Engineering at Messiah University
Become a technically competent, effective analytical thinker who creates real-world engineering solutions through our top-ranked, ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in engineering degree (BSE) program.
Messiah is the only private Christian college in the country with an ABET-accredited undergraduate program that offers our unique mix of six types of engineering degree concentrations. You can choose to concentrate in biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering or have the option to not declare a concentration. And, for the past six years, Messiah University has been ranked as a “Best Undergraduate Engineering Program” in the U.S., by U.S. News and World Report.
As an engineering major at Messiah University, you'll be able to:
- Work towards an ABET-accredited BSE degree concentration in biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental or mechanical engineering.
- Learn to use powerful computer design tools such as SolidWorks, LabView, Multisim, Ultiboard and a microprocessor simulation package.
- Participate in the Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC) in partnership with the Collaboratory which provides all engineering students with a five-semester sequence of credit-bearing opportunities to use what you learn in the classroom to solve authentic problems for local and international clients.
- Use state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, environmental and biomedical engineering laboratories, as well as a professional machine shop and in-house circuit prototyping equipment.
- Work alongside other students in projects related to communications technology, assistance for disabled persons, sustainable energy, transportation technologies and water resources.
- Experiment with an automatic milling machine, manufacturing process lab, wind tunnel, machine shop, robotic assembly line, and even a biodiesel lab and solar power experimentation installation.
As a graduate of the engineering program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Design engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Software engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Computer engineer
Our program takes very seriously our role in helping you with career preparation and your career search.
- Every Tuesday, we host a Professional Development Hour in which a professional from an engineering industry talks about his or her daily work, company and career preparation. This encourages students to become career-minded early in their education, and provides a networking opportunity if they choose to connect with the presenter.
- Each October, Messiah hosts a career expo that often includes many employers seeking to hire engineers. In February, we host a focused career expo specifically targeting engineering companies or those looking to hire engineers.
- We actively coach students on how to share their Collaboratory Project experience with prospective employers so that they are equipped to represent well the project work they have done in a way that connects with industry professionals.
- We strongly encourage students to pursue internship opportunities, typically over the summer, during their engineering program. Faculty advisors assist with internship placement as able, including referring students to alumni and other professional contacts.
For more information on career planning for the engineering program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of engineering internships. A few examples include:
- Phoenix Contact
- Oakland University, MI
- NREIP, an Office of Naval Research (ONR)
- DiversiLabs
- Hirschmann Automation and Control
- Bureau of Diplomatic Security / U.S. State Department
- Hershey Medical Research
- World Vision
- The Collaboratory
General engineering (BSE with no concentration)
The general engineering option provides considerable flexibility for you to customize your experience. In addition to the various combinations of engineering courses permitted by the program, you may also couple the engineering degree with a minor or other area of study. For example, minors in physics, chemistry and business administration are typical complements to the general engineering degree. You may also choose this program in order to pursue Messiah’s pre-med advising option or pre-law minor.
Modern facilities
In addition, you’ll get to use our specialized facilities, including a professionally staffed machine shop; state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, environmental and biomedical engineering labs; industry-standard engineering software, and in-house circuit prototyping equipment.
Hands-on engineering experience as a student
Beginning your second year, you’ll work on IPC projects that meet the needs of a real-world client. You’ll learn to engage problems in the broader context of environment, culture and economics and develop process, design, teamwork, leadership, project management and planning skills. This unique project integration affords you the opportunity to begin using your engineering skills right away, not only in Pennsylvania, but around the world. And when you finish your degree, you’ll walk into your first job with a complete project management and technical application experience.
Diverse coursework
To meet the engineering degree requirements, you’ll take 15 pre-engineering courses and eight upper-level engineering courses. Then, you’ll finish the degree with nine courses in the biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental or mechanical concentrations.
Continually recognized as a top engineering degree program by U.S. News and World Report, our engineering courses provide a balance of technical knowledge, broad education and Christian faith, in addition to you getting the opportunity to apply your knowledge to service projects in real, tangible ways through the University’s unique Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC).