Religious Preference... A required question for Emory MPH?!

[MPHOrthoSurg]

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Hi everybody,

While filling out the SOPHAS application for Emory's (incredible) MPH program, I noticed that religious preference was a required field with no "decline to answer" option.

I know that Emory has been historically affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but I thought that it's now effectively a secular school. It's illegal to discriminate based on religion, so why would they make this question mandatory in the first place? Seems a bit odd.

Many thanks,

MPH Hopeful.

 

[Deem23]

For some reason I have to believe this is probably for statistics if anything.

I understand your concern, but for I just have a feeling this will not affect you admissions decision.

 

[aaftmb]

you can state no religious preference, although that would be a religious preference.

i felt the same way, but didnt really worry bout it.

 

[intlhealth2010]

That is very odd indeed. I don't see why Emory, or any MPH program for that matter, would need to collect such data even if for statistical purposes. I would feel weird answering that too.



However, Emory is a great university and Rollins School of Public Health has an amazing MPH program. I'm actually considering applying for their Global Health MPH Program.

 

[SMUrandy]

I graduated from Southern Methodist University (sister to Emory Univ). I remember the same question was asked. I believe it is only to get demographic information of the incoming applicants. Emory is similar to SMU and other previous Methodist institutions. In many cases the Church owns the land and leases the land to the University. I wouldn't fret over any answer possibly impacting your application. If anything, some of the answers can be utilized to give extra financial support. For instance, the Methodist Church provides grants and loans to those who identify as United Methodist.

Just my two cents.

 

[nietzsche754]

I wanted to respond because I attended a United Methodist college in Georgia that is a "sister school" of Emory. When I applied I was asked the same question and answered truthfully I was agnostic. Not only was I accepted but I got a full ride and served in student government all four years of college. At Emory your religion whatever it is will be a non-issue they have a large Buddhist and Jewish student population especially. I have even participated in Chandler School of Theology's Seminary for a Day program and had a great deal of fun as a undergraduate. Good Luck!