Kutztown University

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in analytic philosophy—logic, ethics, epistemology and the history of Western philosophy—while offering a sequence of specialised courses on Chinese philosophy and culture. You will study classical figures and texts alongside contemporary interpretations and cultural practices to develop comparative and critical perspectives.

• Core philosophy: introductory logic, critical thinking, ethics, ancient and modern Western philosophy, philosophy of mind, and methods of philosophical research.
• Chinese philosophy and culture: courses that examine Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), Chinese Buddhist thought, classical Chinese texts and their translations, and the development of Chinese intellectual history.
• Language and area studies: opportunities to study Mandarin Chinese or take courses in Chinese literature, history and culture through language or area-studies electives to support textual work and cultural understanding.
• Interdisciplinary electives: courses in religious studies, Asian studies, comparative philosophy, political thought, and anthropology to situate philosophical ideas in broader social and historical contexts.
• Capstone and research: a senior seminar, independent research project or honours thesis in which students investigate a topic in Chinese philosophy or a comparative question under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Entry is to the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with the option to focus on Chinese Philosophy and Culture. Typical requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a satisfactory academic record; successful applicants normally demonstrate strength in humanities or social sciences.
• Sufficient placement or test scores as required by the university for general admission; specific departmental recommendations may include prior coursework in English, history or philosophy.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency in line with university policy; additional language study in Mandarin is encouraged but not mandatory for admission to the programme.
• Applicants to honours pathways or independent research projects may be expected to meet higher GPA thresholds or provide a writing sample and faculty references.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong critical thinking, interpretive and communication skills valued across many sectors. Career paths commonly pursued include:

• Further academic study (MA or PhD) in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies or related disciplines.
• Teaching and education at various levels, often combined with additional certification.
• Public service, diplomacy and international relations roles where intercultural competency and analytic skills are assets.
• Non-profit and cultural organisations focusing on community engagement, cultural exchange and heritage work.
• Business, consulting and human-resources roles that prize ethical reasoning, negotiation and cross-cultural communication.
• Translation, publishing, journalism and research support roles that work with Chinese texts and cultural materials.

Why study at Kutztown University

Kutztown University offers a liberal-arts environment with personalised attention and small-class teaching in the humanities. Philosophy students benefit from close faculty mentorship, a department curriculum that emphasises both analytic rigour and historical breadth, and opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary study with language and area-studies programmes.

• Accessible faculty who supervise independent research and capstone projects, enabling deeper work in Chinese philosophical topics.
• Interdisciplinary links with World Languages & Cultures, History and Religious Studies to support language acquisition and contextual learning.
• Opportunities for experiential learning, including study abroad exchanges and internships, which can reinforce language skills and cultural understanding.
• Supportive campus resources such as writing and research centres that help students develop the textual and argumentative skills central to philosophical study.