Messiah University

“One thing I love about Messiah is the student-faculty relationships. My professors are so approachable and eager to help me with my work. They make it easy to come see them and ask questions, and I gain so much from those experiences. The intentionality they show makes me feel cared for and set up for success. The typical college student dreads going to classes, but because I know my professors as more than just professors, I enjoy learning from them.” – George Noble ’19

EDUCATION FOR AN EVOLVING WORLD
Messiah brings together two powerful educational streams: a rich liberal arts experience (rooted in disciplines such as history, English, language, music, and theology, to name a few) and applied professional programs (disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and nursing). Messiah equips students to gain skillful expertise in their area of study while developing their abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and sharpen their insights across multiple cultures and contexts.

FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS AND EXPERIENCES
When students arrive on Messiah’s campus, they’ll find themselves among a lot of new people from a variety of different schools, cultures, and backgrounds. To help ease the transition to college life, Messiah has created a “First-Year Experience” through which students immediately begin to build community right peers who are going through the exact same transition. Living in the same residence halls, sharing similar classroom experiences, and attending special chapels and social events together all help them get to each other quickly and naturally.

Special first-year courses foster the ability to think, read, write, and speak effectively—a crucial set of skills that make them more flexible and adaptable to the changes of the world across the spectrum of different fields and life experiences. The first-year seminar and small class context provides an effective way to introduce first-year students to the intellectual life of college.

Faculty from a diverse array of disciplines engage students in conversations that focus on issues central to the University’s educational mission: faith, identity, vocation, character, and responsible action. The courses are packed with opportunities to develop skills in effective writing, close reading, critical thinking, identifying and using appropriate sources for research. All these skills foster a discerning mind and the effective communication of ideas, providing an essential foundation upon which one’s learning and intellect develop over their college career.

WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
While writing instruction may have its home in Messiah’s General Education curriculum, it is best achieved on an “across-the-curriculum” basis. That is, early instruction may be provided in the core curriculum, but it is also required, under specific guidelines, in each major program as well.

The writing program at Messiah includes four components: a College Writing Workshop; a First-Year Seminar; Created and Called for Community; and a writing-enriched course developed for the major. Messiah’s writing courses build on the intellectual and writing skills developed during First-Year Seminar in a common-learning context. The major-specific writing-intensive course is taken within the students’ chosen disciplines. There is considerable variation in the kinds of courses into which various majors incorporate the writing emphases; each department is responsible for addressing this requirement as part of the academic major.

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Pass/fail option for classes

CULTURAL EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
Messiah University hosts a variety of lectures, symposia, conferences, concerts, film series, and musical and theatre performances open to the public. In 2013, Messiah University opened the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts, which is now used to host prominent national speakers and recording artists for the public; host educational workshops and competition for regional students; provide continuing education opportunities for local educators and other professionals; and regularly contribute to the local arts community, including affiliations with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and the State Street Academy of Music.  

CAMPUS DIVERSITY
Messiah University’s commitment to diversity seeks to build upon the Association of American Colleges & Universities’ signature concept of “inclusive excellence.” This calls for the development of institution-wide policies that promote educational excellence through the pursuit of diversity in the learning environment, curriculum, and teaching. Today, one of the goals of both the University’s Strategic Plan and the Diversity Strategic Plan is to integrate inclusive excellence in all areas of life at Messiah University. Its ultimate goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding, global learning, civic responsibility, social justice, peace, reconciliation, and sustainable spiritual and environmental practices. Implementing “inclusive excellence” aids in preparing students to become agents well equipped to adapt, engage, work, learn, and heal within diverse worlds—both at home and abroad. The responsibility for pursuing inclusive excellence is collective, falling on the shoulders of every individual and office on campus.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES
In “Created and Called for Community,” one of the four components of Messiah’s writing program, students consider a central question: “What is my vocation as a faithful steward of God’s creation?” They seek answers by engaging biblical themes of creation, forgiveness, compassion, peacemaking, and reconciliation through an examination of literary, historical, artistic, philosophical, and theological works. They use the lens of Messiah University’s distinctive foundational values, focusing on the importance of community and hospitality, as all people are made in the image of God. Students develop the ability to be theologically reflective; to develop an appreciation for their own identity and Christian vocation; and to cultivate their intellect and character in preparation for lives of leadership through service in the world. Thus, in addition to developing intellectual skills of the liberal arts, “Created and Called for Community” also lays a foundation in the outcome of Social Responsibility.

SCHOOL LOCATION
Messiah University is located on 471 acres in the suburban, south-central town of Mechanicsburg, PA. Its campus is enriched with the beautiful Yellow Breeches creek, high-quality academic facilities, and a lively sport complex and student union. 

While Messiah may be bursting with natural beauty, it is nevertheless a short drive’s distance from multiple metropolitan areas. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s culturally rich state capital, is only fifteen minutes from campus, while Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City are only a few hours away.

