BUILD Students

Your place to grow and call home.

Join an innovative college experience offering a comprehensive education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through BUILD, you’ll receive career-focused instruction and specialized mentorship all within a supportive Christian environment.

If you are still wondering if the BUILD program is a good fit for you, visit our requirements page for students in BUILD.

Start your application

How to apply

Submit your online application.

Priority is given to applications completed by December 1 for the following academic year or one year before you plan to attend the BUILD program (Example: Those wanting to start in the fall of 2028 should complete the application by December 2027).

To help you prepare, here’s the essay prompt you’ll see in the application:

Describe your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Describe why you want to attend Bethel University.

Also included in the online application is the Covenant for Life Together, which all students must review and agree to honor.

Submit your Transcript/IEP/Evaluation Request Form (pdf) and supporting documents.

If you have the most recent transcript, IEP and Evaluation Report, these can be emailed to build-program@bethel.edu. Official transcripts can be sent through an online portal (this will happen automatically if your school participates in this option) or submitted in a sealed envelope to the BUILD program.

Complete a physical form.

Through our partnership with Minnesota Special Olympics, we use the Application for Participation in Special Olympics to prepare students to participate in Bethel Student Government’s (BSG) Unified Sports Club (if they choose to do so).

Mail your completed form to the BUILD program. This information is also shared with Bethel University Health Services to be sure we have a complete health history on file.

Admissions deadlines

Fall term

December—Priority deadline for completed applications
Admissions interviews, if selected, are held throughout the academic year for those who have completed an application and appear to fit program criteria
Admissions decisions are mailed within one month of completing an interview

To be considered for the program, all admissions materials must be received before applications are reviewed.

Note: Due to the nature of the BUILD program, all students start in the fall.

Why BUILD?

Innovative programming

Our 2-year BUILD program offers a unique college experience not found at most universities.

On-campus living

Live on campus in a supportive, Christian environment.

Career-focused instruction

Build skills to live as independently as possible and maintain meaningful employment.

College credentials

Earn an Certificate in Applied Studies with your choice of concentration.

Ask the BUILD team

Questions about admissions? Contact our BUILD team to get your questions answered and learn about the next steps.

Contact the BUILD team

It is the policy of Bethel not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability.