Messiah offers an extensive mix of stellar undergraduate and graduate programs in both the liberal and applied arts and sciences—including expansion to master’s and doctorate programs over the past decade. Offering 150+ undergraduate programs and 40+ graduate programs within a multiple-School structure and modern, well-equipped academic facilities, Messiah has been functioning at a university level for several years.

As a university, we continue to launch relevant new educational programs designed for the needs of a rapidly changing workforce—most recently adding accelerated programs in athletic training and occupational therapy that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. With the proven ability to leverage academic strengths across our undergraduate and graduate programming for the benefit of our students –our new university name simply reflects more accurately who we already are.

An important part of our journey to university has been the extension of our mission to emerging new populations of students—particularly through our use of technology and online learning. We’ve engaged students across all stages of higher learning—as early as high school students in our dual enrolled programs to our recent launch of adult degree programs—online undergraduate degrees and certificates designed for busy working professionals. Messiah University continues to serve our residential undergraduate students with distinction, while providing innovative “learning for life” opportunities for emerging non-traditional student populations through outstanding, affordable and flexible educational programs.

What’s in a name? Well, internationally the term “college” typically refers to a high school or lower level of education. “University,” however, is more widely understood by international, graduate and non-traditional students, providing opportunity to expand our recruitment among those populations. In addition to international student recruitment, adopting university status opens new doors for Messiah University for other global partnerships including internships, study abroad, scholarship and research connections, as well and ministry, outreach and service opportunities.

Messiah University creates an internationally shared vocabulary that positions us as the top-tier institution of scholarship and faculty-mentored research that we are. Messiah students enjoy a wide range of scholarship, research and engagement opportunities such as prestigious national and international scholarship competitions; the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnership and Applied Research; national and international service learning, community service and engagement, a rich network of off-campus and international programs and undergraduate research. These experiential learning opportunities remain a central part of Messiah’s strategic plan and vision as we continue our journey as a nationally recognized private Christian university.