University of Memphis

What you'll study

The programme blends the standard curriculum of a liberal-arts philosophy degree with focused coursework on Chinese thought, history and cultural practices. You will build a foundation in philosophical methods—critical reasoning, formal and informal logic, ethics and interpretive skills—while taking targeted classes on Chinese philosophical schools and related cultural material.

• Core philosophy modules: Introduction to Philosophy, Critical Thinking and Logic, Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, Ancient and Modern Western Philosophy.
• Chinese philosophy and culture modules: Classical Chinese Thought (Confucianism and Daoism), Chinese Buddhist Thought, Modern Chinese Intellectual History, Comparative Philosophy (Chinese and Western traditions).
• Language and area studies: Elementary and intermediate Chinese language courses to develop reading comprehension and contextual understanding of primary texts; courses in Chinese literature, history, or religion are often available as electives or cross‑listed options.
• Research and capstone: Upper‑level seminars on topics such as Chinese moral philosophy, political philosophy in East Asia, and a senior capstone project or honours thesis supervised by faculty.
• Electives and experiential learning: Opportunities to take electives in related departments (Asian studies, religious studies, history), participate in study abroad or language immersion programmes, and pursue internships with cultural organisations, museums, or community groups in the Memphis region.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Memphis undergraduate programme typically requires a completed secondary school credential or equivalent. Applicants are assessed on overall academic preparation and strength of writing.

• Secondary school completion or equivalent credential.
• Competitive academic record with preparation in humanities and writing-intensive courses preferred.
• A personal statement or essay that discusses intellectual interests and reasons for studying philosophy and Chinese culture.
• Letters of recommendation are helpful for applicants seeking honours or special research placements.
• Placement testing in English composition is commonly required; demonstrated language aptitude or prior study in Chinese is an advantage but not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Philosophy concentrating on Chinese Philosophy and Culture are prepared for a wide range of career paths that value analytic skills, intercultural competence and clear communication.

• Further study: Many students progress to graduate study in philosophy, Asian studies, religious studies, linguistics, law schools, or international relations programmes.
• Education and academia: Teaching, educational outreach, museum education and curriculum development with a regional or cultural focus.
• Public and private sectors: Roles in public policy, diplomacy, non‑profit organisations, cultural institutions, or international business where understanding of East Asian cultural frameworks is valuable.
• Communication and analysis: Careers in publishing, journalism, research, consulting, and technology ethics that draw on strong analytical writing and ethical reasoning skills.
• Translation and cultural mediation: Work in translation, interpretation, cultural programming and community engagement, especially for those who continue language study.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a liberal arts environment with small‑group seminars and access to interdisciplinary resources across humanities departments. The campus provides opportunities to combine philosophy with language training and regional studies, and its location in a culturally active city gives students practical avenues for internships and community partnerships.

• Dedicated philosophy faculty who teach core analytic skills alongside courses in non‑Western and comparative philosophy.
• Cross‑department collaboration with language and area studies, religious studies and history for a well‑rounded understanding of Chinese intellectual traditions.
• Access to study abroad and immersion options that support language acquisition and first‑hand engagement with Chinese cultural contexts.
• Support services for undergraduate research, advising for career pathways, and connections to local cultural institutions that enhance applied learning.