Georgetown University

What you'll study

The programme blends core graduate-level philosophy topics with specialised modules on Chinese philosophy and culture. Core work typically covers epistemology, ethics, metaphysics and approaches to philosophical argumentation, while specialised courses examine classical Confucian texts, Daoist writings, Chinese Buddhist thought, and the historical development of Chinese intellectual traditions.

• Classical Chinese thought: close reading and interpretation of primary texts (for example, selections from the Analects, Mencius, Dao De Jing, and key Buddhist sutras).
• Chinese intellectual history: the social, political and cultural contexts that shaped philosophical movements across imperial and modern China.
• Comparative philosophy: methods and case studies comparing Chinese and Western philosophical themes such as virtue, personhood, political authority and metaphysics.
• Contemporary Chinese philosophy and modernity: reformulations of traditional ideas in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
• Philosophical methods and hermeneutics: analytical and continental approaches as applied to non-Western texts.
• Language and research skills: optional or recommended Chinese language study and training in research methodologies, including textual exegesis and archival work.
• Capstone component: substantial research thesis or a comprehensive examination, demonstrating original engagement with primary materials and secondary literature.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong undergraduate degree in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies, history or a closely related discipline. Admissions assessors look for evidence of academic writing ability, preparedness for independent research, and a clear statement of purpose explaining research interests in Chinese philosophy and culture.

• Academic transcript showing a good honours degree or equivalent from a recognised institution.
• Two or three academic references from lecturers who can speak to your research potential and subject preparation.
• A statement of purpose outlining your interests in Chinese philosophy and proposed areas of study within the programme.
• A writing sample (such as a final-year essay or equivalent) demonstrating analytical and interpretive skills.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and minimum scores are set by the university).
• Prior coursework in philosophy or relevant humanities subjects is highly recommended; some familiarity with Chinese language or primary texts is advantageous but not always required.

Career prospects

Graduates build careers across academia, education, public policy, cultural institutions and the private sector. The programme’s combination of textual scholarship, critical thinking and cross-cultural competence is valued in roles that require deep interpretive skills and contextual knowledge of East Asia.

• Further research: progression to doctoral study in philosophy, religious studies or Asian studies.
• Teaching and academia: secondary or higher education roles focused on philosophy, humanities or Asian studies.
• Policy and diplomacy: positions in government, think tanks and international organisations dealing with China-related policy and cultural affairs.
• Cultural institutions and museums: research, curation and public programming centred on East Asian collections and exhibitions.
• Publishing, translation and media: editing, translation or editorial roles that require specialist knowledge of Chinese intellectual traditions.
• International business and consulting: cultural analysis and advisory roles where understanding of Chinese intellectual and cultural frameworks is an asset.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers this programme within a research-rich environment where the Department of Philosophy works closely with the university’s Asian studies resources. Located in Washington, DC, the university provides access to major libraries, archives and cultural institutions, as well as internship and networking opportunities within government, NGOs and think tanks focused on East Asia.

Students benefit from faculty expertise in both comparative philosophy and Chinese intellectual history, interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, and curricular flexibility to pursue language training alongside advanced philosophical study. The programme’s combination of methodological rigour and contextual breadth prepares graduates for research and public-facing careers that engage seriously with Chinese philosophical traditions and contemporary cultural issues.