Please read all instructions carefully and complete all questions on the online application form.
The Application Period
Application deadline: We are currently accepting applications to each pathway of the Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program (CLTCP). Rolling admissions will start on January 15th. We encourage all applicants to complete their application by that date to ensure their application is reviewed before spots are filled.
Admitted students must arrive by August 1st, but we encourage them to arrive in mid-July as visas allow to give them more time to prepare for the start of the program and take care of required items before their internship starts. Students start their year one internship on August 15th.
Only complete application packets received by the deadline will be considered. Paper application materials must be mailed to 620 Farm Lane, Room 253, East Lansing, MI 48824. Please see the information below for submission instructions for each item. Admission decisions will be communicated to applicants by email. Questions should be directed to 517.884.6061 or cltcp@msu.edu.
Each CLTCP pathway may require different application materials. Please carefully review the Admission Application Packet for the pathway to which you want to apply. For information on course content and eligibility requirements of each of these four pathways, please see our main webpage.
Residency Pathway Admission Application Packet
Applicants are required to submit:
Online Application
Complete the online application for admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification program.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a statement of purpose that describes your professional and educational experience in relation to your desire to pursue Chinese language teacher certification and how the program relates to your career interests/plans. This statement is used to determine if the applicantâs goals are consistent with those of the program and to assess the clarity and coherence of the applicantâs writing. Statements should not exceed 500 words in length. Please submit this to cltcp@msu.edu or as part of your online application.
Professional Resume
A professional resume is required. Please include detailed professional and/or paraprofessional experience you have and highlight teaching experience. Submit this to cltcp@msu.edu.
Writing Sample
Once the CLTCP has received your application, you can choose to submit either an essay, in response to an essay question or prompt, or a writing sample. A writing sample could include a course paper, essay, publication or any other academic paper. If you would like a prompt for an essay, please let us know at cltcp@msu.edu and a prompt or essay question will be provided to you. Please submit writing samples to cltcp@msu.edu.
Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (official transcripts must be received in an unopened, sealed envelope sent directly from the issuing institution). You must submit two copies of all transcripts from universities outside the U.S. If the original language of the document is not English, please submit two copies in the original language and two in English. We also require two copies of official graduate certificates from universities outside the U.S. in all languages. Please submit documents to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
If your institution wishes to submit documents electronically, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this option before proceeding.
Admission will be considered on an individual basis if candidates have baccalaureate degrees with cumulative GPAs between 2.50 and 2.75. If you are in this situation, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation that attest to the candidateâs potential as a teacher of Chinese. Appropriate people to provide letters of recommendation include, but are not limited to, professors, employers, administrators, and fellow teachers. Letters from friends, parents and personal acquaintances are not acceptable. Letters must be emailed to cltcp@msu.edu by the author of the recommendation letter or mailed with a handwritten signature. Letters may be mailed to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
Mandarin Proficiency
All applicants are required to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) in Chinese (Mandarin) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in Chinese (Mandarin).
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc): All applicants are required to score in the âIntermediate-Highâ range or above on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.
ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT): All applicants are required to demonstrate their Chinese language writing proficiency at an âIntermediate-Highâ level or above. If WPT scores are at an Intermediate-Low/Mid level, remediation options may be available to allow students to increase their writing proficiency while progressing in the program. All candidates must be at an Intermediate-High level before they progress into their residency teaching position.
Taking the tests:
These tests are offered online. The steps to sign up for them can change from year to year, so please email cltcp@msu.edu or call us at 517-884-6061 for up-to-date instructions.
While registering for these tests, you will need to ensure that an official copy of your scores is mailed to the CLTCP at the address below:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate oral proficiency in English per university requirements. Non-native speakers of English will be required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), MSU English Language Test (MSUELT), or Duolingo English Test scores. Native speakers of English with degrees from U.S. institutions are exempt from this test requirement for the CLTCP program. The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) Program will also require English language proficiency test scores that meet MATC application requirements for applicants whose first language is not English.
Requirements:
- TOEFL: iBT. An average score of 80 or above with no sub-score below 19 and a score of 22 or above on the writing component is required. Test scores from up to 24 months prior to admission can be submitted. Only the iBT will be accepted (TOEFL scores must be sent ELECTRONICALLY to the MSU Office of Admissions using code 1465).
- IELTS: Minimum average score of 6.5. No subscore below 6.0. Test scores from up to 24 months prior to admission can be submitted.
- MSUELT: Average score of 80 to 85 with no subscore below 80, OR average score of at least 85 with no subscore below 78.
Scores must be sent directly to Michigan State University. If you have questions about this process, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu or 517-884-6061.
During the pandemic, some adjustments to requirements were made for those whose testing was affected. We are currently accepting the test listed below as well as those listed above for applications for fall semester 2024:
- Duolingo English Test: A score of 110 or above for this test is required. There are no specific requirements for subscores. You can access information about the test at this website: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/ Please request to have the scores sent to Michigan State University.
Applicants that are non-native English speakers who have a bachelorâs or masterâs degree from a U.S. university may be exempt from passing an English proficiency test. Please reach out to us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this possibility if you think you may be eligible for an exemption.
WES Transcript Evaluation
A credential evaluation of transcripts from universities outside the United States must be completed and received by the CLTCP Program to apply for the Residency Program. Candidates who received their bachelorâs degrees from institutions outside the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). This report is only required for those with international transcripts planning to apply for the Residency Program. WES is the only form of transcript evaluation we will accept.
For your convenience, we recommend that the WES requirement be completed when you submit your application packet materials. However, if you have already received your degree, we will accept the copy directly from the evaluation company up until April 30th. If you have not already graduated with your degree, we must receive the copy directly from the evaluation company by August 15th.
Conviction Disclosure Form
Students, interns, and teacher certification candidates are obligated to report convictions to the certification officer in the Student Affairs Office. You must submit a Conviction Disclosure Form to cltcp@msu.edu prior to admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program and prior to receiving an internship placement.
Instructions: At the top of the form, please mark the line that says, âI am applying for admission to the teacher preparation program as a Post-Bachelorâs student.â If you have an MSU student identification number, please write it at the top of page one next to âPIDâ and near the bottom of page two by âSTUDENT #.â If you do not have a MSU student number, please leave both of those spaces blank. CLTCP staff can add a student number to the form later if needed. Please fill out the rest of the form completely.
Chinese degrees/transcript verification
Michigan State University no longer requires students to submit documentation from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) or the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC). However, if you would like to submit this documentation, you may do so as outlined below.
CDGDC: You may submit a degree verification report. This can be done through CDGDCâs electronic degree verification report. If you choose to submit this, you must request this report directly from the CDGDC. To submit the documents to MSU officially, you have one of two options. You can either request to have your electronic report emailed directly to the Office of Admissions (admis@msu.edu) or you can email the report to the Office of Admissions yourself. For this option, you must email admis@msu.edu and tell them your name, the CDGDC verification report application number, and that you are a CLTCP applicant in the College of Education. This email should be sent to both admis@msu.edu and cltcp@msu.edu.
CHESICC: You may submit a transcript verification report. This can be done through the CHESICCâs electronic transcript verification report in English. This verification would include an official copy of the final transcript along with the English version of the report that includes all courses taken and program start and end dates. This report would be sent electronically via Parchment directly to the MSU Office of Admissions from CHESICC.
If MSU receives unusual credentials, we can ask that applicants verify they are official and on level with a bachelorâs degree from a U.S. institution by requesting CDGDC and/or CHESICC electronic reports.
Interview
As part of the application process, the CLTCP may request an interview with applicants. The interview is an opportunity for the CLTCP to learn more about the applicant and gain insight into the background and skills they bring to the program. If you are invited to do an interview, please respond and schedule a time promptly. When conducted, interviews are a key part of admissions decisions.
Certification-only Pathway Admission Application Packet
Applicants are required to submit:
Online Application
Complete the online application for admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification program.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a statement of purpose that describes your professional and educational experience in relation to your desire to pursue Chinese language teacher certification and how the program relates to your career interests/plans. This statement is used to determine if the applicantâs goals are consistent with those of the program and to assess the clarity and coherence of the applicantâs writing. Statements should not exceed 500 words in length. Please submit this to cltcp@msu.edu or as part of your online application.
Professional Resume
A professional resume is required. Please include detailed professional and/or paraprofessional experience you have and highlight teaching experience. Submit this to cltcp@msu.edu.
Writing Sample
Once the CLTCP has received your application, you can choose to submit either an essay, in response to an essay question or prompt, or a writing sample. A writing sample could include a course paper, essay, publication or any other academic paper. If you would like a prompt for an essay, please let us know at cltcp@msu.edu and a prompt or essay question will be provided to you. Please submit writing samples to cltcp@msu.edu.
Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (official transcripts must be received in an unopened, sealed envelope sent directly from the issuing institution). You must submit two copies of all transcripts from universities outside the U.S. If the original language of the document is not English, please submit two copies in the original language and two in English. We also require two copies of official graduate certificates from universities outside the U.S. in all languages. Please submit documents to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
If your institution wishes to submit documents electronically, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this option before proceeding.
Admission will be considered on an individual basis if candidates have baccalaureate degrees with cumulative GPAs between 2.50 and 2.75. If you are in this situation, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation that attest to the candidateâs potential as a teacher of Chinese. Appropriate people to provide letters of recommendation include, but are not limited to, professors, employers, administrators, and fellow teachers. Letters from friends, parents and personal acquaintances are not acceptable. Letters must be emailed to cltcp@msu.edu by the author of the recommendation letter or mailed with a handwritten signature. Letters may be mailed to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
Mandarin Proficiency
All applicants are required to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) in Chinese (Mandarin) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in Chinese (Mandarin).
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc): All applicants are required to score in the âIntermediate-Highâ range or above on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.
ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT): All applicants are required to demonstrate their Chinese language writing proficiency at an âIntermediate-Highâ level or above. If WPT scores are at an Intermediate-Low/Mid level, remediation options may be available to allow students to increase their writing proficiency while progressing in the program. All candidates must be at an Intermediate-High level before they progress into their residency teaching position.
Taking the tests:
These tests are offered online. The steps to sign up for them can change from year to year, so please email cltcp@msu.edu or call us at 517-884-6061 for up-to-date instructions.
While registering for these tests, you will need to ensure that an official copy of your scores is mailed to the CLTCP at the address below:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate oral proficiency in English per university requirements. Non-native speakers of English will be required to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), MSU English Language Test (MSUELT), or Duolingo English Test scores. Native speakers of English with degrees from U.S. institutions are exempt from this test requirement for the CLTCP program. The Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum (MATC) Program will also require English language proficiency test scores that meet MATC application requirements for applicants whose first language is not English.
Requirements:
- TOEFL: iBT. An average score of 80 or above with no sub-score below 19 and a score of 22 or above on the writing component is required. Test scores from up to 24 months prior to admission can be submitted. Only the iBT will be accepted (TOEFL scores must be sent ELECTRONICALLY to the MSU Office of Admissions using code 1465).
- IELTS: Minimum average score of 6.5. No subscore below 6.0. Test scores from up to 24 months prior to admission can be submitted.
- MSUELT: Average score of 80 to 85 with no subscore below 80, OR average score of at least 85 with no subscore below 78.
Scores must be sent directly to Michigan State University. If you have questions about this process, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu or 517-884-6061.
During the pandemic, some adjustments to requirements were made for those whose testing was affected. We are currently accepting the test listed below as well as those listed above for applications for fall semester 2024:
- Duolingo English Test: A score of 110 or above for this test is required. There are no specific requirements for subscores. You can access information about the test at this website: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/ Please request to have the scores sent to Michigan State University.
