Department of Education
Become an educator who sparks potential—and inspires the next generation.
Start your journey
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.
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.
Learning opportunities
In our programs, you’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.
- Study abroad
- Student teaching
- Clubs like the Bethel Student Educator’s Association
- On-campus work—as a teaching assistant (TA) or in Bethel's History Center archives
Real-world experience
From your first day on campus, you’ll gain hands-on experience through field placements, observations, and student teaching in classrooms at partner schools in a range of diverse school settings.
Networking and career formation
You’ll be able to attend department events where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, and develop your job interviewing skills—and interact directly with potential employers—including a principal panel and Bethel Advance.
Innovative partnerships
We've developed partnerships with charter schools and local districts that provide students with additional opportunities for hands-on learning. Plus, our Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) tutoring training program and partnerships have given students the chance to receive compensation for field placement hours.
21st century skills
You’ll learn to use evolving teaching technology—like SmartBoards, online resources, and other creative teaching tools—in innovative, flexible teaching labs, which will empower you to continue exploring new methods as a teacher.
Explore your interests and set yourself apart
You’ll learn in degrees with a STEM-focus that will set you apart to districts and schools. And your learning will extend to other disciplines across campus allowing you to explore your interests and specialize in subjects like math, English and journalism, social studies, the sciences, and more.
Professors focused on you
Your professors will get to know you and will personally invest in your success. From your first day, you’ll meet regularly with your academic advisor who will help guide your path through your degree.
Support beyond graduation
You’ll find mentors who support you past graduation, and the Teach Forward program provides ongoing professional development for education alumni—including online resources and regular meet-ups for practicing teachers.
A respected education program
You’ll study education in a department that is known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.
Our mission
Grounded in our Christian faith, Bethel’s Department of Education’s mission is to equip students like you for innovative excellence in K-12 classrooms and beyond. We prepare principled educators to serve and seek justice alongside their students and communities with compassion, humility, and knowledge.
Real-world impact
Career outcomes
A degree in education will prepare you to teach and for a wide variety of other careers. 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.
You’ll learn:
- Strong teaching methods
- Curriculum design
- A base in developmental and educational psychology
- Content knowledge in core teaching subjects and specialties
- Familiarity with school policy and action
- Strong critical thinking, writing, and communication skills
- Preparation for attaining your teaching license
- A strong understanding of global culture and how to serve a diverse population of students.
You’ll be prepared to work as:
- Elementary school teachers in public, private, charter, or international schools
- Middle school or high school teachers in endorsement or specialty areas
- Content specialists in math, communication arts & literature, social studies, and music
- Preschool teachers
- Community education leaders
You can go on to study or earn:
- School administration (principal and superintendent license)
- Public policy
- Instructional design
- Special education (ABS, ASD, EBD, and LD)
- Literacy education
- International baccalaureate
- Educational technology
Our Community
Alumni spotlight
Kristi Berg
Job: Minnesota Zoo STEM Specialist
Degree: Elementary Education
Kristi Berg ’07 loves animals, science, and teaching kids. After exploring those loves at Bethel by pairing education and biology courses, she’s found her perfect role at the Minnesota Zoo. “This is kind of my dream job,” she says. At the zoo, blends her interests as she creates the zoo’s education curriculum and leads the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge, which is a great example of how Berg and the zoo partner with schools to find ways the zoo’s animals and exhibits can spur students’ creativity and problem-solving in the classroom.
Recent news
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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.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.
Becky Carlson
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
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.
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.