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Messiah College is a private, Christian liberal arts school located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania – 12 miles outside of the state capital of Harrisburg. Established in 1909, Messiah College was founded by the Brethren of Christ Church as the Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home. Originally located in Harrisburg, Messiah began by offering a high school curriculum as well as several bible programs; the school grew into a junior college by 1921 and by the early 1950’s had developed a four-year college program in religious education and theology. In 1963, Messiah became a fully accredited institution and this change brought about a significant increase in majors offered. Now a nationally ranked college, Messiah’s mission is “to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.”
Academic Programs
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Messiah offers over 80 undergraduate majors, nearly twenty graduate-level degrees, and several pre-professional programs. The college is made up of multiple schools and departments, including the School of the Arts; School of Business, Education and Social Studies; School of Humanities; School of Science, Engineering and Health; and Interdisciplinary Studies. Three-year degree options exist as well as duel degree programs (bachelors plus a master’s) which are offered in partnership with other institutions.Graduate degrees at Messiah are offered primarily online; several are offered fully online while others take a blended approach, combining online classes with on-campus learning. Most programs may be completed in as little two years and are designed to provide maximum flexibility and convenience and were created with working professionals in mind. Graduate class sizes are kept intentionally small and the programs work to help students balance their studies, career, family and personal life.
Student Life
Over 3,000 students are enrolled at Messiah College, including more than 2,500 undergraduates. Approximately 40% male and 60% female students make up the student population, with representatives from nearly 40 states and over 25 foreign nations. More than 70 student-led clubs and organizations are recognized on campus, including several recreational sports teams. A member of the NCAA Division III, Messiah boasts over twenty varsity sports teams and has won numerous National Championships since 2000.Students also enjoy free concerts that offered on a weekly basis and have the opportunity to participate in a thriving worship community and multiple service ministry opportunities. One of Messiah’s most cherished campus traditions includes its candlelight worship services, held two times during the year – one during the end of the first-year Move-In Day for new students and their families and another at Baccalaureate, the night before Commencement. Students also participate in Messiah’s annual Service Day each Spring when students and faculty take time off from classes to work and serve together in the community.