ENROLLMENT BY PROGRAM 300
LOCATION OF STUDENTS
626 34
73%
DEMOGRAPHICS
27%
GRADUATE PROGRAM GROWTH
from Pennsylvania
male
250
26% from 32 other states
female
73%
1%
from 8 other countries
200
150
AVERAGE AGE
students as of June 30, 2016
100
years old
COUNSELING
50
CONDUCTING
EDUCATION HIGHER EDUCATION
NURSING
2009 -2010
2012-2013
2014-2015
emphasis is something you don’t get at most graduate and business leadership schools,” explained Kristopher Cravey, director of both programs. “We view business and leadership through the lens of faith, which gives it deep meaning, value and purpose. It has the power to transform our perspective, to see the common good businesses and organizations can have in the world through the products and services they create.” The 30-credit-hour master’s in strategic leadership degree enhances a broad range of undergraduate degrees and can be completed in 18 months. Many enter the program to develop stronger leadership and communication skills or to enhance their effectiveness within their organizations. “My master’s has better equipped me to be a well-rounded leader in the workplace, church and community,” said Lauren Seneca ’12, MA ’16, associate director of annual giving at Messiah and recent graduate of the strategic leadership program. “As part of the annual giving team, I am challenged to match our donors’ passions with the needs of the
College in order for us to better the Messiah experience for students. My ability to think critically, analyze and research—all skills I have developed through the program—is an essential part of this process.” Unlike the M.A. in strategic leadership, the MBA program requires students to have an undergraduate background in business. The degree offers several concentrations—digital marketing; management; organizational and strategic communication; social entrepreneurship; or strategic leadership. The first students from the MBA program will graduate in May. “Some are entry or mid-level managers who are looking to sharpen their skills to lead teams and organizations effectively and grow in their career,” Cravey explained, “Others are fresh out of an undergrad program who are saying, ‘I really need to seize the opportunity now to prepare for a life of influence and service.’” Continuing with Messiah’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence, top faculty members provide both a mix of academic
18 | SUMMER 2016 • THE BRIDGE • MESSIAH COLLEGE
MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS DIETETICS 2015-2016
credentials and professional business experience to offer students the best in theory and practice. Both degrees culminate in a capstone project—similar to a thesis—which a student completes with a faculty member for a semester-long mentoring process. “We’re really focused on the practical piece of it,” said Cravey. “It’s not just about having knowledge of the content areas. It’s about being able to take that knowledge and apply it in a real-world setting to make an impact.” THE FUTURE
While Messiah continues strengthening its current graduate programming, new programs will be added—with thoughtful deliberation. ““We have to discern our strengths and our capacity for the new programs. We have to answer the question, ‘Is there a need for this program?’” said Pepper, when discussing the process of adding new programs. “We build off the strength and history and tradition of who Messiah has been and the needs of the world.” B
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