Liberty University "Street Cred"?

Nemo · Sep 12, 2018

Zealot4Truth said: ↑

I will say this...I am a graduate of Liberty and I have only found it to be a hindrance for getting accepted into a secular college (Kent State) for a PhD in Political Science. Prior to officially submitting my application I spoke with the dean of the program several times, shared my GRE scores, graduate degree GPAs (3.92 for my MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, though I did not mention my 3.96 for my MDiv from Liberty and 3.7 for my undergrad at Liberty in Religion), and he seemed very interested in my application. I work for the federal government as a law enforcement officer as well, which also caught his fancy. However, when I finally submitted all my transcripts for the final application...I got a denial about a week later. I called him and asked why I was denied acceptance and he stated, "we felt you would not be a good fit for our program." He strongly implied (though he could not say it) that he was basing this on my degrees from Liberty. I do not think this had anything to do with the merit of the academic pedigree of Liberty, but rather, that they are a staunchly conservative school, and you can determine that most people with more than one degree from them is probably fairly conservative as well (which I am). So, take that for what you will.

Now, having said that, I was later accepted into Nova Southeastern's PhD in Criminal Justice, which I have completed. I am very happy with the way it turned out. Now I almost feel as if my degrees from Liberty give me a leg up at conservative institutions (which I prefer), and have no bearing on the remainder of academic institutions. I think that the new program from Liberty looks very appealing. For most people it will be good due to the low admission standards. Most PhD admission requirements require the GRE and a writing sample at a minimum (like my program at NSU). This does not downplay the program, but makes it more appealing for a wider variety of applicants.

That's just my two cents.
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This is exactly the type of first-hand experience I was after, and I greatly appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences.

University of the Cumberlands is also a religious institution, but I tend to think because of its less political activism, it would probably be received more as neutral ground on the degree front. Although they do not offer the PhD in the same program as Liberty, they do offer one that I am interested in. Decisions, decisions...

Again, I really do appreciate everyone chiming in. I am quite enjoying this forum.

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Liberty University "Street Cred"?

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