Applicants that are non-native English speakers who have a bachelorâs or masterâs degree from a U.S. university may be exempt from passing an English proficiency test. Please reach out to us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this possibility if you think you may be eligible for an exemption.
Conviction Disclosure Form
Students, interns, and teacher certification candidates are obligated to report convictions to the certification officer in the Student Affairs Office. You must submit a Conviction Disclosure Form to cltcp@msu.edu prior to admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program and prior to receiving an internship placement.
Instructions: At the top of the form, please mark the line that says, âI am applying for admission to the teacher preparation program as a Post-Bachelorâs student.â If you have an MSU student identification number, please write it at the top of page one next to âPIDâ and near the bottom of page two by âSTUDENT #.â If you do not have a MSU student number, please leave both of those spaces blank. CLTCP staff can add a student number to the form later if needed. Please fill out the rest of the form completely.
Chinese degrees/transcript verification
Michigan State University no longer requires students to submit documentation from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) or the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC). However, if you would like to submit this documentation, you may do so as outlined below.
CDGDC: You may submit a degree verification report. This can be done through CDGDCâs electronic degree verification report. If you choose to submit this, you must request this report directly from the CDGDC. To submit the documents to MSU officially, you have one of two options. You can either request to have your electronic report emailed directly to the Office of Admissions (admis@msu.edu) or you can email the report to the Office of Admissions yourself. For this option, you must email admis@msu.edu and tell them your name, the CDGDC verification report application number, and that you are a CLTCP applicant in the College of Education. This email should be sent to both admis@msu.edu and cltcp@msu.edu.
CHESICC: You may submit a transcript verification report. This can be done through the CHESICCâs electronic transcript verification report in English. This verification would include an official copy of the final transcript along with the English version of the report that includes all courses taken and program start and end dates. This report would be sent electronically via Parchment directly to the MSU Office of Admissions from CHESICC.
If MSU receives unusual credentials, we can ask that applicants verify they are official and on level with a bachelorâs degree from a U.S. institution by requesting CDGDC and/or CHESICC electronic reports.
Interview
As part of the application process, the CLTCP may request an interview with applicants. The interview is an opportunity for the CLTCP to learn more about the applicant and gain insight into the background and skills they bring to the program. If you are invited to do an interview, please respond and schedule a time promptly. When conducted, interviews are a key part of admissions decisions.
Elementary Education Residency Pathway Admission Application Packet
Applicants are required to submit:
Online Application
Complete the online application for admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification program.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a statement of purpose that describes your professional and educational experience in relation to your desire to pursue Chinese language teacher certification and how the program relates to your career interests/plans. This statement is used to determine if the applicantâs goals are consistent with those of the program and to assess the clarity and coherence of the applicantâs writing. Statements should not exceed 500 words in length. Please submit this to cltcp@msu.edu or as part of your online application.
Professional Resume
A professional resume is required. Please include detailed professional and/or paraprofessional experience you have and highlight teaching experience. Submit this to cltcp@msu.edu.
Writing Sample
Once the CLTCP has received your application, you can choose to submit either an essay, in response to an essay question or prompt, or a writing sample. A writing sample could include a course paper, essay, publication or any other academic paper. If you would like a prompt for an essay, please let us know at cltcp@msu.edu and a prompt or essay question will be provided to you. Please submit writing samples to cltcp@msu.edu.
Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended except MSU; we have access to your current MSU transcript. Official transcripts must be received in an unopened, sealed envelope sent directly from the issuing institution. You must submit two copies of all transcripts from universities outside the U.S. If the original language of the document is not English, please submit two copies in the original language and two in English. We also require two copies of official graduate certificates from universities outside the U.S. in all languages. Please submit documents to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
If your institution wishes to submit documents electronically, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this option before proceeding.
Admission will be considered on an individual basis if candidates have baccalaureate degrees with cumulative GPAs between 2.50 and 2.75. If you are in this situation, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu.
