Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme centres on the philosophical texts, methods and cultural contexts that have shaped Chinese intellectual life from antiquity to the present. Core study areas include Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist thought in China, the history of Chinese political and moral theory, and modern Chinese philosophical responses to Western ideas.

• Primary texts and traditions: close reading and interpretive study of canonical works such as the Analects, Mencius, Daodejing, Zhuangzi, and major Chinese Buddhist writings.
• Comparative and contemporary philosophy: courses that place Chinese thought in dialogue with Western philosophical themes (ethics, metaphysics, political theory) and examine modern Chinese intellectual movements.
• Language and philology: training in classical Chinese (reading and translation) and options to take modern Mandarin language courses to support textual research and primary-source engagement.
• Methodology and research skills: seminars on hermeneutics, textual criticism, and research methods in history of philosophy and area studies.
• Capstone options: students may pursue a research thesis under faculty supervision or complete an extended capstone project and/or comprehensive examination, depending on the chosen track.

Seminars emphasise small-group discussion, original research, and presentation skills. Electives and interdisciplinary courses may be taken in Asian Studies, Religious Studies, Comparative Literature, and Political Science to broaden historical and cultural perspectives.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree: a recognised bachelor's degree in philosophy, Asian studies, humanities or a related discipline. Applicants with strong academic records in other fields who demonstrate clear commitment to Chinese philosophy may also be considered.
• Academic record: official transcripts showing satisfactory undergraduate performance in relevant coursework.
• Supporting documents: a statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals in Chinese philosophy, a writing sample (such as an academic essay), and letters of recommendation from academic referees.
• Language preparedness: while prior knowledge of classical Chinese is helpful, the programme accepts students without it and provides language training; applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised testing or institutional exemptions.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be invited for an interview. Admissions committees may consider prior research experience, publication record, or professional experience relevant to the proposed field of study.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme equipped for a range of careers that value deep analytical skills, cross-cultural literacy and expertise in East Asian thought. Typical paths include:

• Further academic study (PhD programmes in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies or related fields)
• Teaching at secondary or post‑secondary levels, including positions in language and humanities departments
• Translation, editorial and publishing roles focused on classical and modern Chinese texts
• Policy, cultural liaison and international affairs roles in government, NGOs and cultural organisations
• Museum, library and archival work that involves curation, research, or outreach on East Asian collections
• Consultancy and corporate roles requiring intercultural expertise, ethics advising or regional knowledge of Greater China

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers this specialisation within a department committed to both rigorous philosophical training and interdisciplinary engagement. Students benefit from faculty with active research portfolios in Chinese philosophy, opportunities for close mentorship, and a curriculum that combines language instruction with textual and theoretical analysis.

The university supports graduate research through library and archival resources suited to humanities scholarship, collaborative links with area studies programmes, and a campus environment that emphasises small seminars and direct faculty-student interaction. Students can also draw on partnerships and regional networks to pursue internships, public humanities projects, and community outreach related to East Asian culture and education.