Dear Shalom!
Definitely the prohibition against the study of Seforim Chitzonim, the Deuterocanonical books only applies to books like Judith, Ben Sira (even though the Talmud quotes "pesukim" of Ben Sira), Maccabees, etc. Rav Shach stated that secular studies come under the category of Seforim Chitzonim that the Talmud bans, in order to keep the "ghetto" (positive ghetto) walls high and strong. Ultra Orthodoxy tries to keep any modern influence out of their homes (like the T.V., Internet, Smartphones etc.
The academic world in particular puts the Jewish heritage and tradition in a very "dangerous" position. The very essence of the academic world is to question what your elders, teachers, colleagues have taught you. This way of thought has brought Medicine and technological fields to such achievements and accomplishments, however as for religious practice and "yirat shamaim", we are putting the student on "thin ice" or on a "tightrope". This is the reason (plus peer influence) why the the "Charedim" strongly oppose any academic training.
Dr. Tzvika Kanarek
Jerusalem
