With a gender studies minor, you’ll explore our notions of gender, their historical and cultural origins, and find ways to apply what you’re learning in your education and career.
By adding a minor in gender studies, you’ll develop a reflective and interdisciplinary understanding of how our notions of gender, gender roles, and gender identities have been, and continue to be, shaped by the intellectual, historical, and sociocultural contexts in which they emerge. This flexible minor provides critical thinking and lessons that can pair well with majors like education, history, social work, business, and more. And you’ll work on a research or service learning project that will help you apply lessons from gender studies courses to your major field of study.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
As you explore gender studies, you’ll expand your knowledge and develop critical thinking skills for evaluating different beliefs and systems about gender. You’ll better understand how personal beliefs about gender influence thoughts about ourselves and others
A strong base of knowledge
You’ll gain a better understanding of the key contexts that have and continue to shape gender experiences. And you’ll better recognize discrimination at the intersection of gender, race, class, and more.
Faith-fueled learning
As you explore key issues and beliefs around gender, you’ll develop the ability to apply biblical perspectives to gender issues.
Strong communication skills
You’ll be able to respectfully and thoughtfully communicate personal perspectives. And you’ll gain a stronger sense of empathy for how gender shapes and impacts people of other cultures
Skills for any career
Gender studies is an area that will enhance your critical thinking skills as you evaluate different beliefs and systems. And these skills can be applied to almost any area of study and career.
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.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and minors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.
Study abroad
Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Off-campus study abroad programs include the January trip to Morocco, Spain, and France. Or you can study for a semester at a university in another country. Recent students have studied in Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Lithuania.
Internships
We have partnerships like a paid internship at the White Bear Lake Historical Society. You’ll also have the chance to intern at sites like the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Historical Society, and the opportunity to apply to work for the department as a teaching assistant.
Research
You’ll have the chance to conduct research with professors through programs like Edgren Scholars and summer research projects. And you can conduct your own original research in local or digital archives for your senior seminar paper.
Real-world impact
How will this minor help my career goals?
You’ll gain knowledge of political systems and communication, writing, and critical thinking skills that can prepare you for almost any job.
Stand out to employers
Through your service learning or research project, you’ll display the type of critical thinking skills that will help you stand out to employers and graduate schools.
Show your passion
Through rigorous study in a field like gender studies, you’ll stand out to employers with your passion and purpose.
Apply your faith to your career
As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to glorify God wherever your career takes you.
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.
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 and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”
Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
Location
Contact
Sam Mulberry
Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center
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.
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: