Ohio Wesleyan University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary major integrates core philosophy training with courses on Chinese thought, language, literature and culture. Students build a foundation in analytic and historical philosophy while engaging primary texts and cultural contexts from classical and modern China.

• Core philosophy modules: logic and critical thinking, ethics, history of philosophy, epistemology and philosophy of mind to develop analytical skills and argumentation.
• Chinese philosophy modules: Introduction to Chinese Philosophy; Classical Confucianism; Daoist Thought; Buddhist Philosophy in East Asia; Modern Chinese Intellectual History.
• Language and culture: Elementary and Intermediate Mandarin Chinese, contemporary Chinese society and culture, Chinese literature in translation, and courses in Chinese art or film where available.
• Comparative and research work: Comparative Philosophy (East–West), Research Methods in Philosophy, senior seminar and a capstone project or thesis focusing on a topic such as Confucian ethics, Daoist metaphysics, or reception of Chinese ideas in the modern world.
• Experiential learning: Independent study options, internships with cultural organisations, and credit-bearing study-abroad programmes in China, Taiwan or relevant East Asian sites to develop language fluency and cultural competence.

Entry requirements

Admission is through Ohio Wesleyan University’s undergraduate application process. Typical applicants present a strong secondary school record with coursework in humanities and languages, a personal statement demonstrating intellectual curiosity, and one or more academic recommendations. Standardised tests may be considered according to the university’s current testing policy.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or other evidence of academic preparation in English. Incoming students are expected to be prepared to start language study; those with prior Mandarin experience may be placed into higher-level courses following placement testing.

Career prospects

Graduates with a background in philosophy and Chinese philosophy and culture are well placed for a range of careers that value critical thinking, cross-cultural literacy and strong written communication. Common pathways include:

• Graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, East Asian studies, international relations or law.
• Teaching and education, including language instruction and curriculum development.
• Public service, diplomacy and policy roles that require cultural competence and ethical analysis.
• International business, cultural exchange organisations, NGOs and think tanks where language skills and regional knowledge are assets.
• Translation, publishing, journalism and cultural heritage work involving East Asian material.

Why study at Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan’s liberal arts environment offers small seminars, close mentoring from faculty with expertise in philosophy and Asian studies, and opportunities for undergraduate research and independent projects. The university supports experiential learning through study-abroad partnerships, internships and funded research grants, enabling students to deepen language proficiency and gain direct exposure to Chinese cultural contexts. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that combines rigorous philosophical training with area studies resources and personalised academic advising, preparing them for advanced study or careers across public, cultural and international sectors.