<p>OP: Ten years ago was the time to get a degree from Liberty U; it would have helped you get a job in W’s White House. But that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, no.</p>
<p>Just in case the OP is actually looking for a conservative Christian school of the likes of Liberty, but with better academics, consider Cedarville. Their academic stats are quite a bit higher. I don’t know much else about the school - other than it’s conservative in beliefs and teachings and some kids that go there like it. Supposedly they get quite a few grads (who want to go) into grad schools.</p>
<p>Grove City is also conservative politically, less so in religious teachings (but still conservative).</p>
<p>Again, here’s the academic list I compiled for the Christian school board. Then look for your particular desires. I’m sure it doesn’t have all possibilities on it as I don’t even know a lot of the smaller Christian schools, but the difference from top (Wheaton) to bottom (Liberty) is amazing. Many students at Liberty wouldn’t even be able to get in at the higher academic schools. Profs can only teach to their students’ abilities. </p>
<p>Wheaton (CR 600/710, M 600/700, WR 590/700, ACT 27-31)
Patrick Henry College (CR 620/730, M 550/650, WR 590/700, ACT 26-31)
Grove City (CR 560/690, M 570/680, NA, ACT 25-30)
Pepperdine (CR 560/660, M 560/680, WR 560/660, ACT 24-30)
Calvin (CR 520/670, M 550/660, NA, ACT 23-29)
Hope (CR 520/660, M 540/670, NA, ACT 23-29)
Covenant (CR 540/660, M 510/620, WR 520/660, ACT 22-28)
Westmont College (CR 520/650, M 530/650, WR 530/650, ACT 23-29)
Cedarville (CR 530/650, M 530/640, WR 520/630, ACT 23-29)
Gordon College (CR 520/650, M 500/640, WR 560/640, ACT 24-28)
Whitworth University (CR 540/650, M 540/630, WR 530/630, ACT 24-29)
Baylor University (CR 530/640, M 550/650, WR 510/620, ACT 23-29)
Bryan College (CR 530/650, M 520/640, WR 530/640, ACT 21 - 27)
Houghton College (CR 520/650, M 510/620, WR 500/640, ACT 23-29)
Le Tourneau University (CR 520/650, M 540/650, WR 490/620, ACT 22-29)
Union U (CR 510/650, M 510/640, NA, ACT 21-29)
Taylor University (CR 500/650, M 510/640, WR 490/620, ACT 24-31)
Messiah (CR 510/620, M 510/640, WR 510/620, ACT 23-28)
Harding University (CR 490/630, M 490/640, WR N/A ACT 21 - 28)
Eastern Mennonite University (CR N/A, M 470/620, WR 470/620 ACT 22 - 28)
Biola University (CR 500/620, M 490/620, WR 500/610, ACT 21 - 26)
Corban College (CR 500/630, M 490/610, WR 470/590, ACT 20 - 26)
George Fox (CR 490/610, M 480/610, WR 480/590, ACT 21 - 26)
Lipscomb University (CR 490/600, M 490/610, WR N/A, ACT 21-26)
Indiana Wesleyan University (CR 480/600, M 480/600, WR N/A, ACT 21-27)
Azusa Pacific University (CR 490/590, M 480/600, WR N/A, ACT 21-27)
Lee University (CR 480/610, M 460/600, WR N/A, ACT 20-27)
Wisconsin Lutheran College (CR N/A, M N/A, WR N/A ACT 21 - 26)
Northwest Nazarene College (CR 460/610, M 460/590, WR N/A, ACT 19 - 26)
Belhaven University (CR 490/610, M 460/570, WR N/A, ACT 19 - 24)
Trinity International University (CR 450/610, M 440/600, WR N/A, ACT 19-26)
Eastern University (CR 480/600, M 480/590, WR 480/590, ACT 19-23)
Malone (CR 470/590, M 460/590, WR N/A, ACT 19-26)
Geneva College (CR 470/580, M 470/600, WR N/A, ACT 19 - 25)
Palm Beach Atlantic U (CR 470/580, M 450/550, WR 450/570, ACT 20 - 26)
Anderson University (CR 460/570, M 460/580, WR N/A, ACT 20-25)
Georgetown College (CR 430/570, M 480/560, WR N/A, ACT 21-26)
Eastern Nazarene College (CR 440/560, M 420/570, WR 430/570, ACT 20 - 27)
Liberty (CR 430/570, M 430/550, WR NA, ACT 18-24)</p>
<p>I don’t know the facts as to evolution not being taught at LU but LU grads have been admitted to med schools all over the US. I believe evolution is taught as an alternate theory of development. Apparently sufficient standard theory teaching is available to get grads state certified to teach biology at the HS level. </p>
<p>[Biology/Chemistry</a> - Graduate Schools Liberty Students Have Attended - Liberty University](<a href=“http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=16682]Biology/Chemistry”>Graduate Schools Liberty Students Have Attended | Biology/Chemistry | Liberty University)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/09-10_ug-catalog.pdf[/url]”>http://www.liberty.edu/media/1270/09-10_ug-catalog.pdf</a></p>
<p>From the catalog listed by barrons:</p>
<p>Creation Studies
The Center for Creation Studies is an interdisciplinary education and research institute committed to the study of the origin of the universe, the earth, life, and species. This study draws upon knowledge from religion, science, philosophy, and history. The primary educational activity of the Center is the presentation of CRST 290, History of Life. This course is required of all Liberty students and is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the creation-evolution controversy. Exhibits, currently located in the Science Hall, teach concepts of the creation model, describe creationist research, and glorify the Creator of earth and life.</p>
<p>The posted learning outcomes clearly show that the emphasis is creationism and an effort to discredit evolution:
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
• demonstrate a consistent, biblical worldview regarding origins;
• explain key scientific evidences and arguments used to support the theory of evolution as well as difficulties with the theory; and
• provide scientific and biblical arguments in support of creation.</p>
<p>Yes, but to discredit anything you first have to understand the theory. Also this is a separate course outsude the Bio dept. I’m sure they emphasize a creation based approach but they also have to go through evolution to be able to contrast to the two. Just as most schools teach the other forms of government/economics besides democracy/capitalism in order to support it as the best way.</p>
<p>Only if contrast = discredit!</p>
<p>This is from one of the Biology professor’s “biography” on the university’s website:
[Biology/Chemistry</a> - D DeWitt - Liberty University](<a href=“http://www.liberty.edu/academics/arts-sciences/biology-chemistry/index.cfm?PID=6627]Biology/Chemistry”>Dr. David DeWitt | Biology & Chemistry | Liberty University)</p>
<p>Dr. DeWitt is a biochemist and neuroscientist whose passion is to defend creation using The Word of God. When not pointing out the flaws in Darwin’s theory, Dr. DeWitt is investigating the inner workings of the brain. He recently received a large NIH grant to support his research on the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. He and his wife Marci have three children.</p>
<p>I bolded it for you.</p>
<p>I read The Unlikely Disciple. It was a very interesting read about Liberty. Has anyone else read it?
[Amazon.com:</a> The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University (9780446178426): Kevin Roose: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Disciple-Semester-Americas-University/dp/044617842X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272910541&sr=1-1-spell]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Disciple-Semester-Americas-University/dp/044617842X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272910541&sr=1-1-spell)</p>
<p>I know a pastor who went to Liberty–he’s a bright guy, and really not that conservative. But I think he evolved (ha!) after graduating.</p>
<p>I agree with those who think that Liberty espouses a very limited view. It may be appropriate for people who want a very religious environment, and who are interested in certain careers, especially if their alternatives are lower-tier public universities.</p>
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<p>Lol. What is it about conservatives thinking their insights are stronger because of what they can see outside their window? This is like, I dunno, Palin claiming insight into international affairs because she can see Russia. </p>
<p>Sorry Barons, I know you probably didn’t mean that but I couldn’t resist :)</p>
<p>It’s not stronger–it is based on actual contact with a fair number of LU students during my many visits to Lynchburg (for business and pleasure–nothing to do with LU). Many students work at the local restaurants, hotels, etc and I talk to them about school and their plans. The are just like typical students at any mid-level public/private college. The student who drove me to the airport in the hotel van was from Wisconsin (and noticed by Badger luggage tag) and he transferred to LU because it had a sports mgt program he could not get at his UW campus. He was not especailly religious but enjoyed the program and has job offers from the Durham Bulls and another minor leage ball club so he’s very happy. The net cost to him was the same as instate in Wisconsin. No, he probably won’t be going to Harvard Business but he will get to owrk in an industry he is very passionate about and that puts more weight on contacts than the diploma name.</p>
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<p>In all fairness, that was a Tina Fey line. Palin never said that.</p>
<p>And the Liberty U grad that I mentioned upthread is a VP with a “name-brand” company that you’d all recognize, and by any reasonable definition would be considered successful.</p>
<p>to answer the original question, I think Liberty is a JOKE. It’s a place for crackpots to send their kids so they can avoid the evil secular world</p>
<p>I was offered a full ride without even applying, and I am a labeled atheist with not very impressive stats. D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-I-O-N</p>
<p>I also read Kevin Roose’s book (which I thought was well written and fair). I thought I would mention that he, a Brown student, struggled with a lot of his classes at Liberty.</p>
<p>No, Liberty is not a top school, but it is as good as many other schools.</p>
<p>I did a search on the SAT and ACT range provided by Creekland on the College Board site. The only other criteria I added was that an honors program was available. This resulted in 590 colleges (including Liberty). The school I am about to receive my masters degree from, St. John’s in Queens, was also included on that list. Should cruel things be said of me and the Vincentian belief system because I attend such a school? It would never happen on this site, and yet there is such freedom to be abusive of a Fundamentalist Baptist school and its students. There were several SUNYs and Cal State colleges on that list - maybe we should begin bashing all the students who attend those as well?</p>
<p>I think this needs to stop.</p>
<p>ETA: I do know a Liberty student/grad - my brother. He is a veteran worked very hard to finish his degree with a wife and family and I couldn’t be more proud.</p>
<p>Oh give me a break. Even if Liberty didn’t deny basic science, it would be considered a low level school because it literally accepts almost anyone who applies.</p>
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<p>Please tell me you realize that like was from a SNL skit and not at all associated with the real Palin, right? Otherwise… well… Let’s just say stating it as “fact” isn’t quite making you look all that bright. (couldn’t resist 
)</p>
<p>I will say I enjoyed the SNL skit it came from though…</p>
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<p>I agree that the personal bashing should stop and those that discriminate solely due to the name aren’t exactly earning my personal respect either. Liberty has its niche and I’m sure some fine graduates come from there. That said, for some of us who prefer higher level academics across the board, it just isn’t a good fit. The others you came up with on your search likely wouldn’t hit my “check out” list either, but I’m sure they are right for the crowd that attends them. </p>
<p>The OP wanted opinions based on the name/thoughts. They are getting it - good, bad, and ugly. Life is sometimes good, bad, and ugly. People do discriminate in real life and some of that discrimination could easily favor Liberty as well as go against it pending ones own personal views.</p>
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<p>[YouTube</a> - Palin on her insight into Russian Politics](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXL86v8NoGk]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXL86v8NoGk)</p>
<p>Saw that someone suggested Cedarville — might want to consider this:</p>
<p>“First, in discussions about origins, Cedarville University is unique as the only university offering a geology degree that embraces the creationist position. All other programs advocate the evolutionary theory of origins. As in all of its science programs, the University will teach evolutionary theory to insure that its students will understand its principles, positions, and pitfalls while preparing graduates to be effective advocates for the creationist position articulated in the Scriptures. Interestingly enough, cracks in the geologic foundation of evolutionary theory have been forming as the result of advanced technologies that provide new insights and raise compelling questions regarding the geologic record. This new research, which is pervading the scientific community as a result of the power of the Web, should open the door for the well-trained, Christ-centered Cedarville geology graduate to exercise influence.”</p>
<p>[Engaging</a> Culture Through Geology - Geology - Academics - Cedarville University](<a href=“http://www.cedarville.edu/Academics/Science-and-Mathematics/Geology/Engaging-Culture.aspx]Engaging”>http://www.cedarville.edu/Academics/Science-and-Mathematics/Geology/Engaging-Culture.aspx)</p>
<p>Here’s a list of the majors available at Liberty: [Academics</a> - Residential Undergraduate Majors and Minors - Liberty University](<a href=“http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=6908]Academics”>College Undergraduate Majors | Academics | Liberty University)
I would guess that for a lot of these, the graduate would have an education very similar to that provided at hundreds of other universities at the same tier. When it comes to the sciences, I think that having a degree from Liberty would be a handicap in a lot of places (and an asset in a few). For the religion-based majors, it might make sense if this matches your religious views.</p>