What do you think of Bob Jones University?

[Michelle My Bell]

Is BJU a good school? What is its reputation in the secular world? Has your child ever taken online classes from BJU either while in high school or after graduating?

[mamakimberly]

I would really not want my daughters to attend there. If they chose to, I would love them and support them, but I do not believe it is an institution I want to be a part of.

 

I'm a Christian, but I don't support their agenda.

 

ETA: In thinking more, I don't know that I would even financially support my children if they attended there. It would be a really hard thing for me to even consider doing. Ugh.

 

Hopefully I have raised them in such a way that they wouldn't even consider the school.

Edited April 6, 2012 by mamakimberly

[mommaduck]

Given the many issues with the school, what I have heard from people that have gone to school there and worked for the school, and their views, no, I would not encourage my children to ever go there (and this is aside from the fact that we don't believe the same irt faith).

[Mergath]

As far as its reputation in the secular world, any school that banned interracial dating until the year 2000 and discriminates so actively against the LGBT community is going to be considered a joke, regardless of academics.

[ChocolateReignRemix]

I would not be associated with them in any way, shape, or form.

[5knights3maidens]

Well, my ds and his then girlfriend/now wife went there. They had an excellent education. She got hired as a teacher at a non denominational school and he got hired at a bank as soon as they graduated. But, ds says he doesn't want his children to go there. ;)

[Chris in VA]

I have a hard time with them especially because of the interracial dating ban that took so long to revoke.

[Wabi Sabi]

As a secular homeschooler the first thing that comes to mind is bigotry. It's safe to say that my worldview is pretty much the complete opposite of everything they represent. I wouldn't give them a dime of my money or support.

[Audrey]

As far as its reputation in the secular world, any school that banned interracial dating until the year 2000 and discriminates so actively against the LGBT community is going to be considered a joke, regardless of academics.

 

 

This.

 

And, even if you are not secular, you may be very put off by the decidedly intolerant agenda of the school/organization that is BJU. They are vociferously anti-Catholic.

 

On an academic level, they are not taken seriously either. BJU students will have a very hard time pursuing graduate studies at reputable institutions, as their undergraduate degrees will likely be dismissed, if not outright scoffed.

[Mimm]

In addition for various intolerance issues pointed out, aren't they also not accredited? I read that somewhere and I don't know if it's true.

[LibraryLover]

I've always thought they should have, at the very least, called themselves Robert Jones University. ;)

Edited April 6, 2012 by LibraryLover

[momma2three]

Its reputation in the secular world is... well, not good.

 

I would personally not be associated with them, and I would make certain assumptions about people who are. There are many colleges in the world, and if someone picks that one to affiliate themselves with, I would have to assume that they are doing so because they support their specific policies.

[Dustybug]

I don't really know anything about them personally, except what I've heard people say on this board, but several members of my church graduated from there as well as several of the employees of the school attached to our church. There are also several of our youth currently attending.

[momma2three]

As far as its reputation in the secular world, any school that banned interracial dating until the year 2000 and discriminates so actively against the LGBT community is going to be considered a joke, regardless of academics.

 

:iagree:

 

I usually hear about it from someone making a joke. Unfortunately, that joke is also usually about homeschooling and being said by someone who doesn't know that I homeschool... but that's a different issue.

 

And academically, well, no. Not taken seriously in the secular world.

[KirstenH]

I say this not as a secular person, but as a Christian (Catholic): A degree from BJU might open doors in the hardcore fundamentalist Christian world, but it will likely be a liability elsewhere ... something to be explained away.

[Spy Car]

In the secular world the reputation of Bob Jones University could not be much worse. It is seen as a center of racism and bigotry. The lifting off the ban on inter-racial marriage happened only when the school faced massive political pressure. And the vitriolic anti-Catholicism continues unabated.

 

I think a degree from BJU would be viewed very negatively in the secular world.

 

Bill

Edited April 6, 2012 by Spy Car

[Whereneverever]

I don't think it's viewed well. At all.

[kitten18]

I say this not as a secular person, but as a Christian (Catholic): A degree from BJU might open doors in the hardcore fundamentalist Christian world, but it will likely be a liability elsewhere ... something to be explained away.

:iagree:

[Danestress]

I think when people hear "Bob Jones" they think "racism." Even though the University has apologized for that position, I think that is what people think.

 

I don't want people to immediately think "racism" when they see my degree. So I would not attend and wouldn't want my children to attend. A University degree is a huge investment, and I wouldn't want to carry around that bias.

[Lady Florida.]

