John Hopkins University

What you'll study

This programme pairs core philosophical methods with focused study of Chinese intellectual history and texts. You will take seminars on classical Chinese philosophy (including Confucian and Daoist thinkers), Buddhist philosophy in East Asia, and the development of Chinese moral, political and metaphysical ideas. Coursework emphasises close textual interpretation, comparative philosophy, and contemporary receptions of Chinese thought.

• Core modules: philosophical methods and historiography, comparative ethics, and seminars on major Chinese thinkers and schools.
• Textual study: reading and interpretation of primary sources in translation and, where appropriate, in Classical Chinese; training in philological techniques.
• Language options: pathway to develop modern Mandarin proficiency and/or Classical Chinese reading skills through language courses and directed study.
• Research and methods: courses in research design, textual criticism, and topics in the philosophy of religion and metaphysics as they relate to East Asian contexts.
• Electives and interdisciplinary work: opportunities to take modules in East Asian Studies, religious studies, comparative literature, history, or political theory; internships or practicum placements with cultural institutions.
• Capstone: completion of a substantial research thesis or equivalent supervised project demonstrating original engagement with Chinese philosophical material.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a strong academic record, preferably in philosophy, East Asian studies, religious studies, history, or a related humanities discipline. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining research interests in Chinese philosophy and culture, a writing sample (preferably philosophical or research‑oriented), and at least two academic references.

While prior training in Classical Chinese or modern Mandarin is beneficial, programmes commonly accept candidates without language background provided they demonstrate a clear plan to acquire language skills during the degree. Applicants for whom English is not a first language are required to provide evidence of English proficiency according to the university's standard requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a range of careers that value deep analytical skills, textual expertise and regional knowledge. Typical paths include:

• Progression to doctoral research in philosophy, East Asian studies or religious studies.
• Academic and teaching roles at secondary and tertiary levels, including language instruction and area studies.
• Research positions in think tanks, policy institutes and NGOs with an East Asia focus.
• Careers in cultural institutions, museums, libraries and archives involving curatorship, public programming or scholarly communication.
• Translation, publishing, journalism and consultancy roles where expertise in Chinese intellectual traditions is valued.
• International organisations, diplomacy and business roles that benefit from regional cultural literacy and critical thinking skills.

Why study at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins combines a strong philosophical faculty with established strengths in East Asian studies and a broad interdisciplinary environment. Students benefit from access to extensive library collections and special holdings related to Chinese studies, seminar series and research centres that foster cross‑department collaboration, and opportunities to work with scholars in history, religious studies and international studies.

The university's location and institutional links also provide pathways to practical experiences—such as internships, public lectures and collaborative projects—enhancing both academic development and professional networking. Close supervision by faculty with expertise in Chinese philosophy ensures that students receive tailored mentoring for thesis work and career planning.