Department of English and Journalism

Bring words to life and develop adaptable, transferable skills for your career.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of English and Journalism, you’ll study literature, writing, and journalism in a supportive Christ-guided community.

As you learn more about the world around us, you’ll gain the tools to bring the beauty of literature and the craft of writing to life. You’ll have opportunities to work alongside experienced faculty, study abroad, contribute to in-house publications, and intern through local media outlets. Within a supportive learning environment, you’ll be challenged to discern what it means to be a Christian reader and writer in a world searching for strong, wise voices.

Majors, minors, and programs

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


You’ll study English and journalism from a Christian perspective, with courses providing room to ask questions that will guide you on your faith journey.

Practical experience


Hone your writing skills and be published through numerous opportunities right here on Bethel’s campus: 

  • The Clarion, Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper
  • The Coeval, a student-led undergraduate literary and art magazine 
  • Textura, a unique opportunity to practice your photojournalistic skills internationally on a January trip
  • On-campus roles with student government groups, Bethel’s marketing office, the university sports information office, and more.

Study abroad


Study around the world through January session classes like Travel Writing and the photojournalistic Textura magazine project. Explore off-campus programs in New York City and Los Angeles and consider other trips offered over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Bethel’s Department of English and Journalism typically has the highest number of students studying abroad each year.

Faculty mentorship


Classes are usually small, allowing for you to gain individual attention and mentorship from your professors. They are practicing, published writers and experienced storytellers with a passion for providing valuable insights and feedback on your work.

Internships


Gain valuable experience that will prepare you for the career ahead. Write news and feature stories for area community newspapers, learn the ropes at local publishing houses, and get connected through the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication.

Hands-on learning


Your learning opportunities are endless—attend performances at Twin Cities’ theaters and perform scenes in class, partner with fourth- and fifth-graders at Maxfield Elementary School in St. Paul to create the Maxfield Times, and create and produce a literary journal.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in English and journalism 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:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Research 
  • Clear communication

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work as a:

  • Teacher
  • Public affairs specialist 
  • Communications specialist
  • Publicist
  • Minister
  • Media center director
  • Web developer
  • Lawyer
  • Editor at magazines and publishing houses
  • Writer/author
  • Newspaper reporter
  • Blogger
  • Sports information director

Graduate school


You’ll be equipped to go on to study:

  • Law 
  • Journalism 
  • Education 
  • Marketing
  • Corporate and nonprofit communications
  • Publishing and editing
  • Ministry and theology
  • Sports information
  • Public affairs/policy

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Soraya Keiser

Degree: B.A. in Journalism and B.A. in International Relations

At Bethel, Soraya found a supportive academic environment where she could explore her passion for storytelling and world issues. She also found numerous opportunities to grapple with ethical challenges and explore what it means to be a good neighbor as a Christian and storyteller. She wrote for The Clarion, wrote for Textura and studied on three different continents, and produced Border of Dreams, award-winning documentary in collaboration with her professor and mentor. She also became Bethel’s first Fulbright Scholar in more than a decade.

Read 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.

Find your counselor

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of English and Journalism


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 370, 372

Contact

April Vinding

Scott Winter

April Vinding

April Vinding

Professor of English

Bio >

Marion Larson

Marion Larson

Professor of English

Bio >

Angela Preston

Angela Preston

Associate Professor of English

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Scott Winter

Scott Winter

Professor of Journalism

Bio >

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Phyllis Alsdurf

Professor of English Emerita

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Thomas Becknell

Thomas Becknell

Professor of English Emeritus

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Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

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Lorraine Eitel

Associate Professor of English Emerita

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Daniel Ritchie

Daniel Ritchie

Professor of English Emeritus

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Daniel Taylor

Professor of English Emeritus

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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