Messiah College

What you'll study

The curriculum centers on biblical texts and a range of religious and theological topics. Core topics and course emphases include:

• Pentateuch, historical books, and poetical and wisdom literature
• Gospels, Paul and his letters, and Revelation
• Christian theology and the main tenets of the Christian tradition
• Comparative religion: Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism
• World Christianity, including Christian practice and history in Africa, Asia and Latin America
• Practicums and internships with local churches, nonprofits and organizations such as the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg
• Semester-away options (examples): Munich; Oxford (Reformation history and theology); Middle East Studies Program; Jerusalem; Uganda; Greece
• Opportunities for student-led Bible studies, worship communities and Theta Alpha Kappa (national honor society for religious studies and theology)

Entry requirements

The program page does not list specific admission criteria. Prospective students should consult Messiah University admissions for standard undergraduate application requirements and any programme-specific guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates enter ministry, parachurch organizations, nonprofits, social services, education and seminary. The department cites internship placements (for example, Religion and Society Center; Brethren Housing Association) and employer/graduate-school destinations including churches, mission organizations and institutions such as Princeton Theological Seminary and other seminaries and law and graduate programs. The program notes that roughly half of majors pursue graduate study and that alumni work in roles such as youth pastor, outreach coordinator, missionary, teacher and nonprofit staff.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Messiah reports strong institutional financial support for incoming students; the programme page states that 100% of first-year students receive financial aid. For program-specific scholarships, work-study or internship funding, contact the university's financial aid office and the Career and Professional Development Center.