Frequently Asked Questions

What programs does Bethel Seminary offer?

Bethel Seminary offers a wide variety of master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. With a diverse range of emphases including youth ministry, pastoral care, urban community leadership, and marriage and family therapy, there are nearly 20 different programs to choose from at Bethel Seminary. One of them can uniquely match your interests and ministry calling. 

Can you go to seminary online?

Yes! Bethel offers both face-to-face and online delivery options. Some online programs are fully online, with all your work being completed from a distance. Others are hybrid and include intensives, which means you'll work through assignments, interact with faculty, and engage in online discussion from a distance—then, you meet with other students in the program on campus for one week of intensive classes, making connections and learning from other ministry leaders.

No matter which delivery option you’re in, you can also choose Sem Together. This is a cohort track meant to build community by enabling you to stay with students who start the same program at the same time.

How long does an online seminary course take?

You can complete a certificate in as few as nine months or a master's degree in as few as two years—all dependent on your program and delivery method. If, however, your busy schedule doesn’t allow for a fast-paced plan, you can spread out your classes at a speed that works for you and your family. Also, you’re never locked in—you can easily switch your timeline and even your delivery choice.

Can you go to seminary without a bachelor’s degree?

You need a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution to apply for Bethel Seminary programs. This affords you a solid foundation for your seminary courses and also provides you an edge with responsibilities associated with your ministry calling.

If you’re just beginning undergraduate studies and intend to go to seminary upon receiving your bachelor’s degree, we recommend you pursue theological studies with a strong liberal arts emphasis. Consider courses in English, speech, history, philosophy, natural sciences, foreign languages, and religion or Christianity. 

What kind of service opportunities does a seminary degree prepare me for?

You will develop your God-given talents while gaining the biblical foundation you need to discern faithfully, think critically, and act wisely. You’ll be equipped to serve and lead wherever God has called you. Maybe that’s pastoring in a church or managing a Christian organization. But it may also be teaching in a public classroom, leading in a secular boardroom, coaching on the football field or influencing throughout social media outlets.

What financial aid options are available for students at Bethel Seminary?

For full-time seminary students, Bethel offers several scholarships. These are given for academic achievements, vocational goals, and acts of service. You can also take out loans to help fund at least a portion of your seminary expenses. Most students do. Although loans must be repaid, they can help make your education affordable. And if you’re a veteran or currently serving in the military, a wide variety of assistance programs are available to help offset your costs as well. 

What resources are available to Bethel Seminary students?

From selecting the right program to securing a ministry position upon receiving your degree, Bethel Seminary is committed to helping you from beginning to end. Exploring and establishing networks early on is important. To that end, we help you ask the right questions and make useful connections as well as ensure you consider requirements specific to your denomination or ministry context.

Our Career Development and Calling Office can assist you in finding a meaningful internship or service opportunity that may be needed for your program. We'll also help you prepare for employment—setting up a LinkedIn profile, updating your resume, and writing cover letters—as your time at seminary comes to an end.