<p>I was hoping people who have visited or attended Marquette University. I'm interested in Marquette for Mechanical Engineering. I find its co-op program to be very appealing, and it's one of the reasons I'm looking to apply there. However, one thing I'm worried about is that I know it has a very strong catholic affiliation. While I absolutely respect others views and the school's affiliation, I am not in any way a very religious person. I'm struggling right now with it because I know it has a great reputation and a well-established co-op program, but I also don't want to spend money on classes that don't relate at all to my major or, in general, what I would even find interesting to study. </p>
<p>Can anybody shed some light on this? I don't really know enough information about the environment at Marquette to make any of these observations. But again, I want to be able to focus on what I'm interested in studying, not taking a large amount of theology/humanity classes in addition. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>My S went to a different Jesuit university and while you do have to take the rigorous core curriculum including some classes you may not select on your own (theology, philosophy etc.) IMO he came out a very well rounded, educated person with strong reasoning and writing skills that have served him well in his business career. The Jesuits are there to educate not push religion down your throat so being religious it is not a requirement – but you do need to be respectful.</p>
<p>I’d try to visit the school if you haven’t’ already and see if you feel comfortable there.</p>
<p>Marquette is a Jesuit institution which is a branch that is an intellectual teaching community. Jesuit colleges enjoy great reputations, We have 3 in CA that are considered excellent, Fordham is another you might have heard of. I have even taken some classes at one. I’m an atheist and I wouldn’t hesitate if the school had what I needed. Most students are going to be Catholic, but here is a Jewish student association as well and it seems fairly diverse. Have you browsed the Marquette forum?
<a href=“Marquette vs. Notre Dame - Marquette University - College Confidential Forums”>Marquette vs. Notre Dame - Marquette University - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Also most colleges have some general requirements. Haven’t you looked at the requirements, and specifically the graduation requirements for Engineering there? You should do that at each college you are applying to. There is probably one or two classes you will have to take on religion or theology and I’m sure you will have a choice of world religions or whatever, but look yourself so you will know.</p>
<p>@happy1 I am definitely respectful, it’s just not something that is a particularly large part of my life. I will be visiting as soon as possible. It is only about a 2 or 3 hour drive from where I live, so I could probably do it over a weekend at the beginning of the school year.</p>
<p>@AmicaMom I did not find that web page. It seems that I have a wide variety of options, though, which is reassuring.</p>
<p>^^Agree, I don’t know Marquette specifically, but I don’t think it should be uncomfortable in any way. You will just be around a majority of Catholics, practicing or not, of various backgrounds in a college that has Catholic values. However that doesn’t mean it is right or wrong for @rkepp12 </p>
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<p>You should know:that for all ABET accredited engineering:
Current ABET accreditation guidelines specify a requirement for “a general education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives.” This refers primarily to all the courses that are taken outside of the engineering requirements, particularly humanities and social sciences courses. In addition, ABET-accredited engineering programs are expected to demonstrate eleven published ABET outcomes. A number of these outcomes (e.g., (f) through (j)) are in many cases at least partially satisfied by coursework that falls under the “general education component” of the student’s program.</p>
<p>And the Jesuit model is to educate the whole person. As are most colleges, as opposed to trade school. You will have to check if the non engineering requirements are much different than any other program.</p>
<p>@Ctesiphon @BrownParent You both are right. To be honest, I was sure what to expect about the environment of Marquette, but it sounds like they are very accepting of all people. I will definitely be visiting to experience the atmosphere.</p>
<p>Also BrownParent, that makes a lot of sense. In order to satisfy the requirements, I always have options it seems, so I can pick something that I believe might interest me. Thanks so much for the input! I’m going to at least apply and see what happens :)</p>