Mission
Messiah University educates men and women toward maturity of intellect, character, and
Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society. General Education plays a vital role in advancing this mission, both by developing our students’ intellect and by reflecting our distinctive values as a Christ-centered university.
General Education at Messiah University cultivates thinking, knowing, being, and doing that is rooted in our calling to love God and neighbor. Learning is grounded in exploration of a wide range of disciplinary perspectives in order to promote an intellectual curiosity that considers the what, how, and why of learning. Making connections across bodies of knowledge reveals a fuller and more complex view of the world. Disciplined reflection inspires a richer understanding of and deeper commitment to living out the Christian faith. Encountering a diversity of perspectives advances intercultural understanding and instills joy in the rich heritage of a global community. General Education ensures that students make connections between what they learn and how they live, so they place their gifts in service to God and others in ways that are transformational not only for individuals but also for the common good.
General Education at Messiah University is important because a specialized degree must be placed in a wider context. Broadly educated students gain unique insights and wisdom about how to become creative agents in the work of healing and redemption in the world.
Purpose
The General Education program works with undergraduate schools and departments to ensure that the University’s mission and Undergraduate Learning Outcomes are addressed in the undergraduate curricula of the University: students learn academic skills common to all disciplines, develop an attachment and a sense of delight in relationship to the content, achieve an introductory-level understanding of a variety of disciplines, and develop an ability to apply knowledge gained from these disciplines to a wide range of problems. In the process, students challenge and nurture their intellect, develop and form their character, and engage their Christian faith. Moreover, service, leadership, and reconciliation are addressed at increasingly mature levels as students progress through the program (COE Handbook, 1.7.2).