Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

This programme blends the foundational skills of a philosophy degree—critical reasoning, argumentation, logic, and ethical theory—with focused coursework on Chinese intellectual history and culture. You will take core philosophy modules alongside China-centred classes and language instruction, enabling you to read primary texts and situate philosophical ideas in their historical and social contexts.

• Core philosophy modules: introductions to logic and critical thinking, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and a senior seminar or capstone project developing research skills and philosophical writing.
• Chinese philosophy and culture modules: surveys of Confucianism, Daoism (Taoism), and Chinese Buddhism; courses on classical Chinese thought; contemporary Chinese philosophy; and topics courses such as political thought in China and sinicised Buddhist philosophy.
• Language training: progressive Chinese language sequence (beginner to intermediate/advanced depending on placement), with emphasis on reading classical and modern Chinese texts as students advance.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives from history, religious studies, East Asian studies, political science and literature to deepen historical and cultural understanding of China.
• Research and experiential learning: opportunities for independent study, a senior thesis or capstone, study abroad in China or other East Asian locations, and internships that emphasise cross-cultural engagement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with a record demonstrating readiness for university study. Admissions typically consider overall academic achievement and the strength of the applicant's coursework.

• Academic preparation: strong performance in humanities and social science subjects is helpful; prior study of a language is an advantage but not usually required.
• Typical standards: successful applicants usually present a competitive GPA and supporting materials as required by Northern Arizona University undergraduate admissions policies.
• English language proficiency: international applicants whose first language is not English must meet NAU's English-language requirements (for example, via recognised tests or completion of approved English-language programmes).
• Placement and prerequisites: incoming students may take a language placement test to determine the appropriate level of Chinese study; introductory philosophy modules do not usually require prior undergraduate study in philosophy.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with strong analytical skills, cross-cultural literacy, and language competence that are attractive to employers across sectors. The combination of philosophy and Chinese studies opens a broad range of careers.

• Education and academia: secondary teaching (with appropriate certification), graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, Asian studies, or comparative literature.
• Government and diplomacy: roles in foreign service, policy analysis, cultural affairs and international development where understanding of China and critical thinking are assets.
• Business and consulting: positions in multinational firms, market research, cultural consultancy and corporate roles that value language skills and cross-cultural negotiation.
• Media, translation and communication: journalism, publishing, translation, and roles in NGOs focused on East Asia or transnational issues.
• Law and public policy: preparation for legal study or careers in public policy where argumentation, ethics and cultural competence are important.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a liberal-arts oriented environment with relatively small class sizes that encourage close interaction with instructors and peers. The university supports interdisciplinary study, allowing philosophy majors to work with language and area studies departments to construct a programme tailored to Chinese philosophy and culture.

• Language and regional study resources: access to Chinese language courses and the ability to integrate electives from East Asian studies, history and religious studies.
• Experiential opportunities: study abroad programmes and internships facilitated by NAU's global education and career services to gain real-world experience in cultural and linguistic contexts.
• Research and library support: faculty-mentored research, capstone supervision and resources from NAU's libraries for primary source study in translation and, where available, classical language materials.
• Campus community: a supportive undergraduate community with advising, writing centres and student organisations that enhance philosophical discussion and intercultural engagement.