Religiously Affiliated DPT Schools

[taurusgrl326]

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I am a non-religious person currently applying for DPT schools and I noticed that some of the schools I'm applying to are affiliated to certain religions. I am applying to Loma Linda, Mt. Saint Mary's, Chapman, and Azusa Pacific (in next app round) and I noticed that they were all religiously affiliated

I don't mean to offend anyone but I was wondering if anyone knows if religious affiliation affect the curriculum or student life at all? I tried to search through their websites but I couldn't find anything that really answered my question.

I'm not against anyone's religion or anything but I just wanted to know if it would affect my studies if I get into one of those schools and choose to go there. I had previous experience with some of my friends pressuring me into Christianity at school and I don't want to feel the same pressures affecting my studies.

Thanks :]

 

[callmecrazy]

This is very school specific. At some, the religious affiliation is pretty much absent unless you seek it out. At others, you may be required to attend chapel or other religious gatherings or classes. If it is going to be a decision-maker for you, I'd suggest contacting the schools before you even apply. They will be able to tell you their religion related requirements, how pervasive the religious influence is on campus, and what their thoughts are on students with values that may not be the same as those of the the university.

 

[pttrac]

I applied and was accepted to all the schools you're applying to, except APU. From my knowledge based on campus visits, research, talking to friends that go there; you will have no problems with being non-religious. They will not be biased in accepting to you if you're not Christian, Adventist or Catholic.

In terms of curriculum, for APU and LLU you might have to attend chapel service several times a month and might take a few religious classes, but it is nothing more than that. There is no pressure, just show up with an open mind. I find religious classes to be more informational and historical than actual propaganda or pressure to convert. For MSMC and Chapman, religion is present since it is part of the campus's history, but you don't have to attend any services or take religious classes as part of the curriculum. I have friends at each of those programs, so I'm familiar with it. If you need more info, shoot me a pm. Good luck!

 

[taurusgrl326]

Ohh I don't mind as long as there's no pressure. I just wanted to make sure it won't affect me and my education. I want to go to Samuel Merritt and Chapman as my top choices, and then maybe LLU. APU is my last resort since they have the off course curriculum compared to other schools.

Would anyone happen to know how the area around Samuel Merritt is like in Oakland? I heard Oakland is pretty dangerous and I'm kind of scared.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[dny22]

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[oschrndz]

dny22,
The chair and a few of the professors you will have at APU are LLU alumni...maybe you should have given LLU a chance by going to the interview. But I can see how their requirements can seem too much to some.

 

[Eforma]

Would anyone happen to know how the area around Samuel Merritt is like in Oakland? I heard Oakland is pretty dangerous and I'm kind of scared.

Having lived n Berkeley/Oakland for the last 5 years (currently I live about a 10 min drive from Samuel Merritt) I hate the how negatively people view Oakland. Yes there are neighborhoods that have their issues, but there are many many neighborhoods where things are just fine and dandy. As with any big city you have things you have to worry about (ie: people breaking into your car) but there are many steps that can be taken to prevent these occurrences (keep your car clean! if there is nothing to steal, they won't break your window!)

In regards to the actual area where SMU is located - I would say as long as you don't go west of that area, you are going to find just fine neighborhoods. SMU is definitely (in my opinion) near the border of some shady areas. To go the other way though, Lake Merritt/Lakeshore (one or two exits from SMU, probably an easy 15minish bike ride) is a great location, as well as anywhere in the Piedmont area. If you truly are concerned about your safety (and willing to spend more in rent) head towards North Oakland (Rockridge/Claremont neighborhoods) and that's where you end up in the "affluent" spaces of Oakland. I'll stop now, but feel free to PM me if you have more questions. (btw, I'm a white female and have never felt my person threatened while being in Oakland -- and I have often taken public transit alone and into "shady areas").

Anywho -- to address your actual post (to those reading, sorry for the diatribe on Oakland) -- as other posters have noted, the amount of religious participation/influence will vary tremendously from school to school. Furthermore, their requirements can be different for graduates rather than undergrads. Your best bet is to contact schools directly and ask for an honest answer. Then you have to ask yourself, is the level of religious involvement something you can be comfortable with? Don't try and kid yourself with this -- if you have trouble discussing religion with people (your own or anothers), and the program requires you to take religious courses, this might prove frustrating.