The Statement of Purpose is designed to give the enrollment office insight into your goals regarding graduate school as well as your ability to express yourself through academic writing. Please note that this document is part of your admissions materials and should reflect your best writing ability.
Your statement should be sent as a double-spaced Word (.docx) or PDF (.pdf) file to gs-apply@bethel.edu. Please be sure to include your full name and the program to which you are applying.
M.A. in Counseling Program
The Statement of Purpose essay is used to determine your academic fit with Bethel's graduate programs. In 800-1,000 words, your essay should address all of the following questions:
- Describe why you want to become a clinical mental health counselor and why you would like to pursue this training at Bethel University.
- Explain your commitment to an in-person counselor training program and any life changes you may be making to adjust to such a program, if you are admitted.
- Share your perspective on diversity and how your own values and experiences influence this perspective.
- Explain how past personal and professional experiences have positively influenced your potential to succeed as a clinical mental health counselor.
All Other Graduate Programs
The Statement of Purpose essay is used to determine your academic fit with Bethel's graduate programs. In 800-1,000 words, your essay should address at least three of the following questions:
- Why are you pursuing this program at Bethel? How will this program help you achieve your career goals?
- What steps are you taking to prepare yourself to begin this program (e.g., reading/researching, attending seminars?) What changes do you anticipate will be needed to adjust to being a graduate student?
- How have past personal and professional experiences positively influenced your potential to succeed in graduate education?
- What relationship do you see between this area of study and your religious faith?
- What do you believe qualifies you intellectually and academically for this program? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