Mandarin Proficiency
All applicants are required to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) in Chinese (Mandarin) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in Chinese (Mandarin).
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc): All applicants are required to score in the âIntermediate-Highâ range or above on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.
ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT): All applicants are required to demonstrate their Chinese language writing proficiency at an âIntermediate-Highâ level or above. If WPT scores are at an Intermediate-Low/Mid level, remediation options may be available to allow students to increase their writing proficiency while progressing in the program. All candidates must be at an Intermediate-High level before they progress into their residency teaching position.
Taking the tests:
These tests are offered online. The steps to sign up for them can change from year to year, so please email cltcp@msu.edu or call us at 517-884-6061 for up-to-date instructions.
While registering for these tests, you will need to ensure that an official copy of your scores is mailed to the CLTCP at the address below:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
Interview
As part of the application process, the CLTCP may request an interview with applicants. The interview is an opportunity for the CLTCP to learn more about the applicant and gain insight into the background and skills they bring to the program. If you are invited to do an interview, please respond and schedule a time promptly. When conducted, interviews are a key part of admissions decisions.
Special Education Residency Pathway Admission Application Packet
Applicants are required to submit:
Online Application
Complete the online application for admission to the Chinese Language Teacher Certification program.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is a statement of purpose that describes your professional and educational experience in relation to your desire to pursue Chinese language teacher certification and how the program relates to your career interests/plans. This statement is used to determine if the applicantâs goals are consistent with those of the program and to assess the clarity and coherence of the applicantâs writing. Statements should not exceed 500 words in length. Please submit this to cltcp@msu.edu or as part of your online application.
Professional Resume
A professional resume is required. Please include detailed professional and/or paraprofessional experience you have and highlight teaching experience. Submit this to cltcp@msu.edu.
Writing Sample
Once the CLTCP has received your application, you can choose to submit either an essay, in response to an essay question or prompt, or a writing sample. A writing sample could include a course paper, essay, publication or any other academic paper. If you would like a prompt for an essay, please let us know at cltcp@msu.edu and a prompt or essay question will be provided to you. Please submit writing samples to cltcp@msu.edu.
Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended except MSU; we have access to your current MSU transcript. Official transcripts must be received in an unopened, sealed envelope sent directly from the issuing institution. You must submit two copies of all transcripts from universities outside the U.S. If the original language of the document is not English, please submit two copies in the original language and two in English. We also require two copies of official graduate certificates from universities outside the U.S. in all languages. Please submit documents to:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
If your institution wishes to submit documents electronically, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu to review this option before proceeding.
Admission will be considered on an individual basis if candidates have baccalaureate degrees with cumulative GPAs between 2.50 and 2.75. If you are in this situation, please contact us at cltcp@msu.edu.
Mandarin Proficiency
All applicants are required to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc) in Chinese (Mandarin) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in Chinese (Mandarin).
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc): All applicants are required to score in the âIntermediate-Highâ range or above on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.
ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT): All applicants are required to demonstrate their Chinese language writing proficiency at an âIntermediate-Highâ level or above. If WPT scores are at an Intermediate-Low/Mid level, remediation options may be available to allow students to increase their writing proficiency while progressing in the program. All candidates must be at an Intermediate-High level before they progress into their residency teaching position.
Taking the tests:
These tests are offered online. The steps to sign up for them can change from year to year, so please email cltcp@msu.edu or call us at 517-884-6061 for up-to-date instructions.
While registering for these tests, you will need to ensure that an official copy of your scores is mailed to the CLTCP at the address below:
Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program
Michigan State University
620 Farm Lane, Room 253
East Lansing, MI 48824
Interview
As part of the application process, the CLTCP may request an interview with applicants. The interview is an opportunity for the CLTCP to learn more about the applicant and gain insight into the background and skills they bring to the program. If you are invited to do an interview, please respond and schedule a time promptly. When conducted, interviews are a key part of admissions decisions.