Brandeis University

What you'll study

This programme blends core courses in analytic philosophy with specialised courses on Chinese thought and culture. You will take foundational philosophy modules such as logic, epistemology, ethics and philosophy of mind alongside courses on Classical Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Daoism, Chinese Buddhist philosophy and modern Chinese intellectual history.

• Core philosophy courses: introductory logic, epistemology, ethics, and seminars in philosophical methods and argumentation.
• Chinese philosophy modules: readings in the Analects, Mencius, Daoist texts (e.g. Dao De Jing, Zhuangzi), Buddhist philosophical texts and commentarial traditions, and modern Chinese philosophical movements.
• Language and area studies: progressive Mandarin language training from elementary to advanced levels, courses in classical Chinese (wenyan), Chinese literature, and modern Chinese history and society.
• Comparative and topical seminars: comparative ethics (Confucianism and Western virtue ethics), philosophy of religion in East Asia, environmental thought in Daoist and contemporary contexts, and translation theory.
• Capstone experience: senior seminar or honours thesis that integrates philosophical analysis with primary-text work in Chinese; opportunities for directed research under faculty supervision.

Students are encouraged to combine the concentration with other majors or minors such as East Asian Studies, Politics, Cognitive & Brain Sciences, or Linguistics. Brandeis supports study-abroad and exchange programmes in East Asia, as well as research internships in the Boston area and beyond.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate a strong secondary-school academic record with particular strength in humanities and social sciences. Successful candidates typically show evidence of disciplined analytical writing and close reading; coursework in history, literature, or a foreign language is helpful. Brandeis considers the whole application package, including recommendations and personal statements.

• Language and preparation: prior study of Mandarin or Chinese is an advantage but not always required; students with no language background can begin Mandarin at the university level.
• International applicants: must meet Brandeis's general requirements for international admission and provide proof of English proficiency when applicable.
• Advancement: placement testing may be used to determine the appropriate starting level in Mandarin or classical Chinese.

Career prospects

Graduates develop strong analytical, interpretive and language skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers. Typical career paths include:

• Academic and research careers in philosophy, East Asian studies, or related humanities subjects (often following graduate study).
• Translation, interpreting, publishing and cultural institutions that need expertise in Chinese language and texts.
• Government, public policy, diplomacy and international organisations focused on East Asia.
• Education and teaching at secondary and tertiary levels—many graduates pursue teacher certification or further study.
• Private sector roles in consulting, international business, technology firms and non-profit organisations where cross-cultural communication and critical thinking are valued.

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers a small, discussion-oriented learning environment within a research university context, allowing close faculty mentorship and opportunities for independent research. The university has a strong tradition in both philosophy and East Asian Studies, with faculty who work on Chinese intellectual history, comparative philosophy and language instruction.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, access to the Boston–Cambridge academic and cultural ecosystem, and support for study abroad and internships in East Asia. The programme’s emphasis on primary-text engagement in Chinese alongside rigorous analytic training prepares graduates for both scholarly work and careers that require nuanced cross-cultural understanding.