University of San Diego

What you'll study

This master's combines core philosophical training with focused study of Chinese intellectual traditions. You will engage closely with primary texts in translation and, where possible, with original-language sources, and develop skills in philosophical analysis, hermeneutics and comparative thought.

• Core philosophy modules: contemporary epistemology, ethics, and historiography of philosophy to provide methodological foundations for specialised work.
• Chinese philosophical traditions: in-depth seminars on Confucian thought (classical and neo-Confucian), Daoist philosophy, and Chinese Buddhist thought, tracing historical development and key thinkers.
• Comparative and thematic courses: courses that examine topics such as virtue ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics and philosophy of mind across Chinese and Western traditions.
• Language and textual practice: Mandarin language options and courses in classical Chinese or philology to support engagement with primary sources; courses tailored for different starting levels.
• Research methods and thesis: training in academic research methods, including textual interpretation, archival work and interdisciplinary approaches, culminating in a supervised thesis or a capstone research project.
• Electives and interdisciplinary links: opportunities to take electives in East Asian history, religious studies, international relations or cultural studies through cross‑departmental collaboration.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution, preferably with substantial background in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants may also come from other humanities or social science backgrounds if they can demonstrate relevant preparation and clear research aims.

• Academic transcripts: evidence of undergraduate performance in relevant subjects.
• Statement of purpose: a concise research statement outlining interests in Chinese philosophy and proposed areas of study.
• References: two or three academic or professional references commenting on scholarly potential.
• Writing sample: a sample of academic writing in philosophy, religious studies or related fields.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English (standard tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are commonly accepted).
• Additional materials: depending on background, evidence of Mandarin or classical Chinese study may strengthen an application; GRE scores are not typically required but may be submitted if available.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with specialised knowledge of Chinese intellectual traditions and transferable skills in critical thinking, textual analysis, research and cross-cultural communication. Common career paths include:

• PhD or further academic research in philosophy, Asian studies or religious studies.
• Teaching and lecturing at secondary or post‑secondary levels, including curricula development for area studies.
• Public policy, diplomacy and international NGOs where East Asia expertise and ethical analysis are valuable.
• Cultural institutions, museums, archives and publishing, including roles in curation, interpretation and outreach.
• Translation, editing and consulting for organisations engaged with Chinese language materials or cultural exchange.
• Positions in business or tech sectors that value cultural literacy, ethical reasoning and interdisciplinary problem‑solving.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a small‑scale, research‑oriented environment with personalised supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration. The campus sits in a region with strong connections to the Pacific Rim, enabling access to public lectures, visiting scholars and community partnerships focused on Asia‑Pacific issues.

Students benefit from faculty expertise in philosophy and religious studies, language instruction resources for Mandarin and classical Chinese, and library collections that support East Asian research. The programme emphasises ethical reflection and global engagement consistent with the university’s liberal arts and Catholic intellectual tradition, while welcoming diverse scholarly perspectives.