California State University

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in core areas of analytic and historical philosophy while offering specialised courses on Chinese intellectual traditions and their cultural contexts. You will typically take compulsory courses in logic, epistemology, ethics, and the history of Western philosophy alongside a sequence of courses focused on Chinese thought. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Philosophy — foundational problems and methods in philosophy.
• Critical Thinking and Symbolic Logic — formal reasoning and argument analysis.
• Ethics and Political Philosophy — moral theory and social-political thought.
• History of Western Philosophy — major figures and movements from antiquity to modernity.
• Classical Chinese Philosophy — study of Confucian, Daoist and Mohist texts and contexts.
• Chinese Buddhist Philosophy — core doctrines and their philosophical implications.
• Interpretation of Chinese Texts — approaches to reading classical sources in translation and in the original language where language study is available.
• Comparative Philosophy — themes and methods for comparing Chinese and Western philosophical approaches.
• Research Methods and Senior Seminar/Capstone — supervised research project, senior thesis or integrative seminar synthesising theory and primary-source study.

Students are encouraged to take supporting courses in Chinese language, history, religious studies, Asian studies, and comparative literature to deepen cultural and linguistic competence. Opportunities for study abroad, exchange, or summer programmes in East Asia may be available through campus partnerships.

Entry requirements

Admission follows California State University undergraduate admissions criteria. Prospective students normally need to have completed the standard collegiate preparatory (A–G) course sequence in secondary school and meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements. Campuses typically consider academic performance (high school GPA and coursework), personal statements, and any required campus-specific materials. Transfer applicants should demonstrate successful completion of lower-division general education and major prerequisites where required.

International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Some campuses may have additional criteria for declared majors or competitive programmes; applicants should consult the specific campus admissions office and the department for detailed guidance.

Career prospects

The combination of philosophical training and specialised knowledge of Chinese intellectual traditions opens a broad range of career pathways. Graduates frequently pursue:

• Graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies, law, public policy or related humanities and social sciences.
• Education and academic work, including secondary teaching and curriculum development (often with additional certification).
• Public sector and non-profit roles focused on cultural affairs, international relations, community outreach and policy analysis.
• Careers in translation, interpretation, publishing, journalism and cultural programming where knowledge of Chinese language and culture is an asset.
• Private sector roles in business, technology and consulting that value analytical reasoning, ethics, and cross-cultural competence — for example in ethics boards, corporate social responsibility, user-experience research, and international partnerships.

Alumni also apply philosophical skills in law, human rights work, museum and archival services, and interdisciplinary research centres.

Why study at California State University

Studying this programme within the California State University system provides access to large, diverse campuses that combine strong undergraduate teaching with opportunities for applied learning and community engagement. Faculty often have expertise in both analytic and comparative traditions and collaborate across departments such as Asian studies, religious studies, history and language programmes, allowing students to shape an interdisciplinary pathway.

The CSU system is oriented toward affordability and access and typically offers extensive academic support, advising for transfers and career services. Many campuses maintain partnerships for study-abroad and internship placement in East Asia, and the system's location in California gives students proximity to vibrant Chinese cultural communities and professional networks for cultural organisations, public service and international business.