CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced philosophical training with specialised study of Chinese intellectual traditions, covering classical streams (Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism), Buddhist thought as received in China, and modern and contemporary Chinese philosophy and cultural theory. Core work includes seminars in ethical, metaphysical, epistemological and political themes as they arise in Chinese texts, comparative philosophy seminars, and methodological courses in textual interpretation, hermeneutics and the history of ideas.

Typical elements of the course of study:

• Advanced coursework in analytic and continental philosophy methods to ensure rigorous argumentation and conceptual clarity.
• Specialist seminars on early Chinese texts (e.g., Analects, Daoist classics), medieval and imperial-period commentarial traditions, Buddhist philosophical literature, and modern Chinese thinkers and movements.
• Language training in Classical (Literary) Chinese and, where appropriate, modern Mandarin to enable primary-text research and archival work.
• Training in research methods, including philology, textual criticism, translation practice and archival research techniques.
• Preparation for and completion of comprehensive/qualifying examinations testing both general philosophical competence and specialised knowledge in Chinese philosophy.
• A sustained doctoral dissertation presenting original research that engages primary Chinese-language sources and current scholarly debates.
• Opportunities for pedagogical training and supervised teaching experience at CUNY colleges.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master's degree in philosophy, East Asian studies, religious studies or a closely related field; exceptional candidates with a strong honours bachelor’s degree and significant relevant research experience may also be considered. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:

• A solid background in philosophical study and methods, evidenced by transcript records.
• A strong writing sample that shows capacity for philosophical analysis and engagement with Chinese texts or relevant comparative work (if the sample is not in Chinese, evidence of textual engagement is still important).
• A clear research statement outlining intended areas of study within Chinese philosophy and culture, possible dissertation questions, and any linguistic preparation.
• Three academic letters of recommendation commenting on research potential and preparedness for doctoral study.
• Evidence of or willingness to undertake language training in Classical Chinese and modern Mandarin; prior language study is advantageous but not always mandatory.

Standard application materials include official transcripts, CV, writing sample, research proposal, recommendation letters and any required institutional forms. International applicants must meet the university’s requirements for English language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers that value deep expertise in Chinese intellectual traditions, advanced research skills and language competence. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions: tenure-track and non-tenure-track teaching and research roles in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies and interdisciplinary humanities departments.
• Research and policy roles at think-tanks, cultural organisations and NGOs focusing on East Asia or comparative intellectual history.
• Museum, archives and curatorial work where skills in textual interpretation, translation and historical context are needed.
• Publishing, writing and translation careers, including academic publishing and specialised translation of classical and modern Chinese texts.
• Educational leadership and curriculum development for secondary and post-secondary institutions, and public humanities work (lectures, public programmes, cultural outreach).

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers doctoral students a research-rich environment in the heart of New York City, with access to extensive library resources across the CUNY system and nearby research libraries and collections. The university’s structure supports interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and colleges, enabling students to combine philosophical training with East Asian studies, history, religious studies and linguistics.

Doctoral candidates benefit from opportunities to teach and gain pedagogical experience within the CUNY system, professional development workshops, and connections to a broad academic and cultural community. The programme’s urban setting also facilitates archival research, conferences and engagement with museums, cultural centres and language resources vital to work in Chinese philosophy and culture.