Ramapo College of New Jersey

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in core philosophical skills — logic, ethics, epistemology and the history of Western philosophy — while offering a specialised pathway into Chinese intellectual traditions. Typical topics and modules include:

• Introduction to Philosophy — critical reading, argument construction and core problems in metaphysics and ethics.
• Logic and Critical Thinking — symbolic logic, informal fallacies and analytical techniques used across traditions.
• History of Western Philosophy — from ancient Greek thinkers to modern philosophers, providing comparative tools.
• Introduction to Chinese Philosophy — overview of major figures, schools and texts including Confucianism, Daoism and Chinese Buddhist thought.
• Confucianism and Ethical Thought — ritual, virtue ethics, social roles and political implications.
• Daoist Philosophy — concepts of nature, spontaneity (wu-wei) and metaphysical approaches in Daoist texts.
• Chinese Buddhism — transmission and transformation of Buddhist ideas in East Asia.
• Comparative Philosophy — methods for comparing Western and Chinese approaches to mind, knowledge and the good life.
• Classical Texts and Translation — close readings of primary sources in translation; students may pair this with college language courses to work with texts in Chinese.
• Capstone Seminar or Research Project — a research-led project or seminar paper that integrates philosophical method with Chinese studies.
• Internships and Experiential Learning — opportunities to combine academic study with museum work, cultural organisations, education or policy placements.

The degree is typically taken as a Bachelor of Arts within the liberal arts curriculum at Ramapo College. Students are encouraged to combine the philosophy major with Chinese language study, Asian Studies courses, history or international studies to deepen cultural and linguistic competence.

Entry requirements

• Secondary school completion or equivalent with a broad liberal-arts preparation; selection is based on academic record and the strength of your application.
• A personal statement or essay explaining your interest in philosophy and Chinese thought, and how the programme fits your academic and career plans.
• Academic transcripts from secondary education; letters of recommendation are often requested or recommended.
• Standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on institutional policy; check current admissions guidance from Ramapo College.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency (for example TOEFL or IELTS) is required in line with the college's international admissions policy.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of completed coursework in humanities or social sciences when available.

Career prospects

Graduates develop strong reasoning, writing and cross-cultural skills that are valued across many sectors. Career paths commonly followed by alumni include:

• Education and academic research — secondary teaching, further study in philosophy, Asian studies or related humanities and social sciences.
• Public service and non-profit work — cultural organisations, community outreach, policy research and programme coordination with a focus on intercultural engagement.
• Business, consulting and international relations — roles requiring critical thinking and an ability to navigate cross-cultural environments.
• Publishing, journalism and communications — editing, content development and research roles that benefit from close reading and clear argumentation.
• Law, ethics and public policy — preparation for professional programmes where analytical rigour and ethical reasoning are essential.
• Language-related careers — when combined with Chinese language study, opportunities in translation, interpretation and cultural liaison work.

Many students also go on to graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies or related professional programmes; internships and the capstone project are useful for building relevant experience.

Why study at Ramapo College of New Jersey

• Small-class, liberal-arts environment — Ramapo emphasises close faculty-student interaction and seminar-style classes that support discussion-based learning and independent research.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities — the college encourages cross-registration across departments such as Languages, History and Global Studies, allowing students to pair philosophy with Chinese language and regional study.
• Faculty expertise and mentorship — faculty members with strengths in ethics, comparative philosophy and Asian thought supervise independent projects and undergraduate research.
• Experiential learning — access to internships, study-abroad options and community partnerships that let students apply philosophical skills in cultural and professional settings.
• Preparation for diverse futures — the programme’s combination of analytical training and cultural knowledge equips graduates for careers in education, public service, business and further academic study.

Prospective students should consult Ramapo College's official programme pages and admissions office for the most up-to-date information on course offerings and entry procedures.