifer Humpfer ’14 Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admission to the Graduate School

Faculty Who Teach, Mentor, and Serve

A Welcoming Place for International Students

Valparaiso University welcomes international students from more than 40 different countries to our beautiful campus in the safe and friendly residential community of Valparaiso, Ind., which is about an hour from Chicago and close to cultural and recreational opportunities on beautiful Lake Michigan.

The Graduate School works closely with International Programs to welcome international students to campus and to help you flourish throughout the program. The Graduate School handles academic matters like admission and registration, in conjunction with your faculty advisor. International Programs handles matters related to immigration status and student life once on campus.

For example, during the application process, the Graduate School will evaluate your application for admission to a degree program, while the Office of International Programs will assist you with the I-20s and instructions for obtaining your visa. See valpo.edu/international for more information.

Admission to the Graduate School

All applicants to Valparaiso University Graduate School must have graduated with a degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 (B) average in all undergraduate and graduate coursework. Any applicant whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL score of 80 (iBT) or its equivalent. Students who do not meet these basic requirements, but who have reason to believe that they can successfully pursue graduate study, may be considered on an individual basis for conditional admission.

Fulfilling the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as some programs are limited in enrollment. While Valparaiso University Graduate School offers rolling admissions for many of its programs, prospective students are advised to complete their applications at least one semester in advance to have the best chance for admission. Note that certain programs have their own application deadlines.

Admission checklist:

1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application (online).

2. Certified transcript for the bachelor’s degree, plus transcripts for all other degrees earned and/or coursework completed.

3. Two letters of recommendation.

4. A two-page reflective essay indicating the reasons for undertaking graduate study in the particular program you are applying for at Valparaiso University and your anticipated career goals.

5. Application fee: $30 for U.S. citizens (may be waived if you take a campus tour), $50 for international students, and $20 for those applying to the joint J.D./Master’s programs.

6. International students: Applications require proof of English language proficiency.

Some degree programs have additional application requirements and specific deadlines. For more information, visit valpo.edu/grad/apply.

“ Valpo’s master’s program in TESOL has helped me in terms of professional as well as academic development. I have worked with and learned from professors and students from a variety of backgrounds who have introduced me to research that has helped me become stronger in my teaching philosophy as well as pedagogy. The program is challenging and rewarding as it emphasizes field experiences as well as action research so that we are engaged and active participants in our learning.” — Jen Hernandez ’13

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

“ I chose Valparaiso University’s MBA program because of its high level of accreditation, exclusive admissions standards, and exceptional quality of instruction. The educational experience has taken me beyond the classroom and into American businesses. Valpo’s MBA program — hands-on opportunities combined with the necessary coursework — has exceeded my expectations.” — Preeti Singh ’14

Global MBA Program

“ Through the IEF program, I was able to deepen my economic and financial knowledge. The most valuable part of the program is its diversification combined with an impressive teaching environment. A small class environment coupled with attentive faculty and staff allowed me to better comprehend the materials. I feel prepared and confident as I begin my next career.” — Essam Al Joubori ‘13

International Economics and Finance (IEF)

CONTACT US:

1700 Chapel Drive • Kretzmann Hall • Valparaiso, Indiana • 46383-6493 Phone: 219.464.5313 • Toll Free: 800.821.7685 • Fax: 219.464.5381

graduate.school@valpo.edu • valpo.edu/grad

APPLY TODAY!

Valparaiso University, 50 miles southeast of Chicago and approximately 13 miles south of Lake Michigan, is conveniently located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and State Road 49.

Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or (as qualified herein) religion, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities, generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or (as qualified herein) religion in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, career services and placement, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Valparaiso University is an institution committed to its Lutheran traditions. The University reserves the right to promote the teachings of the church and to exercise preferences in admissions in favor of Lutherans.

Valparaiso University is a tobacco-free environment.

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