University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme provides a broad foundation in core areas of philosophical inquiry while offering dedicated modules on Chinese philosophical traditions and the cultural contexts that shaped them. You will study central topics in Western philosophy — logic, ethics, epistemology and the history of philosophy — alongside focused courses on Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Buddhism, and modern Chinese intellectual history.

• Introductory philosophy — logic and critical thinking, introductory ethics and introductory metaphysics to build analytical tools.
• History of Western philosophy — survey courses from ancient to modern Western thinkers to situate comparative work.
• Classical Chinese thought — in-depth study of Confucian texts (e.g. Analects, Mencius), Daoist classics (e.g. Dao De Jing, Zhuangzi) and their interpretive traditions.
• Chinese Buddhism — study of how Buddhist doctrines entered and transformed Chinese intellectual life, including Chan/Zen developments.
• Modern and contemporary Chinese thought — intellectual responses to modernity, reform, nationalism and contemporary philosophical debates in China.
• Language and texts — opportunity to learn modern Mandarin to support textual study and access primary sources in translation and original language (offered in collaboration with language departments).
• Comparative philosophy and methods — seminars on comparative approaches, hermeneutics, and methodology for working across traditions.
• Capstone or honours project — a supervised research project or thesis exploring a topic in Chinese philosophy and culture.

Entry requirements

Typical entry to the Bachelor programme requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong academic performance. Applicants are expected to demonstrate competence in humanities subjects; prior study in philosophy, history or a language is helpful but not always mandatory.

• Academic background — secondary school completion with competitive grades; subject prerequisites vary by applicant background.
• Language — no prior knowledge of Chinese is required for entry to the programme, but willingness to study a foreign language is recommended.
• English proficiency — international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or equivalent proof, in line with university policy.
• Additional materials — some applicants may be asked for a personal statement outlining interest in philosophy and Chinese studies; letters of recommendation can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Philosophy focusing on Chinese Philosophy and Culture possess strong analytical, research and cross-cultural communication skills valued across many sectors. The programme prepares students for diverse pathways.

• Further study — progression to graduate degrees in philosophy, religious studies, East Asian studies, or related humanities and social sciences.
• Education and academia — teaching, curriculum development, or academic research in philosophy and Asian studies.
• Public sector and non-profit — roles in cultural organisations, museums, public policy, and international exchange programmes where cultural literacy is important.
• Business and international relations — positions requiring cultural insight and critical reasoning, including roles in diplomacy, global NGOs and international business.
• Media, publishing and translation — writing, editing, research and translation work involving East Asian content.
• Law and professional careers — the degree develops argumentation and ethics skills useful for law, management and consulting careers.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a humanities-oriented environment with small class sizes and opportunities for close faculty mentoring. The philosophy programme is complemented by language and area studies resources that allow students to combine philosophical training with practical language study and regional expertise.

• Interdisciplinary options — ability to take courses in Asian studies, modern languages and history to build a rounded understanding of Chinese culture.
• Research and experiential learning — opportunities for independent research projects, seminars and study-abroad arrangements that enhance linguistic and cultural competence.
• Library and academic support — access to the university's research collections and academic advising to support thesis work and career planning.
• Community and extracurriculars — student societies, lecture series and cultural events that enrich classroom learning and provide networking opportunities.