The state of Pennsylvania is home to a large Mainline Protestant population. Closely following is a substantial Evangelical Protestant following, and Catholics also represent a large membership in the state. Of this group, the most adherents belonged to Methodist, Lutheran, non-denominational, and Presbyterian-Reformed faiths, respectively. The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) notes over 155 new Baptist congregations in Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2010, followed by new Adventist and Presbyterian congregations in large numbers.

All of these denominations have experienced much change over the last decade, citing increases in the number of adherents and churches for their respective faith groups. Catholics also reported a large following of over three million as of 2010.

Education in Pennsylvania

Many renowned Christian colleges call Pennsylvania home. While the state boasts a large number of large colleges offering Christian degrees among their traditional programming, there are also many exclusively faith-based universities and seminaries statewide. As one of the largest conventional colleges in the area, Eastern University offers a wide range of programs in business, arts and sciences, and urban studies, as well as religious studies and ministry education through its school-within-a-school, Palmer Theological Seminary.

For those looking for an exclusively faith-based program, Messiah College, which offers ministry, counseling, education, and nursing degrees and certificate programs, honors “faith and intellect” as well as “harmony and difference” among the priorities of its higher education mission statement.

The state of Pennsylvania has made college education a priority, with its many Pennsylvania Christian colleges also pushing Christian values to the forefront.

Working in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania labor force is predominantly employed by the educational services, healthcare, and social assistance industries, according to a 2010 Census. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also cites education and health services as the top industry in the state, out-ranking trade, transportation, and utilities, as well as professional and business services, by only a small margin.

According to the PA Workforce CareerLink website, the state’s high priority occupations include jobs in the above sectors, incorporating education, healthcare, and logistics and transportation, among others.

Those looking for more extensive information on Christian colleges in Pennsylvania may read on, below: