Georgetown University

What you'll study

This programme blends the core analytic and historical methods of a Philosophy degree with specialised courses on Chinese thought, texts and cultural contexts. You will take introductory and intermediate philosophy modules (logic, ethics, epistemology, history of Western philosophy) alongside targeted courses in Chinese philosophy such as Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhist philosophy in East Asia, and modern Chinese intellectual history.

• Primary text study — close readings and translation work on classical texts (Analects, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Buddhist sutras) in English translation, with an option to work in Classical Chinese as language skills permit.
• Philosophical methods — courses in argumentation, comparative philosophy, metaphysics and ethics that train students to place Chinese ideas in conversation with global philosophical traditions.
• Language and cultural competence — progressive Modern Standard Chinese language courses, plus electives in Chinese literature, history and religion to build cultural and contextual knowledge.
• Interdisciplinary electives — options drawn from East Asian Studies, Religion, Political Science and International Relations (for example, modern Chinese political thought, religion and society in East Asia, or contemporary Chinese intellectual movements).
• Capstone and research — a senior seminar or independent research project that emphasises original comparative or textual scholarship, often supervised by faculty from Philosophy and East Asian departments.
• Experiential learning — opportunities for internships in Washington, D.C., or study-abroad semesters in Chinese-speaking regions to strengthen language proficiency and cultural immersion.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record with evidence of analytical reading and writing ability. Typical preparation includes coursework in humanities, social sciences and languages. Georgetown considers applications holistically; applicants are normally expected to submit a personal statement and academic references.

• Academic preparation — high achievement in a rigorous high-school curriculum. Background in philosophy, history, or languages is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Language preparation — prior study of Mandarin or another Chinese language is helpful for accelerated progress, though the programme accepts students with no previous Chinese and provides elementary to advanced language tuition.
• Supplementary materials — applicants typically supply a personal essay demonstrating intellectual curiosity and, where applicable, a teacher recommendation highlighting analytical and communication skills.

Career prospects

Graduates with training in Chinese philosophy and culture develop strong analytic, linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills valued across many sectors.

• Academia and research — further study in philosophy, religious studies, East Asian studies, or area studies leading to teaching and research careers.
• Government and diplomacy — roles in foreign service, policy analysis and international relations where deep cultural and intellectual understanding of China is an asset.
• International organisations and NGOs — program design, cultural liaison, and policy work that require regional expertise and ethical reasoning skills.
• Private sector — consulting, cultural advising, tech ethics, and international business positions that benefit from critical thinking and language proficiency.
• Cultural institutions and publishing — museums, archives, translation, journalism and publishing with a focus on East Asia.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers an interdisciplinary environment in which Philosophy students can combine rigorous analytic training with world-class East Asian resources. The university's location in Washington, D.C. provides exceptional access to internships, policy centres and cultural institutions that complement classroom learning.

• Interdepartmental strengths — close collaboration between the Department of Philosophy, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, and area studies centres enables bespoke course combinations and faculty supervision across disciplines.
• Regional expertise — centres and initiatives dedicated to contemporary China and East Asian studies support research, events and language immersion opportunities.
• Experiential pathways — extensive internship pipelines, study-abroad links and mentorship programmes help translate academic study into professional experience.
• Jesuit liberal arts tradition — an emphasis on critical inquiry, ethical reasoning and global citizenship shapes pedagogical priorities and student development.