Chapman University

What you'll study

This programme blends core philosophy coursework with specialised modules on Chinese philosophical traditions. You will study topics such as the major thinkers and texts of Confucianism, Daoism and Chinese Buddhism; classical commentarial methods; modern Chinese intellectual history; and comparative approaches that place Chinese thought in global philosophical conversation.

• Core philosophy: logic, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and the history of Western philosophy to provide analytical skills and conceptual tools.
• Chinese philosophy: close readings of primary texts (for example selections from the Analects, Dao De Jing, Mencius, Mozi, and Buddhist sutras) and courses on Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist thought.
• Modern and contemporary thought: courses examining reform movements, modernising debates, and the interaction of Chinese thought with Western philosophy in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Language and texts: options to study Classical Chinese or modern Mandarin to support original-text work and cross-cultural interpretation.
• Comparative and interdisciplinary work: modules that relate Chinese philosophy to ethics, political theory, religion, literature and cultural studies.
• Capstone experience: a senior seminar or thesis project that emphasises original research, close textual analysis, or a comparative study supervised by departmental faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission is through Chapman University’s undergraduate admissions process. Competitive applicants typically present a strong high-school academic record with coursework in humanities and social sciences. Evidence of reading, writing, and critical thinking — shown in essays, a personal statement, and recommendations — strengthens an application.

• Secondary education completion comparable to a U.S. high-school diploma.
• Solid grades in humanities courses; demonstration of analytical writing and critical-reading ability.
• Standardised tests are considered according to the university's current admissions policy; consult admissions for the latest guidance.
• International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements via accepted tests or prior study in English.
• Prior study of Chinese language is helpful but not always required; students without language background can begin language courses in the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates with a philosophy degree specialising in Chinese philosophy and culture develop transferable skills in critical analysis, textual interpretation, cross-cultural communication and research. These skills are sought after across multiple sectors.

• Education and academia: teaching, graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies or related fields.
• Government, diplomacy and international relations: roles that benefit from cultural literacy and analytical reasoning about political and ethical systems.
• Non-governmental organisations and cultural institutions: programme development, policy analysis, public outreach and museum work focusing on Asian culture and intercultural exchange.
• Business and translation: positions in international business, consulting or translation/localisation that require cultural expertise and clear argumentation.
• Law and public policy: the rigorous argumentation and ethics training prepare graduates for legal study and policy careers.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty, enabling close mentorship for students pursuing specialised projects in Chinese philosophy. The university supports undergraduate research and provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Religious Studies, Asian Studies and Modern Languages.

• Close faculty-student interaction and opportunities for a supervised senior thesis or independent study.
• Interdisciplinary pathways that allow you to combine philosophy with language study, history, religion or politics.
• Location in Southern California provides access to a broad range of cultural organisations, internships and community partnerships focused on Asia-Pacific cultures.
• Study-abroad and exchange options enable immersive language learning and direct engagement with Chinese intellectual contexts.