Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme combines close textual study of primary sources in translation and, where students have the language preparation, in classical or modern Chinese, with contemporary interpretive and comparative approaches. Core topics typically include Confucian ethics and political thought, Daoist metaphysics and practice, Buddhist philosophy in East Asia, Neo-Confucian developments, modern Chinese intellectual history, and contemporary receptions of Chinese thought.

• Core modules: Studies in Chinese Ethical and Political Thought; Daoism: Texts and Contexts; Buddhist Philosophy and East Asian Traditions; Methods in Comparative Philosophy.
• Language and source work: Classical Chinese for Philosophers (introductory to intermediate), Modern Written Chinese for research, and directed readings of primary texts.
• Research training: Epistemology and hermeneutics for non-Western texts, historiography of Chinese philosophy, and qualitative research methods.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses in Chinese religion and ritual, Chinese art and material culture, contemporary Chinese thought, ethics and public policy, or courses from related departments such as history, religious studies, or international affairs.
• Capstone requirement: a substantial master's thesis or a research portfolio with a supervised project that demonstrates competence in primary-source interpretation and original analysis; students may also have the option of a practicum or a taught research seminar in place of a thesis depending on their career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies, history, or a closely related discipline. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests in Chinese philosophical traditions, one or two academic references, and a writing sample demonstrating analytical ability.

Applicants without prior language training in Chinese may be admitted, but will be expected to take language preparation courses. For whom English is not a first language, proof of English proficiency is required in accordance with university policy. The programme may also consider applicants with significant professional experience and demonstrable commitment to research in the field.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of careers where deep cultural and philosophical literacy is valued. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study (PhD) in philosophy, religious studies, East Asian studies, or related fields.
• Teaching at secondary or post-secondary levels, especially in programmes that emphasise global or comparative humanities.
• Work in cultural institutions, museums, libraries, and archives where knowledge of East Asian intellectual traditions supports curation, interpretation and outreach.
• Policy, diplomacy and international NGOs where understanding of Chinese intellectual history and contemporary thought informs engagement with East Asia.
• Publishing, translation, journalism, and communications roles that require specialist knowledge of Chinese culture and ideas.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount offers a small, student-centred learning environment with close faculty mentoring and small seminar-style classes suited to textual analysis and discussion. The university's location provides access to a wide range of cultural institutions, libraries and think-tanks in the broader metropolitan area, supporting archival work, internships, and public-facing projects.

The programme emphasises interdisciplinary training and practical research skills, allowing students to combine philosophical scholarship with language acquisition, historical methods and applied projects. Students benefit from opportunities for directed study, personalised supervision for thesis work, and collaboration across departments to shape a programme that meets both academic and professional goals.