University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The programme builds a core foundation in analytic and historical philosophy while offering specialised courses in Chinese philosophical traditions and related cultural studies. Core modules typically include introductory logic, epistemology, ethics, and the history of Western philosophy. Chinese-focused work covers classical Confucian texts, Daoist philosophy, Chinese Buddhist thought, and modern Chinese intellectual history.

Interdisciplinary study is encouraged: students usually take language courses in Mandarin to support text-based work, and take complementary modules from Asian Studies, Religious Studies, or World Languages and Literatures. Advanced options commonly include comparative philosophy (e.g. Confucianism and Aristotelian ethics), hermeneutics and translation of primary texts, topics seminars on specific thinkers or movements, and a senior capstone or honours thesis that emphasises original research.

• Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking
• Formal Logic and Argumentation
• Ethics and Political Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Confucian Thought and Classical Texts
• Daoist Philosophy and the Dao De Jing
• Chinese Buddhist Philosophy and Practice
• Modern and Contemporary Chinese Intellectual History
• Mandarin language for reading and research
• Comparative Philosophy and Methodology
• Capstone Seminar or Senior Thesis

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent for undergraduate entry. Typical preparation includes coursework that demonstrates strong reading, writing and critical- thinking skills. There are no discipline-specific prerequisite subjects required, but prior study in humanities, history, languages or social sciences is advantageous.

Transfer applicants must submit college transcripts showing successful completion of university-level coursework. International applicants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English according to the university's standard requirements. Students planning to focus on primary Chinese texts are strongly advised to begin or continue Mandarin study before or upon entry.

Career prospects

Graduates with a philosophy degree focused on Chinese philosophy and culture are well placed for a broad range of careers that value analytical skills, cross-cultural literacy and strong written and oral communication. Common career paths include secondary and higher education (with appropriate teacher certification or postgraduate study), cultural heritage and museum work, public policy and international non-governmental organisations, translation and publishing, journalism, and roles in business or consulting where ethical analysis and intercultural competence are important.

Many students continue to postgraduate study in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies, law, or international affairs. The combination of rigorous philosophic training and language/cultural expertise is also useful for research positions and government or diplomatic service focused on East Asia.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston offers a diverse, urban campus with faculty who pursue research across both analytic and non‑Western philosophical traditions, allowing students access to expertise in Chinese thought alongside strong methodological training. The university's interdisciplinary environment makes it straightforward to combine philosophy with Mandarin study, Asian Studies, or history, and to take advantage of cross-departmental seminars and faculty supervision for independent projects.

Being located in the Greater Boston area gives students proximity to cultural institutions, libraries with extensive Asian collections, think tanks and internship opportunities. Small upper-level seminars, opportunities for honours theses, and faculty mentoring support students preparing for graduate study or careers that require nuanced cultural and philosophical understanding.