Emory University

What you'll study

• Core philosophy: introductory modules in logic, epistemology, ethics, metaphysics and philosophy of mind to build analytical skills and critical reading.
• History of philosophy: courses on ancient Greek and modern western philosophy to situate comparative work.
• Chinese philosophical traditions: seminars and lectures on Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), Chinese Buddhist thought, Neo-Confucianism and modern Chinese philosophy.
• Classical and modern texts: close study of canonical works such as the Analects, Mencius, Dao De Jing and major Buddhist sutras alongside twentieth- and twenty-first-century Chinese political and ethical writings.
• Language and philology: elementary and intermediate modern Chinese language courses and options in classical Chinese to support primary-text research.
• Comparative and contemporary topics: comparative ethics, philosophy of religion, political theory, and contemporary debates about personhood, agency and social order across cultures.
• Research and capstone: senior seminar or honours thesis supervised by faculty, with opportunities for independent study and archival or field research.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school diploma and demonstrate strong academic achievement, particularly in humanities and social-science subjects. Admissions typically review a personal statement that explains intellectual interests and motivation for studying philosophy and Chinese culture, along with one or more academic references. Emory operates a holistic admissions process; prospective students are encouraged to check the university's official undergraduate admissions guidance for current policies on standardised tests and supporting materials.

Career prospects

• Further study in philosophy, Asian studies or related humanities disciplines leading to academic careers.
• Law, public policy and government roles that value analytical reasoning and ethical reflection.
• International relations, diplomacy and cultural institutions where knowledge of Chinese intellectual history and language is an advantage.
• Journalism, publishing, non-profit and advocacy work requiring strong writing and interpretive skills.
• Business and consulting positions that prize critical thinking, cross-cultural competence and clear communication.

Why study at Emory University

Emory situates philosophy within a broad liberal-arts curriculum and supports cross-department collaboration with East Asian Languages and Cultures, Religious Studies and History. Students benefit from small seminars, opportunities for close faculty mentoring, and resources for undergraduate research and independent study. Emory’s Atlanta location and study-abroad partnerships also offer routes to language immersion and regional fieldwork, while institutional support helps students combine philosophical training with language proficiency, archival work and experiential learning in Chinese cultural contexts.