Benedictine University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in core philosophical skills — critical reading, argumentation, logic and ethical theory — and then applies those skills to Chinese philosophical and cultural traditions. Core philosophy modules typically include Introduction to Philosophy, Formal Logic, Ethics, Epistemology and History of Western Philosophy, while concentration modules focus on Chinese thought and context.

• Chinese Philosophy: close study of primary texts and themes in Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhist philosophy, including classical and later developments.
• Comparative Philosophy: comparative methods for juxtaposing Chinese and Western traditions on topics such as moral theory, metaphysics and political philosophy.
• Classical Texts and Translation: guided reading of selected classical Chinese texts in translation, with opportunities to study the languages involved.
• Philosophy of Religion and Ethics: exploring Buddhist metaphysics, Confucian moral reasoning and contemporary ethical issues in East Asian contexts.
• Research Methods and Senior Seminar/Capstone: a supervised research project or seminar that requires independent research and an extended essay or presentation.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: courses from Asian studies, history, religious studies, political science or language courses (including modern Chinese), to provide cultural and historical background.

Entry requirements

Benedictine University seeks applicants who demonstrate academic readiness and an interest in humanities scholarship. Typical undergraduate entry expectations include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong record in humanities and social sciences subjects.
• A competitive high-school GPA; specific thresholds are published by the admissions office.
• Academic transcripts from previous study.
• A personal statement or essay describing motivation for studying philosophy and interest in Chinese intellectual traditions.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counsellors may strengthen an application.
• Standardised test scores may be optional; consult the university admissions guidance for current testing policies.

Career prospects

A degree in Philosophy with a focus on Chinese Philosophy and Culture equips graduates with transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, writing and cross-cultural interpretation. Common career paths include:

• Further study in philosophy, Asian studies, theology, law or international relations.
• Roles in education, including secondary teaching (with appropriate certification) and academic support positions.
• Public sector and non-governmental organisations working on international development, cultural exchange or policy analysis.
• Positions in museums, cultural institutions, publishing, translation and media where knowledge of East Asian cultures is an asset.
• Business and consultancy roles that value analytical skills and intercultural competence, especially in organisations engaging with East Asia.

Why study at Benedictine University

Benedictine University offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, enabling personalised supervision of philosophical research and language study. The university’s Benedictine educational tradition emphasises ethical reflection and service, which complements the study of moral and social dimensions of Chinese thought.

Students can take advantage of interdisciplinary opportunities across humanities and social sciences, access undergraduate research supervision, and pursue language study and study-abroad options to deepen cultural and linguistic competence. The programme is suited to students who want rigorous philosophical training combined with specialised regional expertise.