Augustana University

What you'll study

The degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a programme pathway that foregrounds Chinese philosophical and cultural traditions. Core philosophy modules develop analytic skills and familiarity with Western philosophical methods (e.g. critical thinking, logic, ethics, epistemology and history of philosophy). Specialist modules examine Chinese thought across historical periods and genres, such as Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Buddhist philosophy in East Asia, and the intellectual developments of imperial and modern China.

• Core philosophy: Introduction to Philosophy, Logic and Critical Reasoning, Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, and Contemporary Moral Problems.
• Chinese philosophy and culture: Classical Confucian Texts, Daoist Thought, Buddhism in East Asia, Modern Chinese Intellectual History, and Comparative Philosophy (East-West).
• Language and area studies: Mandarin Chinese language sequence, Chinese literature in translation, and cultural studies classes that may be offered through modern languages or international studies departments.
• Research and methods: Seminar-style honours or capstone project, research methods in humanities, and opportunities for independent reading courses or faculty-supervised research on a topic in Chinese philosophy.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: Courses in religious studies, history, political thought, Asian art and film, and study-abroad or exchange programmes in Chinese-speaking regions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet the university's general undergraduate admission standards: a completed secondary school qualification (or equivalent), academic transcripts, and any other documentation required by the admissions office. Typical successful applicants demonstrate a record of strong coursework, especially in humanities and writing, and an ability to engage critically with texts.

Additional considerations for this pathway may include a brief personal statement outlining interest in Chinese philosophy/culture and, where available, letters of recommendation that speak to academic potential. International applicants must meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements; prior study of Mandarin or other East Asian languages is beneficial but not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates combine rigorous philosophical training with regional and cultural expertise, equipping them for a range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Further study: graduate work in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies, law, or international relations.
• Education and research: secondary teaching, museum and cultural heritage work, archives, or academic research and publishing.
• Public and private sectors: policy analysis, non-profit and international development roles, public diplomacy and cultural exchange organisations.
• Business and communications: consulting, human resources, corporate ethics, translation and localisation, and roles requiring strong critical thinking and cross-cultural communication.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana is a small liberal-arts university that emphasises close faculty mentorship, small seminar-style classes and an interdisciplinary approach—advantages for students exploring a specialised field like Chinese philosophy within a broader humanities education. Students benefit from one-on-one advising for capstone projects, opportunities for study abroad or exchanges that deepen language and cultural competence, and the ability to combine philosophy with language study, religious studies or history.

The campus environment supports experiential learning—students can pursue independent research, present at undergraduate conferences, and access career services aimed at translating liberal-arts skills into professional pathways. For those seeking an intellectually rigorous but personalised undergraduate experience in Chinese philosophical traditions and culture, Augustana offers a programme structure that balances core philosophical training with regional study and language acquisition.