Frequently Asked Questions

How do people get a graduate degree while working?

Seventy-six percent of our graduate students work full time and 19 percent work part time. Many of our learners also have families and sometimes even civic and religious obligations...and still manage to take classes too.

Bethel's programs are designed for the busy, working adult. We stay on top of best practices in adult education, which means that student assessment occurs primarily through projects, papers, and group work rather than formal tests. Your experience in the working world adds to the educational environment in the classroom as you share insight from real-world experiences and learn from your cohort members.

Sure, something's got to give. Maybe your laundry doesn't get done as often as you'd like or you rediscover the virtues of fast food (fried chicken in a bucket, anyone?). But in the end, you will find these sacrifices were well worth it for the personal and professional benefits you obtain from your graduate degree.

What programs do you offer?

Bethel offers 11 advanced degrees and several certificates along with a variety of other options. See the program pages below for details on specific degrees.

How are your courses structured?

Most of the courses are completed in an accelerated schedule and completed within 5 or 6 weeks by attending one evening a week; some programs use an alternate schedule. Courses may be totally face to face, or a combination of face to face and online (we call these "hybrid" courses), or totally online.

When are classes offered?

Students participate in a cohort, a group of students who progress through the program together. Classes usually meet once a week in the evenings and students take one class at a time; a typical course lasts 5-6 weeks. Some programs have a different schedule; see program pages for specific details. Learners register once for the entire program and follow a designated calendar.

I have already taken graduate courses. Will these credits transfer?

You may submit transcripts for evaluation of any prior credit. Credit awarded will be at the discretion of the academic services team and the director of the program in which you are interested.

When do the programs begin?

Start dates vary. Many programs begin in the spring and fall, but other programs begin at other times of the year. Check with an admissions advisor at 651.635.8000, or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000 for specific start dates. Applications are now being accepted for all programs.

Is Bethel accredited?

Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Bethel is a member of the Teacher Accreditation Council; and a member of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.Bethel is approved by:

The Minnesota Board of Teaching for teacher preparation programs leading to license for prekindergarten, elementary, and secondary teaching
The Minnesota Board of Nursing for nursing preparation

How does Bethel rank in the U.S. News and World Report college rankings?

Bethel University has consistently ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest in U.S. News and World Report. Read more...

Do I have to be religious to attend Bethel University?

Bethel University strives to meet the unique educational and personal needs of adult learners in a supportive Christian environment. Faith is unquestioningly linked to learning; however, we recognize that everyone has their own faith journey. We desire to walk alongside you academically and spiritually as you make your own choices as to the role of faith in your life. Many of our learners do attend church regularly and/or embrace a biblical worldview. We aspire to be welcoming to everyone wherever they land on the spiritual map.

The recognition of ethical problems and sound moral decision making is emphasized in the adult programs at Bethel. The institution encourages you to apply your learning to your while life and cultivate thinking skills that relate to all of life and work.

How will my life experience relate to the classroom?

Adult learners are significant contributors to the courses by capitalizing and sharing their professional and life experiences. In this way, each person is enriched by the stories of other cohort members. Adult learners consistently say that the other learners in their course work became a source of rich support through the rigors and exhilaration of learning together.

What Bethel services are available for adult students?

Email accounts
Access to computer labs and HELP desk (online or by telephone)
Free personalized individual education plan
Library with 24/7 computerized access to the Bethel library system, Twin Cities public and college libraries, and loan privileges to wider library resources
Disability Services
Writing Center tutoring
Academic advising
Free transcript evaluation
Online bookstore

How much will a graduate degree cost?

See Tuition for the most current rates.

Does Bethel accept financial aid?

Yes. See Financial Aid for details on how to apply.

Where do Bethel's adult students work?

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and career fields. Many of our students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Check your benefits package or office of human resources to see if you are eligible for this benefit! See a representative sample of our learners' employers.

How long will it take for me to complete my graduate degree?

Many programs take about two years. See the program pages for specific details on the length of your specific program using the listing of major programs above.

What is the average age of students in the graduate program?

Students are in-career adults with varied life and work experience who value the integration of learning, profession, and faith.

Age:

I am ready to apply. What next?

Contact the admissions office at 651.635.8000, or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000. Or complete the online application.

How can I learn more?

Call an admissions advisor at 651.635.8000, or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000, or email caps-gs@bethel.edu. Information sessions are also held regularly throughout the region.

*International Baccalaureate is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization.