Should I go to a catholic university?

Question

I'm not Catholic, but there's this Catholic university in New Brunswick (Canada) called St. Thomas University, that looks like it actually might be a pretty good fit for me. I don't think it's super-catholic, but it just historically happened to be Catholic. But the thing is - I'm Jewish. There's actually a Jewish group on campus, as well as a gay + lesbian group (I'm a lesbian), so they do seem pretty liberal. But is it still a bad idea to go to a Catholic university if I'm not Catholic? (I feel like my parents may be uncomfortable if they hear "Catholic University")

(I'm in grade 11, by the way - I don't have to decide this right away, I'm just looking at stuff right now.)

I don't believe this one has mandatory church, actually.

Answer 1

I don't think most Catholic colleges have mandatory church time unlike colleges of other religions. However they may have a religion-related requirement. For example, Boston College has a Theology requirement where you have to take 2 from a set of theology electives. These are classes about religion but not involving worship and probably are even objectively taught.

As for St. Thomas, they do not appear to have a theology or religion requirement. Their mission statement specifically states:

"We provide an atmosphere hospitable to faith, in which the academic study of the Roman Catholic tradition and the experience of Christian life may be pursued with respect and freedom and where non- Catholic faculty and students are recognized and supported as full and equal participants in the University community."

So the bottom line is: You will probably find that there are a lot of Catholics at this college. There may be some rules at the college that are based on Catholic teaching. But you will probably find many non-Catholic students too.

Answer 2

Taranto and romulusnr have given you very thorough and intelligent answers. I would also like to add that even in Catholic high schools there are students of many faiths. In my area, the Catholic schools are also the more prestigious college prep schools and so many of the wealthier families send their children there. My children (who went because we are Catholic, not wealthy) had classmates that were Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, etc. And although there were required theology classes, they were more like social studies classes. Not "this is what you must believe" classes. The student body also had to attend Mass about once a month. But the non-Catholics did not have to participate, only attend (and maybe were even excused). At the university level, you have even fewer religious requirements and more diversity. I don't think that because it's a school founded by a Catholic group it should effect your religion and culture. I also think you should give your parents a little more credit and not assume that they would be close-minded to the idea. I'm sure that they are intelligent, sensible people and would want to investigate all options for you.

Answer 3

Catholic Universities are not like "Christian Universities" where everyone has to act the same and religion permeates the school. With a few exceptions, they are not very different from non-religious private universities.

They may require you to take some religious studies courses -- but they will be things like Comparative Religions -- and not classes that try to indoctrinate you. You will not be required to attend services.

I went to Villanova as an undergraduate -- which is a Catholic school. I did graduate work at Duke, Minnesota and Berkeley -- so I know what it is like to be at a good private school and a good public school. The academics at Villanova were similar to the other schools.

Villanova was mainly Catholic (and Ex-Catholic -- like me). But there were several Jews who were students there. I wa a Math Major -- and a fairly large percentage of the math faculty were Jewish.

Answer 4

Most Universities that happen to have a religious theme don't usually hae strict rules that would make your religion feel compromised. I've gone to a public state University and a Religious themed University, and the only difference it that there is a church on campus

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I'm jewish. Unless they had some incredible program that i just HAD to be in, I'd find an alternative. If I wasn't forced to listen to their prayer and go to church, and was open to follow my religion freely w/out pressure of catholic practices then I would be open to it, but if your going to be forced into going through customary catholic practice, I personally couldn't do it.

Answer 7

My personell opion from what i have herd is atleast here in fl that say you start off at that university then you transfer to another not all you classes will give you credit so if you change schools you might have to do does classes over... but the degree is just the same

Answer 8

I think you will find it a good learning experience.

Answer 9

oh gosh.

well, usually they have mandatory church.

and i'm catholic, believe me, mass is BORING.

no lie.