Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is a small, private liberal arts college located in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Founded in 1978, the college offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on the great books, philosophy, and theology. In this answer, I will provide a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of attending Thomas More College of Liberal Arts.
Pros:
- Small class sizes: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, which means that students receive individualized attention from their professors. Small class sizes also allow for more meaningful discussions and greater opportunities for intellectual growth.
- Emphasis on the great books: The curriculum at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is centered around the great books of Western civilization. Students read and study works by Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, and other great thinkers, which provides them with a broad and deep understanding of the Western tradition.
- Catholic identity: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is a Catholic college that emphasizes the Catholic intellectual tradition. Students attend Mass daily and are encouraged to live out their Catholic faith in all aspects of their lives.
- Study abroad opportunities: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts offers study abroad opportunities in places like Rome, Austria, and Ireland. These programs allow students to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and the Western tradition while experiencing different cultures.
- Focus on community: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts fosters a strong sense of community among its students. The college is small enough that students get to know one another well, and there are many opportunities for socializing and participating in extracurricular activities.
Cons:
- Limited majors: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts only offers four majors: liberal arts, philosophy, theology, and English language and literature. This may limit the career opportunities available to graduates.
- Limited diversity: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is a predominantly white, Catholic college. Students who are looking for a diverse community may not find what they are looking for at this college.
- Limited resources: As a small college, Thomas More College of Liberal Arts has limited resources compared to larger universities. This may impact the availability of certain courses, extracurricular activities, and facilities.
- High tuition: The tuition at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is higher than the average tuition at public universities. This may make it difficult for some students to afford to attend.
- Limited career services: Thomas More College of Liberal Arts does not have a dedicated career services office. While faculty and staff may be able to provide some guidance, students may have to rely on their own initiative to find employment after graduation.
In conclusion, Thomas More College of Liberal Arts offers a unique and rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on the great books and Catholic tradition. The small class sizes and emphasis on community provide a supportive environment for students to grow intellectually and spiritually. However, the limited majors, diversity, resources, and career services may be a drawback for some students. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if Thomas More College of Liberal Arts is the right fit for them.