It is a shame that your program / school / professors are not troubled by
this.
If they won't accommodate there are other issues with the program that should
get them to change the requirements. There is a difference between a tech
school and a college level program. In a tech school you will be taught to
use particular tools. In a college level program you should be getting taught
concepts. Requiring courses titled “visual basic” for instance is a red
flag that there is a problem with the program. If a professor is requiring a
student to learn a particular tool that is also a problem. Even the language
should not be relevant. It should be used merely as conduit for teaching
particular concepts.
This is a common problem for students. Most programs fail miserably in one
way or another. You'll probably get stuck at some point with a requirement to
use a proprietary program regardless of the school you attend.
Before you make any decision to switch schools investigate the schools you
are considering. Email the professors, chairperson, and/or an advisor. Find
out if the professors or program you will be required to take are also
placing any requirements on the tools in which you will use.
After you have investigated your options you'll be more free to place
demands. Make them aware of just how serious you consider this issue. Go up
the latter too. It will probably cause a back lash although be well worth it
should you succeed. I had one professor who was jealous or maybe just
irritate at the political actions I took. I had to start going over my work
with a fine tooth comb.
You know what might also help is seeking information from religious groups.
You might be able to play these cards and force them to accommodate you.
Ethics is generally tied to religion. Free software is not a religion
although add in a deity and it probably would be.
