Engineering Major in Pennsylvania
Discover the Engineering program designed for creative problem-solvers who love math and science. This faith-based education equips you for a career in biomedical engineering, robotics, civil engineering and more. Dive into a world of innovation and make a difference with an Engineering degree.
students receive financial aid
employed or in a graduate program
within 6 - 9 months after graduation
Study Engineering at a Christian University
Messiah's BSE is an ABET-accredited undergraduate program. The curriculum for all first-year engineering students is the same, giving you over a year to declare a focus as you complete foundational coursework in math and science.
Messiah University consistently ranks 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:
- Study in a program that has been named an "Engineering College of Distinction" by Colleges of Distinction for a "Top Undergraduate Engineering Program in the U.S." by U.S. News and World Report.
- 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. Students have created prosthetic limbs both locally and internationally using biomedical engineering, designed and constructed multiple bridges in developing countries, developed a low-cost filter system for drinking water and more.
- Use state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, biomechanics, robotics, 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.
- Learn from caring, Christian and teaching-focused faculty.
- Take part in rigorous undergraduate research opportunities.
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.
- Throughout the fall semester, we host a weekly 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.
- 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
- Design Outreach
The Engineering (BS) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.
General engineering
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. Learn more about why Messiah's engineering program is different than other programs and how the Collaboratory helps prepare you for a successful career with these FAQ videos.
Test optional policy for undergraduates
Messiah University's test-optional policy enables first-year students to receive admission, secure scholarships and compete for the Messiah University Honors Program without submitting standardized tests.
Learn more when you check out our Test Optional Policy FAQ.
Programs related to Engineering
In the Engineering program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Engineering:
Engineering (B.S.E) with General Concentration
Careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
Where they work
- DuPont-First Chemical
- Accenture
- Exelon Nuclear
- IBM
- SIM
- NASA
- Master Solutions Incorporated
- York International
- World Vision
- United States Air Force
- Inc.
- Naval Air Systems Command
- Sensenich Propeller
- Garrison Engineering
- Philadelphia Water Department
- Synergy Investments
- Camcraft
- Inc.
- Nextel Communications
- E.B. Webber
- SAIC
- Emerson Process Management Power and Water Solutions
- Acoustic Dimensions
- GMB Architects/Engineers
- Gowanda Electronics Corporation
- HughesNet
- Inc.
- PSEG Nuclear
- EFCA
- Bechtel
- Tyco Electronics
- Bay Design
- Inc.
- Andelman and Lelek Engineering
- Inc.
- Naval Inventory Control Point
- Elliott Company
- Boeing Company
- Snader Web Design
- Modjeski and Masters
- Inc.
- Engel Machinery
- Inc.
- Proctor and Gamble
- Car-Freshner Corporation
- Energy Opportunities
- Inc.
- Lockheed Martin
- Honeywell
- Inc.
- Net Zero Renewable Resources
- Aurora-Energy
- Inc.
- JLG
- LTRI
- Select Property & Association Management
- Aurora Energy
- Inc.
- Dejana Trucking
- A. B. Martin Roofing Supply
- Johnson Controls
- Olympic Steel
- Inc.
- Bard Manufacturing Company
- Train Control Systems
- Katapult Engineering
What they do
- Biomedical Engineer
- Quality Engineering Applications Specialist
- Project Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Project Designer
- Engineering Associate
- Ensign
- Graduate Engineer/EIT
- Transportation Designer
- Bridge Engineer
- Staff Engineer
- Intro Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Applications Engineer
- Teaching Assistant
- Water Design Engineer
- Maintainability Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Power Make Ready Team
- Distribution Engineer
- Lead Software Engineer
Graduate school
- Taylor University
- University of Kansas
- University of Michigan
- Lehigh University
- Ohio State University
- Drexel University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Bentley University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Florida
- Cornell University
- Penn State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Colorado
98% of the Class of 2025 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.
Practical experience through The Collaboratory
Starting your second year, you’ll work on projects that meet the needs of a real-world client in a Christian missions context. You will be offered the opportunity to begin using your engineering skills right away, not only in Pennsylvania, but around the world. When you finish your degree, you’ll walk into your first job with a complete project management and technical application experience.
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 such as building prosthetics, wheelchairs and more. Don't want to wait until sophomore year? You can start volunteering in the Collaboratory as a first-year student!
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, in-house circuit prototyping equipment and a robotics lab.
Diverse coursework
To meet the engineering degree requirements, you’ll take 15 pre-engineering courses and eight upper-level engineering courses.
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).
Last updated: