Kansas Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme combines core philosophy training with focused study of Chinese intellectual traditions and cultural contexts. You will read primary texts and secondary scholarship in translation while developing skills in argumentation, textual interpretation and cultural analysis.

• Core philosophy modules: introduction to logic, ethics, epistemology, history of Western philosophy, and methods in philosophical inquiry.
• Chinese philosophy modules: Confucian thought, Daoist classics (including Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi), Buddhist philosophy as it developed in East Asia, and modern Chinese intellectual history.
• Cultural and contextual modules: courses on Chinese history, religion and society; Chinese aesthetics and classical literature; and contemporary cultural developments influencing philosophical debates.
• Language and texts: elementary and intermediate Mandarin language study is encouraged to enable direct engagement with source materials; courses in reading classical Chinese or literary translation may be offered or arranged through language faculty.
• Research and capstone: a senior seminar or capstone project requiring independent research on a topic in Chinese philosophy and culture, often supervised by a member of the philosophy faculty.
• Interdisciplinary options: students can take electives or minors in Asian studies, religious studies, history, political science or international relations to broaden contextual understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider the overall academic record, strength of the high-school curriculum, and preparation in humanities and language subjects.

• Submission of official transcripts from secondary school.
• A personal statement outlining interest in philosophy and Chinese studies, and how the programme fits academic and career goals.
• Recommendation letters are encouraged, particularly from teachers in humanities or language courses.
• Placement in language courses is determined by prior study; applicants with prior Mandarin are advised to provide documentation of coursework or proficiency.
• Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts; specific transfer credit policies are applied to philosophy and language courses.

Career prospects

Graduates develop strong analytic, communicative and cross-cultural skills valuable to a wide range of careers. Many proceed to graduate study in philosophy, Asian studies, theology, or law; others enter professions that require critical reasoning and cultural competence.

• Education and academia: secondary teaching (with certification), undergraduate research assistantships, or postgraduate study in philosophy and Asian studies.
• Public and non-profit sectors: cultural organisations, community engagement, policy roles with international or regional focus.
• Business and government: roles in international relations, public diplomacy, consulting, and organisations with Sino-foreign engagement where cultural literacy is an asset.
• Media, translation and publishing: work involving cross-cultural communication, translation of texts, editorial roles and cultural programming.
• Law and professional schools: the analytical and ethical training supports preparation for law school or other professional postgraduate training.

Why study at Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan offers a small-campus liberal arts environment with close faculty mentoring, which is well suited to the textual and discussion-based work central to philosophy. The university emphasises personalised instruction, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary combinations such as philosophy with language or history.

• Small class sizes: seminars and advanced courses allow direct interaction with faculty and sustained discussion of primary texts.
• Faculty mentorship: opportunities for independent study, faculty-supervised research and a guided senior capstone.
• Interdisciplinary pathways: easy access to complementary courses across departments to build a rounded skill set in language, history and cultural studies.
• Experiential learning: internships, community partnerships in Salina and study-abroad options can be integrated into the degree plan to gain practical experience with Chinese language and cultural contexts.
• Supportive campus community: resources for academic advising, career services and student organisations that foster discussion, cultural exchange and professional development.