Lewis University

What you'll study

The programme balances core philosophical methods and Western philosophical history with in-depth study of Chinese intellectual traditions and cultural contexts. You will study primary texts and secondary scholarship across Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist thought, and place those traditions in dialogue with Western ethical, metaphysical and epistemological problems.

• Core philosophy courses — introductory logic, ethics, epistemology and the history of Western philosophy to ground students in analytic and historical approaches.
• Chinese philosophy sequence — courses on Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), Chinese Buddhist thought, and the intellectual history of China from the pre‑imperial period to modernity.
• Classical texts and languages — study of reading strategies for classical Chinese texts and an introduction to Modern Standard Mandarin to support engagement with primary sources and contemporary scholarship.
• Comparative and thematic seminars — topics such as comparative ethics, philosophy of religion in East Asia, political thought in China, and modern Chinese intellectual movements.
• Research methods and capstone — training in research methods, historiography and a senior capstone project or thesis that synthesises philosophical analysis and cultural-historical study.
• Electives and practical options — opportunities to take related courses in Asian studies, Chinese history, religion, literature, art history, translation studies and interdisciplinary seminars; internships and community-based projects are encouraged.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate programme requires a standard Lewis University application with evidence of secondary school completion and academic readiness for university study. Typical entry considerations include high school transcripts, a personal statement, and any required recommendations.

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required through recognised tests or approved alternatives. Prior study of a foreign language is an advantage; applicants with some Mandarin or other language experience may be better prepared for the Chinese language and classical text components, though beginner-level language entry is commonly supported.

Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a record of coursework; students with credits in philosophy, humanities, or language may be able to apply those credits toward the major following departmental review.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme with strong analytical reasoning, cross-cultural literacy, close-reading skills and written and oral communication abilities — competencies valued across many fields. Common career paths include:

• Further academic study in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies, law or international relations.
• Education roles, including teaching and curriculum development in secondary and post‑secondary contexts.
• Work in diplomacy, government, or international organisations where cultural literacy and ethical reasoning are important.
• Roles in non-profit organisations, cultural institutions, museums, publishing, journalism and translation.
• Business careers that value critical thinking and intercultural communication, including consulting, human resources, and multicultural programme management.

Students also frequently pursue internships, study abroad experiences and language immersion to enhance employability inAsia-focused roles and global organisations.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a liberal arts education with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling sustained engagement with primary texts and one-to-one supervision on research projects. The philosophy faculty combine expertise in analytic and historical approaches with strengths in Asian and comparative philosophy, allowing students to study Chinese thought in both historical and contemporary intellectual contexts.

The university provides structured support for undergraduate research, internships and experiential learning, and its advising and career services help students translate philosophical skills into practical career plans. Opportunities to study language and culture through campus language programmes, exchange or short-term immersion experiences complement classroom work and prepare graduates for roles that require both philosophical rigour and cultural fluency.