Department of Biblical & Theological Studies

☰ In This Section

In Bethel’s Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, you’ll build a strong biblical foundation that prepares you to serve and lead capably and knowledgeably.

But we don’t stop there. Beyond biblical knowledge, you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation that will equip you to integrate your faith into everything you do.

Majors, minors, and programs

Biblical and Theological Studies Major
Missional Ministries Major
Biblical and Theological Studies Minor
Gender Studies Minor

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Faith integration

Beyond expanding your knowledge of the Bible, you’ll grow in your personal faith as you learn to integrate it into everything you do.

Practical experience

Hone your ministry skills as a leader by participating in community outreaches like Twin Cities Outreach, interning at local churches and ministry sites, or getting involved in Bethel’s own campus ministries.

Study abroad

Study abroad in Israel, Turkey, Greece, Cambodia, or Ireland, and take classes in World Christianity to understand the church in a global context. You’ll also have a chance to travel on missions trips to locations worldwide.

Mentorship

Our professors are respected scholars, speakers, and writers. Our small class sizes allow you to know them, be mentored by them, and collaborate with them on significant research projects like the Green Scholars Initiative through which you and a faculty member research a biblical text artifact.

Prepare for seminary and grad school

Through strong scholarship and rigorous theological study, you’ll be fully prepared for graduate education, including study at Bethel Seminary if you so choose.

Expert faculty

You’ll learn alongside professors who are respected scholars, speakers, and writers. And they’ll get to know you and will invest in success. And with Bethel’s vibrant community and small class sizes, you’ll find numerous opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with professors.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in Biblical and Theological Studies will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education. Almost all of our recent graduates said that their studies helped them improve in skills employers value. And you’ll be prepared to follow other alumni who go on to study at top graduate schools.

Skills

You’ll learn:

Ethical thinking
Global perspectives of theological ideals, not just Western thought
Writing and research skills
Critical thinking
Theological thinking in a manner that is attentive to today’s world
Analytic and philosophical thinking
Leadership principles for effective ministry in the church

Careers

You’ll be prepared to work as a:

Pastor
Teacher or professor
Youth minister
Ministry leader
Chaplain
Writer/editor
Missionary
Camp counselor or director
Church planter
Director of Christian organizations
Church administrator
Journalist
Relief worker
Business leader
Community organizer
Nonprofit director
Social worker
Worship leader
Lawyer
Urban ministry director

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to go on to study:

Education and teaching
Business/MBA
Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
Marriage and Family Therapy
Ministry
Theology

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Trevor Rankin

Job: Mill City Church operations associate

Degree: Biblical and theological studies

During his time at Bethel, Trevor found a supportive academic environment to explore the Bible and theology. But more than that, he learned that the Gospel isn’t just knowing what’s in the Bible. It’s something that’s accessible to everyone—even little ones. He interned in the children’s ministry at Mill City Church in Minneapolis and found that working with kids was energizing. After graduating, Trevor became the Mill City’s operations associate and now assists in running their K-5 Sunday school.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside professors who are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.