${headerImage__alt}

English Minor

Minor

With an English minor, you’ll hone your skills in literature and writing—gaining essential skills that can be applied to almost any career.

Bethel University students working together in a library, sharing a light moment while working on laptops.
By adding a minor in English, you'll explore the human experience through great works and pen your own under the guidance of professors who are published writers themselves. You’ll begin with a broad course that explores world-changing stories and end with an in-depth look at the humanities as a whole, honing skills applicable to a wide array of jobs.

Apply now Request info Visit campus

Why should I study English at Bethel?

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

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Your rich interaction with literature and writing, taught by Christian professors and approached through the eyes of faith, will guide you on your unique journey as you ask questions and consider what it means to be a Christian.   
  • Flexibility 
    The English degree course requirements are flexible, allowing you the opportunity to add other disciplines as second majors or minors.
  • A community where you belong 
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

Contact us

Request info

Interested in learning more about Bethel's English minor? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.

Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
Bethel University students working together in a library, sharing a light moment while working on laptops.

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

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

As you explore literature and writing, you’ll cultivate skills of analysis and connection useful in any career.

Two Bethel University students collaborating on a project, smiling and pointing at a laptop screen.

Literacy competence

You’ll sharpen your skills in analyzing the written word, understanding contexts, critical approaches, and methods of interpretation along with literary craft techniques.

Clear writing

You’ll become confident—and creative—in your writing, editing, and presenting.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons

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.

See plans

Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

A group of students posing happily in front of the Taj Mahal during a study abroad trip.

Study abroad

You’ll have the chance to study abroad over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. The January Textura trip and the Travel Writing trip are favorites among English and journalism students at Bethel. You may also explore off-campus programs in New York City and Los Angeles.

Students working together at a table.

Internships

Write for area newspapers like the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Or learn the ropes at publishing houses like Redleaf Press, Believers Press, Bethany House Publishers, Coffee House Press, and more.

A student in a red shirt making a point during a classroom discussion, holding a pen.

Build your portfolio

Hone your writing skills through Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper, literary journal, award-winning Textura magazine project, the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication, and by attending off-campus national conferences and engaging with the vibrant Twin Cities literary culture.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

With an English minor, you’ll gain skills that are in high demand with organizations and employers. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in many different fields.

Stand out to employers

You’ll gain the essential skills valued in careers in education, business, counseling, communication and marketing, graphic design and more.

Experience

You’ll start your career with a strong portfolio of writing, photos, and video clips from an award-winning student newspaper, campus offices, The Royal Report YouTube channel, and more.

Apply your faith to your career

As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to use words to glorify God wherever your career takes you.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock

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 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

Bio >

Scott Winter

Scott Winter

Professor of Journalism

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Phyllis Alsdurf

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

Thomas Becknell

Thomas Becknell

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Lorraine Eitel

Associate Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

Daniel Ritchie

Daniel Ritchie

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

A default silhouette for faculty without images.

Daniel Taylor

Professor of English Emeritus

Bio >

100

hours spent by each student in classrooms before student teaching

20

scholarly pieces published by faculty since 2013

Overhead view of student working on laptop

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

Smiling student wearing Bethel University beanie

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.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements