Department of Languages and Cultures
Learn to communicate across cultures and form life-long connections.
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.
Faith integration
With faith integrated into all of our coursework, you’ll explore language and other cultures from a thoughtful, Christian perspective.
Global preparation
By learning to speak a second language and by having extended immersion experiences, you’ll stand out to employers. In fact, many graduates find jobs in a variety of fields upon or before graduation.
Study abroad
Live with a host family or learn about community development across the globe. You can take classes abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer.
Service learning
You’ll have transformative experiences by getting involved in local multicultural communities and interacting with native and heritage speakers of the languages you’re studying.
Unique partnerships
Bethel partners with the Centro de Estudios Hispánicos in Segovia, Spain, for study abroad opportunities, along with local organizations like Urban Ventures, One Reason Dance Studio, and Open Door.
Practical experience
You’ll have the chance to student teach in bilingual and immersion schools or get paid to serve as a teaching/research assistant and a language tutor at Bethel.
Mentorship
Classes are typically small, allowing you to gain individual attention and mentorship from your professors. They bring real experience to the classroom, and they’ll model how to integrate Christian principles and all you learn into your career.
Real-world impact
Career outcomes
A degree in languages and cultures 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 to:
- effectively communicate across cultures in a Christ-like manner
- use language to better understand, interact with, and serve with people from other contexts
- step out of your comfort zone to take your place in the global community in the 21st century
Careers
You’ll be prepared to work as a:
- Business professional
- College professor
- Educational leader
- Healthcare worker
- Legal assistant
- Missionary
- Social worker
- Speechwriter
Graduate school
Our alumni go on to study:
- Business
- Education
- Healthcare
- Leadership
- Theology
Our Community
Alumni spotlight
Emma Freebersyser
Job: Executive director, La Senda Spanish Center
Degree: Spanish and biokinetics
Using her Spanish degree, Emma started La Senda Spanish Center as a freshman. She wanted to help elementary school students cultivate a love for learning Spanish during summer and after-school programming. She was also putting into action what she was learning—to infuse faith into her job and form meaningful connections with others. The immersion program ended up growing so much that she was able to work full time as executive director there when she graduated. Her experiences helped Esther discover a passion for justice and collaboration along with a deeper understanding of the world that helped propel her into her career.
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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 dedicated professors who are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.
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
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.