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Media and Performing Arts Minor

Minor

With a media and performing arts minor, you’ll refine your performance skills and develop expertise in media production, communication, and storytelling.

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By adding a media and performing arts minor, you’ll become equipped to create compelling content, preparing you for diverse roles in live productions, media creation, and storytelling. Through classes and performance opportunities in a variety of subjects, you’ll be equipped to not only tell meaningful stories that enhance your career opportunities—especially if you plan to enter a creative field.

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Why should I study media and performing arts at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Music and Performing Arts, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to use your God-given musical talents to go into the world and serve with purpose, whether in performance, teaching, or composing.

  • A vibrant community
    Youll learn in a dynamic music department where youll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through lessons, practices, performances, informal gatherings, music trips, and more.

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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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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Storytelling is a valued skill in almost every industry and profession today. Through your media and performing arts minor, you’ll enhance your career opportunities by acquiring the skillset to produce film, audio, and even social media content.

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Media production

Learn video and audio production, editing, and storytelling for digital media content.

Pre-production story design

Develop scripts, storyboards, and creative concepts for media projects.

Post-production editing

Refine editing skills, sound design, and visual storytelling in post-production processes.

Acting and singing

Develop your creative skills through classes and live performance opportunities in Bethel’s vibrant community.

Technical work

Learn about stage management, lighting, sound design, and other technical elements of theatrical productions.

Creative collaboration

Collaborate with peers and faculty on creative projects, honing your teamwork and communication skills in artistic endeavors.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in our vibrant musical community and gain hands-on experiences that shape you into a skilled and versatile musician.

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Professional networking

Engage with industry professionals, attend workshops, and participate in internships to build connections and gain hands-on experience.

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Train in media labs

Learn to create digital media content, including videos, podcasts, social media campaigns, and more for live productions, musicals, and media pieces.

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Study abroad

Participate in music ensembles that travel across the United States and abroad. Previous locations have included Singapore, Malaysia, Poland, Sweden, France, and more.

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Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

The skills of performance, media production, and storytelling prepare you for diverse career paths in entertainment, media, and creative industries.

Media production

Work in media companies, production studios, advertising agencies, or digital content creation roles.

Performing arts

Pursue opportunities in acting, singing, stage management, and technical production for live performances.

Creative entrepreneurship

Start your own creative ventures, such as production companies, theatre groups, or media platforms.

Cross-disciplinary roles

Apply your skills in communication, storytelling, and performance across various industries, including corporate events, education, and non-profit organizations.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside supportive professors who are there for you as helpful resources. You’ll receive their guidance for graduate auditions, job applications, leadership roles, and assistant positions. In the Department of Communication Studies, you’ll also have access to renowned performance facilities–most notably the Benson Great Hall, one of the finest concert halls in the upper Midwest.

Department of Communication Studies


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 327

Contact

Ripley Smith

Peggy Kendall

Peggy Kendall

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Ripley Smith

Ripley Smith

Professor of Media Communication

Bio >

Betsy Anderson

Betsy Anderson

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jentine Arkema

Jentine Arkema

Teaching Partner in Communication Studies

Bio >

Nancy Brule

Nancy Brule

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Christopher Shofner

Christopher Shofner

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Scott Sochay

Scott Sochay

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jessica Samens

Jessica Samens

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Michael Dreher

Michael Dreher

Professor of Communication Emeritus

Bio >

Arthur Terry

Arthur Terry

Associate Professor of Communication Studies Emeritus

Bio >

158

students majoring in the department

150

students presented at regional conferences in the past 7 years

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements