Bob Jones University

Date: Nov 29 2005
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
The English program is very strong at Bob Jones University. Professors are very intelligent and (largely) helpful. The course work is challenging and strongly encourages creative and critical thinking.

However, the overall environment of Bob Jones University does not foster critical thinking. The administration desires to punch out "cookie-cutter" christians. Further, they preach a life of faith, yet encourage, through their actions and rules, a life centered around rules. "Have faith, and you'll be saved," they say from the pulpit, while preaching through rules and a joyless life the message that salvation is based on performing to a certain standard.

Further, the message of the university is exclusive. Anyone who disagrees in any small way is an outsider, and their relationship with God is questioned.

I made it through a 4 year program at Bob Jones in 3 years, propelled by the desire to escape the joyless, soulless wasteland that is their rigid fundamentalism.

That said, going to a university that is so patently wrong in its beliefs can force you to think for yourself. It can also force you to develop discipline that you wouldn't develop at another university. However, it will also stunt your emotional and social growth, while enouraging your intellectual solidarity.