well I had 2 questions mostly due to the fact that I am a community college student looking to transfer to work on a degree in philosophy (please nobody say anything about the supposed uselessness of this degree your comment is unappreciated) but I was wondering what would be my best options for working on a bachelors in philosophy at a university in California the results Ive come across have given me examples such as
UC Berkeley
Stanford
UCLA
Caltech
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
and USC where the top options consistently but would this sound correct? on the same note I was thinking about doubling majoring with a degree in theology as well the problem is 5 of these schools are public and the 3 private ones are non religious I was thinking about a degree in Catholic theology would there be any way to find information of how schools such as
University of San Francisco
St. Mary’s University
Santa Clara University and others would compare to these schools academically in the field of philosophy?
So, you want a university that will give you the option where you can obtain a philosophy degree and a degree in theology, am I understanding this correct? Is this your question? If so, I know for a fact that UCLA does not offer a theology degree, however, there is a degree in “Study of Religion”. It is a tiny department but it still exists. I am not sure if there is that “Catholic theology” degree that you’re desiring but it is a degree in religion. I cannot speak about the other UC’s or the privates.
If you want to obtain both, look into schools such as LMU and Pepperdine. I believe LMU is founded by Jesuits and Pepperdine is a renowned Christian University.
However, if you want just work on a philosophy degree, your options are more open. However, some of the schools you mentioned, CalTech and Stanford, as a transfer, it is nearly impossible to be admitted into either school. Most private schools(Such as the Ivy’s and West Coast Ivy’s) commonly will pass on transfers. My belief is that they would rather give a transfer’s spot to somebody who will be paying for four years rather than two and they would rather shape them into what they envision as one of their own.
Plus, I would say avoid CalTech when it comes to Humanities. You’re going to want an expensive department where you can push yourself and your peers. CalTech thrives on mathematics and science.
My suggestion would be look at UCLA and Berkeley. They have two of the finest philopsphy departments in the nation. You’re going to have nearly a 3.8-4.0 to be in the safe-zone for either one of these schools.
how would the history and success in these schools philosophy departments compare to say University of Santa Clara because this is also a top option imo because of want to double major in theology would this be worth it for the career I wish to pursue (the clergy) or is the philosophy departments at UCB and UCLA just that good that I should aim for one of these schools is kind of what I’m wondering? (and quite honestly I know theology is of great importance of knowing for clerical work my thing is if necessary due to prices or just a great public option I would be willing to work in religious studies in stead as I would be learning the same stuff later on in seminary plus more for a theology program while the philosophy degree would be of more importance as it is the most valuble degree when entering a Catholic seminary?)
Before I start, I just want to ask a couple of favors. Not to sound unkind or anything but please refrain from having your post as one long sentence. It is difficult to understand and follow what exactly you’re trying to say since you’re all over the place in your post(s). Second, please re-read your post before hitting submit because, again, it is difficult to understand what you’re trying to ask.
Thanks.
Okay, so let us begin.
I know little to nothing about the University of Santa Clara. Perhaps the only thing I do know is that Steve Nash played his college basketball there in the 90’s. However, I think it would be fair to say UCLA and Berkeley would be leaps and bounds ahead of the University of Santa Clara. They both have a long and rich history not only in California but it also has a greater reach throughout the United States and beyond our borders.
Again, UCLA and Cal have two of the finest philosophy departments in the country and in the world, Berkeley I believe was ranked #8 in the world and UCLA was between 15-20.
I cannot tell you if you should pursue two different majors or if you should double major. But my suggestion would go and speak to a counselor at your CC. Explain to them your plans and they could perhaps guide you in terms of academic needs and which University is best for your needs and wants. Also, go to your local Parish and speak to the clergy. If your eventual goal is to be a priest, then go speak to a priest. I am sure he will tell you how he became a priest and perhaps you can take a similar path.