ATHLETICS
Messiah University has 22 NCAA Division III sports teams and is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Conference. In addition to NCAA athletics, there are many club sports and recreational leagues on campus. The Messiah Falcons have won 30 NCAA Division III national championships including a DIII-leading 11 titles in men’s soccer. The University colors are navy blue and white, and the mascot is the Falcon.

“The student section is always chanting, and it’s just an exciting environment to be in. The parents of the team and alumni always do a cookout before the game which has definitely been a good way to connect with friends and family. Overall, the atmosphere of these games have been exciting to be a part of for me.” – Aaron Gray ’18

RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 91%
Undergraduates: 85%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
Theme housing

COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS
Messiah’s Community of Educators model fosters complementary partnerships between curricular and cocurricular educators. This both challenges and supports students to develop meaningful goals for in- and out-of-class educational experiences. In addition, Messiah’s blend of the liberal and applied arts and sciences allows students to develop the transferable skills and competencies that employers seek in today’s graduates. Messiah’s vibrant community, which extends well beyond the bounds of campus, allows students to connect with alumni, parents, and friends of the college to develop meaningful networks for post-graduate success. Because of these features, 100% of 2018 graduates responding to the University’s annual post-graduate survey report that they are either employed or in graduate programs 6-9 months after graduation.

SERVICE-LEARNING, COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Service-learning is an element of Messiah’s curriculum—and has been since 1989. Messiah is committed to providing experiential opportunities for students to learn through service. Courses across the curriculum require educational and community objectives to be met experientially in service.

Messiah intentionally integrates community service into the classroom, offering many opportunities for students not only to receive academic credit for service, but also to apply their education with local and global communities. There are countless other service opportunities outside of the classroom, too. 

Community service is institutionalized in the University’s Agape Center for Service and Learning, which administers and coordinates programs of service-learning, community service, and mission. Students, faculty, and staff all work with community-based partners in local, national, and international settings to empower communities and encourage students toward an ethic of civic engagement.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING INITIATIVE
Messiah University’s nationally recognized Career and Professional Development Center recently led the way in implementing a new college-wide Experiential Learning Initiative. Through the program, Messiah requires all students to complete at least one experiential “hands-on” learning experience, whether that be through internships/practica, service-learning, leadership roles, or off-campus study or research. In these experiences, students are challenged to consider their individual impact on the broader community. Educators guide and help students develop a practical expression of what they’ve learned through media like a résumé, e-portfolio, website, LinkedIn profile, etc.

CAPSTONE COURSES AND PROJECTS/SENIOR EXPERIENCE
Every major at Messiah University is required to have a senior capstone. This ensures that students apply the tools of their major to a number of areas important to the liberally educated person. In this culminating experience, students are expected to act and reflect at a level that indicates proficiency with the content and skills of the discipline. In addition, the senior capstone enables students to enhance their understanding of Christian vocation by understanding philosophical assumptions and ethical issues of their major; articulating how faith connects to their specialized area of study and to potential career options; and reflecting on their studies to assess and cultivate the skills and knowledge relevant for transitioning to employment, voluntary service, apprenticing, and/or graduate study.

“I chose Messiah because I wanted a school that would prepare me personally, spiritually, and professionally. Looking back at the past three years, I can say in full confidence that Messiah has exceeded my expectations in each of the areas. Messiah has specifically taught me how to reconcile my faith with my career path and has empowered me to serve and lead as a Christian in the areas of accounting and finance.” – Regan Hershey ’18

Admission

ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | Religious affiliation/commitment

Important
Class rank | Standardized test scores
Application Essay | Volunteer work

Considered
Recommendation(s) | Alumni/ae relation | Racial/ethnic status
Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1130 | 75th Percentile: 1335
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 560 | 75th Percentile: 670
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 670
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 31
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 24 | 75th Percentile: 28
ACT English
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 34

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Messiah University currently has 3,375 undergraduate and graduate students. Each year, close to 650 students choose Messiah for their undergraduate studies. Many students apply to Messiah University just before starting their senior year of high school. Messiah begins releasing decisions on August 15. If applying after August 15, one could expect a decision in approximately three to four weeks after all materials have been received. The application includes standard questions along with a two-part question requiring a short essay response. To learn more about Messiah’s admissions process, feel free to click on the link provided here.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition: $38,550
Fees: $940
Room: $6,150
Board: $5,410

Aid

Messiah University’s average aid package for first-year students is $26,333. This amount does not include federal PLUS loans or private/alternative loans and is based on the 2018-2019 academic year. Upon acceptance, students are automatically reviewed for a scholarship which they will be made aware of in their acceptance packet. If students meet the criteria, they will also be invited to interview for our Honors Program and scholarships, as well as our Martin’s Multicultural programs and scholarships. To further understand the criteria and programs, click here. Messiah University also offers scholarships in the arts and humanities.