Simmons University

What you'll study

This programme blends core philosophy training—logic, ethics, epistemology and history of Western philosophy—with a concentrated sequence in Chinese philosophy and cultural studies. You will study classical thinkers such as Confucius, Mencius, Zhuangzi and key Buddhist texts, as well as later developments in Neo-Confucianism, modern Chinese thought and contemporary debates.

• Core philosophy courses: Introduction to Philosophy, Critical Thinking and Logic, Ethics, Epistemology, and History of Philosophy.
• Chinese philosophy sequence: Classical Chinese Philosophy, Daoist and Buddhist Traditions, Confucianism and Moral Thought, Modern Chinese Political and Social Thought, and Contemporary Chinese Philosophy.
• Language and culture: Elementary to advanced Chinese language courses (Mandarin), courses on Chinese literature, history and film to provide cultural context for philosophical texts.
• Methodology and comparison: Courses in comparative philosophy, hermeneutics, and methods for reading classical texts in translation and original languages.
• Research and capstone: Senior seminar or capstone project that typically involves close textual study, an independent research paper, or an interdisciplinary project informed by primary sources in Chinese and secondary scholarship.
• Experiential learning: Options for internships with cultural institutions, museums, NGOs, or educational organisations; opportunities for study abroad in East Asia or for participation in exchange programs to deepen language and field knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a completed secondary school qualification (or equivalent) with strong marks in humanities or social sciences. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, a personal statement outlining interest in philosophy and Chinese studies, and at least one academic reference. Demonstrated interest in languages, history or cross-cultural studies is advantageous. Prior knowledge of Chinese is helpful but not always required; the programme normally accommodates beginners through to advanced learners. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college-level coursework in relevant subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong analytical, writing and cross-cultural communication skills valued across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Further academic study: graduate work in philosophy, religious studies, East Asian studies, or related fields.
• Education and cultural institutions: teaching, museum work, cultural programming and public humanities roles.
• Government, diplomacy and NGOs: policy analysis, international relations, cultural exchange organisations and community engagement.
• Business and law: roles that require comparative thinking, ethical reasoning and language or regional expertise, including legal studies, consulting and international business.
• Media, translation and publishing: positions in translation, editorial work, journalism and content development focused on Asia or intercultural topics.

Why study at Simmons University

Simmons offers a small‑group, student-centred learning environment with close faculty mentorship and frequent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across humanities and social sciences. Located in the Boston area, the university provides access to major libraries, cultural institutions and a network of universities with strong East Asian studies resources. The curriculum is designed to combine rigorous philosophical training with practical language acquisition and experiential learning, supporting students who plan careers in academia, public service, cultural organisations or international contexts.