As far as its reputation in the secular world, any school that banned interracial dating until the year 2000 and discriminates so actively against the LGBT community is going to be considered a joke, regardless of academics.

 

 

:iagree:

[AimeeM]

I'm Catholic.

'Nuff said :D

[AimeeM]

This.

 

And, even if you are not secular, you may be very put off by the decidedly intolerant agenda of the school/organization that is BJU. They are vociferously anti-Catholic.

 

On an academic level, they are not taken seriously either. BJU students will have a very hard time pursuing graduate studies at reputable institutions, as their undergraduate degrees will likely be dismissed, if not outright scoffed.

I'm Catholic. I can't stand the institution.

With that said, I disagree that they aren't taken seriously academically. I live directly across from the university (and elementary/high school) and they are taken very seriously at grad schools in the area. Frankly, as much as I might dislike it, most of my doctors and a many teachers in the area are BJU grads; as well as my dentist, my perio specialist, and my husband's dentist. Lol.

[NASDAQ]

They are unaccredited. That means that you will need to approach it with extreme caution, as a degree from BJU (or Pensacola Christian College or, I think, Hyles Anderson) will not transfer easily to other schools.

 

That said, there are situations in which a BJU degree would be idea. If you want to pastor a church within that framework, or teach at a Christian school of the BJ/Abeka type, that would be fine.

 

For a student who intends to use his degree outside of the evangelical Christian community, I think it's better to go to an accredited Christian university. Liberty College to mind.

[NASDAQ]

I live directly across from the university (and elementary/high school) and they are taken very seriously at grad schools in the area. Frankly, as much as I might dislike it, most of my doctors and a many teachers in the area are BJU grads; as well as my dentist, my perio specialist, and my husband's dentist.

 

This isn't uncommon with unaccredited schools. People who live in the area are familiar with the school and the education it offers. It's harder to transfer the degree to people who aren't as familiar with the school.

[AimeeM]

This isn't uncommon with unaccredited schools. People who live in the area are familiar with the school and the education it offers. It's harder to transfer the degree to people who aren't as familiar with the school.

I understand; but I also have to disagree with previous posters saying that the school being unaccredited makes it difficult to pursue any worth while career or graduate school.

With that said, I will agree with you - I have only ever met professionals with BJU as their undergrad HERE. I have never met someone from outside my area working as a professional with a degree from BJU.

[DawnM]

I know people who have gone there. I know people who have been kicked out of there!

 

It isn't only in the Catholic direction that their venom flies.....anyone who is "too liberal" which is just about EVERYONE else, is vilified. Southern Baptists, Methodists, you name it. And Billy Graham? Well, he is just about the anti-Christ with his heathen ways! :glare:

 

The Independent Fundamental Baptists scare the helck out of me, and not in a good way.

[*Lulu*]

My opinion of BJU was formed over the four year period I attended a university nearby.

 

They have a lovely campus filled with lovely students who are being well educated in addition to being well indoctrinated. If I had cancer and BJU was the only place with the cure I would have to seriously evaluate if the cure was worth it. They have not received one penny from our family and I do not see that ever changing. Don't feel bad for them though, they wouldn't want my money anyway since I am not thier sort of christian.

Edited April 6, 2012 by BLA5

[*Lulu*]

I know people who have gone there. I know people who have been kicked out of there!

 

It isn't only in the Catholic direction that their venom flies.....anyone who is "too liberal" which is just about EVERYONE else, is vilified. Southern Baptists, Methodists, you name it. And Billy Graham? Well, he is just about the anti-Christ with his heathen ways! :glare:

 

The Independent Fundamental Baptists scare the helck out of me, and not in a good way.

 

:iagree: with all of the above. (and I think it is funny that we both know some of those *cast out*.

[Michelle My Bell]

I say this not as a secular person, but as a Christian (Catholic): A degree from BJU might open doors in the hardcore fundamentalist Christian world, but it will likely be a liability elsewhere ... something to be explained away.

 

I am a christian, but this is what I was concerned about. I would love to find a christian college that had a good reputation with not only christians but with the secular world as well. I had no idea BJU had/has so many issues. Thanks everyone!

[QueenCat]

It actually is accredited as of 2006, according to the Department of Education.

 

Not regionally.... which has significance to many employers, grad schools, etc.

[Dustybug]

I know people who have gone there. I know people who have been kicked out of there!

 

It isn't only in the Catholic direction that their venom flies.....anyone who is "too liberal" which is just about EVERYONE else, is vilified. Southern Baptists, Methodists, you name it. And Billy Graham? Well, he is just about the anti-Christ with his heathen ways! :glare:

 

The Independent Fundamental Baptists scare the helck out of me, and not in a good way.

 

Just so you know, not all Independent Baptists are that far out there/intolerant. :)

[momma2three]

I am a christian, but this is what I was concerned about. I would love to find a christian college that had a good reputation with not only christians but with the secular world as well. I had no idea BJU had/has so many issues. Thanks everyone!

 

I'm not sure most Christian colleges have much name recognition in the secular world. With the exception of in the local area, where the students and graduates are known. BJU is an exception, because the publicity about them is just that bad. Someone above mentioned Liberty, and that would be another exception. Again, because of scandal: but definitely of a different sort, so it depends on who you ask about that I suppose.

 

I assume you're looking for your 17yo. What is she interested in studying? What does she want to do with her life? Are you looking for national name recognition and respect in the secular world, or just locally? Because that makes a huge difference... the local population knows if a school is good or not. And whether her college is looked down on for being a specific type of Christian really depends on the field she wants to go into.

[NASDAQ]

I understand; but I also have to disagree with previous posters saying that the school being unaccredited makes it difficult to pursue any worth while career or graduate school.

With that said, I will agree with you - I have only ever met professionals with BJU as their undergrad HERE. I have never met someone from outside my area working as a professional with a degree from BJU.

 

Saying that you can't do anything worthwhile is an overstatement. There are going to be circles in which a BJU degree is preferred.

 

When people say "accredited," as I did, it generally refers to "regionally accredited" at the undergraduate level. That is the gold standard for transfer to other schools.

[NASDAQ]

Michelle, have you looked at Cedarville College in Ohio? I have seen that school get some recognition.

 

There's also Wheaton and Pepperdine, although I don't know how religious they are now. Westmont too.

[Chelli]

I thought of Pepperdine as well.

[Mama2Many4]

How about Notre Dame?

 

Does Notre Dame have special requirements for home-schooled students?

Notre Dame welcomes applications from home -schooled applicants. In a typical year, we will receive 40-50 applications from home schooled applicants. The admission rate for home schooled students is slightly higher than the overall admission rate of 28–30%.

 

In addition to our standard application requirements, we recommend that applicants who are enrolled in a home school curriculum submit SAT Subject Test scores. Tests in the areas of history, foreign language and science can be particularly helpful as we review the student’s application. Also we encourage home school applications to submit an additional recommendation or two if those teacher and guidance counselor evaluations are coming from a parent. Letters could come from a college professor if the applicant has taken classes at a local college or from an adult who has worked with them in an extracurricular activity and knows them well.

 

If you have any questions about applying as a home-schooled student, feel free to call the Admissions Office at 574-631-7505.

 

 

Just throwing it out there! ;)

Edited April 6, 2012 by 3Blessings4Me

[creekland]

When my oldest wanted a Christian College BJU is one I would not let him consider. If you want a job within their denomination or right in their area, it would be ok (IF you like their views - which we do not completely share), but outside of their area they get a ton of negative vibes. Pensacola was also out. I don't think my guy would have been happy at either anyway.

 

If you're looking at academics, when I was looking for him I sorted a bunch (not all) Christian schools by their incoming freshman SAT/ACT scores. This is a couple of years out of date, but shouldn't be too far off. Grad schools also know which colleges have decent academics...

 

Here's that thread - head toward the last page to get the most schools on the list as others added some I didn't know about (or think about):

 

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160154

 

NOTE: Some are more "Christian" than others with respect to rules, professors, and students. Do some individual checking after you spot some you want to consider.

[Laura in CA]

I understand; but I also have to disagree with previous posters saying that the school being unaccredited makes it difficult to pursue any worth while career or graduate school.

With that said, I will agree with you - I have only ever met professionals with BJU as their undergrad HERE. I have never met someone from outside my area working as a professional with a degree from BJU.

 

I'm not a BJU supporter (for starters, my parents have an interracial marriage!), but here's a fact -- there is a tenured professor of physics at a respected East Coast university whose undergraduate degree is from BJU. My husband is a physicist and says this guy is one of the smartest people he's ever met. Obviously he was accepted at a good graduate school, where he earned his PhD (sorry, I can't remember where; my husband would know). Now, it's entirely possible that b/c this man is so brilliant he aced his GREs and that offset any BJU stigma ... but just wanted to throw this out there.

 

Creekland, I will check out your data in that thread -- thanks!

[mommaduck]

I'm Catholic. I can't stand the institution.

With that said, I disagree that they aren't taken seriously academically. I live directly across from the university (and elementary/high school) and they are taken very seriously at grad schools in the area. Frankly, as much as I might dislike it, most of my doctors and a many teachers in the area are BJU grads; as well as my dentist, my perio specialist, and my husband's dentist. Lol.

In the area they are located in is one thing. Elsewhere and across the country is another :) It's the good ole boys' club thing.

[happypamama]

I am a christian, but this is what I was concerned about. I would love to find a christian college that had a good reputation with not only christians but with the secular world as well. I had no idea BJU had/has so many issues. Thanks everyone!

 

To name a few: Messiah College (PA), Nyack (NY), Tocoa Falls (GA), Malone (OH), Letourneau (TX). . .

 

And if a specifically Christian college isn't the right thing for your child, maybe a small college in an area that supports your values and beliefs, and that has a thriving Christian community on campus, would work.

[mandymom]

I am a christian, but this is what I was concerned about. I would love to find a christian college that had a good reputation with not only christians but with the secular world as well. I had no idea BJU had/has so many issues. Thanks everyone!

 

I went to Oklahoma Baptist University. It is ranked the #3 college or univeristy in in the west region by US News and World Reports.

 

I loved my time at OBU, and would send my kids there in a heartbeat if it was where they wanted to attend. I never had any problems in the secular world with a degree from OBU. They have an outstanding nursing program (my degree), but I have friends I went to school with who are doctors (research and practicing), family counselors, teachers, professors at other universities, and of course, nurses.

Edited April 6, 2012 by mandymom

[JessReplanted]

I would not be associated with them in any way, shape, or form.

 

 

:iagree:

 

The word that comes to mind at the mention of BJU is 'legalism'. :tongue_smilie:

[JessReplanted]

To name a few: Messiah College (PA), Nyack (NY), Tocoa Falls (GA), Malone (OH), Letourneau (TX). . .

 

:iagree: I went to Nyack and I loved it!

 

Definitely visit the schools you think your child might be interested in so you can get a feel for what it is like there.

[Jennifer3141]

This.

 

And, even if you are not secular, you may be very put off by the decidedly intolerant agenda of the school/organization that is BJU. They are vociferously anti-Catholic.

 

On an academic level, they are not taken seriously either. BJU students will have a very hard time pursuing graduate studies at reputable institutions, as their undergraduate degrees will likely be dismissed, if not outright scoffed.

 

 

Uh, this. In the "secular" world, we laugh at BJU. Or we do this: :001_huh:

[mytwomonkeys]

i had honestly never even heard of BJU until a few years ago. even then, i was only introduced to their curriculum. i've read online in forums over the years how terrible the university is, but that's the extent of my experience and exposure to BJU.

[FaithManor]

This.

 

And, even if you are not secular, you may be very put off by the decidedly intolerant agenda of the school/organization that is BJU. They are vociferously anti-Catholic.

 

On an academic level, they are not taken seriously either. BJU students will have a very hard time pursuing graduate studies at reputable institutions, as their undergraduate degrees will likely be dismissed, if not outright scoffed.

 

 

THIS!

 

I also would be very worried about the message my daughter would receive at such a place. They are very patriarchial and controlling when it comes to women. I do know of one student there that was in the nursing program and when she left the hospital (during her clinical rotations) she had to make sure she couldn't wear her scrubs on campus. :001_huh:

 

Personally, I just have a very difficult time with much of what they stand for and the messages they give young people.

[Laurie4b]

Michelle, have you looked at Cedarville College in Ohio? I have seen that school get some recognition.

 

There's also Wheaton and Pepperdine, although I don't know how religious they are now. Westmont too.

 

Wheaton continues to be deeply Christian with excellent academic credentials as well.

 

Grove City in PA also has an excellent reputation academically.

[Haiku]

Negative opinion of them. Wouldn't support them.

 

Tara

[Oak Knoll Mom]

THIS!

 

I also would be very worried about the message my daughter would receive at such a place. They are very patriarchial and controlling when it comes to women.

 

I went to high school at Bob Jones and have a lot great memories from my time there. I've not said anything so far in this thread because, honestly, I wouldn't send my children there either. However, I have to speak out on this. Bob Jones University, while it has its problems, is not patriarchal. The faculty at all levels is filled with women. There are *gasp* even women who teach in the School of Religion. When someone says "patriarchal" I think of The Dougs, not The Bobs.

[Jennifer3141]

To name a few: Messiah College (PA), Nyack (NY), Tocoa Falls (GA), Malone (OH), Letourneau (TX). . .

 

And if a specifically Christian college isn't the right thing for your child, maybe a small college in an area that supports your values and beliefs, and that has a thriving Christian community on campus, would work.

 

Also, Hope College in Holland, MI. :001_smile: