History
John Alexis Edgren founded Bethel as a seminary in 1871, with the name Baptist Union Theological Seminary. The seminary trained pastors to serve Swedish Baptist immigrants, fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Edgren, a sea captain and scholar who knew 30 languages, founded Bethel on the enduring conviction that Christians ought to love God with their minds and represent Him in all fields.
Education
With more than 100 academic programs in two colleges, a graduate school, and a seminary, we're one of the most comprehensive, interdenominational Christian universities in the nation.
- Undergrad programs
- Adult undergrad programs
- Graduate programs
- Seminary programs
Research
- Preparing students for success through hands-on experience and faculty collaboration.
- Bethel University has a long history of successful faculty/student collaborative research and scholarship. The Bethel University Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship provides opportunities for Bethel students in all academic disciplines to partner with faculty both on campus and around the country.
Career
Wondering what major fits your interests, values, and strengths? What you can do now to lead a successful and purposeful life after graduation?
The Office of Career Development and Calling can help you answer these questions well before graduation day.
We want you to feel confident and equipped for the path God's called you to take while you're at Bethel and after you leave.
We can help you:
- Choose a major
- Write effective resumes and cover letters
- Learn how to search for internships and jobs
- Practice for interviews
- Learn networking strategies in order to connect with potential employers
- Search for graduate school programs
- Identify preferences, interests, and strengths through assessments
Distance Learning Courses
Education & Training (3)
- M.A. Education K-12
- M.A. Special Education
- M.A. Teaching
Medicine & Health (2)
- M.Sc. Medical Sciences
- M.Sc. Nurse-Midwifery
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- MSW Social Work
Business & Management (1)
- M.B.A. Business Administration
Student services
Bethel Student Government is here to help you develop your God-given strengths, get inspired to serve, and connect you to opportunities to put your gifts to use.
Because it's run by 100-plus students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, BSG has a pretty good idea about what you may want, need, and like during your time at Bethel. It's their priority to:
Organize fun events so you can connect with other Bethel students
- Make sure you know about all the opportunities to serve others both on and off campus
- Help you figure out and practice your leadership skills
- Get you all the information and resources you need to maximize your learning, like how and where to find the most affordable textbooks!
Housing services
- First-Year Halls: Bodien, Edgren, Getsch, Nelson
- Second-Year Halls: Arden Village, Lissner
- Second-Year/Upperclass Hall: North Village
- Upperclass Hall: Heritage
Just a few of the resources and services our halls offer:
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Lounges and rec rooms
- Shuttle service
- Storage lockers
Library services
Bethel Library offers:
- 468,668 Items - Includes both physical and electronic books in the library collection.
- 61,731 Titles - Electronic and print journal titles available through the Bethel library.
- 20,996 Per Month - The average number of articles downloaded through the library's subscription databases.
- 32,354 Per Month - The average number of ebooks viewed through the library's ebook collections.
ICT services
Information Technology Services works to connect Bethel to the world, facilitating teaching and learning and helping our community utilize technology. We work in a variety of areas, from assisting customers at the Help Desk to maintaining our website and supporting applications that Bethel uses everyday.
Medical services
The Bethel Wellness Center (WLC) is committed to creating a welcoming environment where we encourage a healthy lifestyle. In an uplifting atmosphere, Bethel students can utilize state-of-the-art equipment and innovative programming to meet fitness and health goals.
Campus life
- Our main campus is located on 247 lakeside acres in suburban Arden Hills, Minnesota. Just 20 minutes from the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, we have quick access to one of the most thriving urban areas in the nation.
- The community gathering place is the the 110,000-square-foot Brushaber Commons, a spacious, modern building featuring a two-story dining center, restaurant, coffee shop, campus store, offices for student organizations, and green roof.
Sports facilities
- Bethel University Arena
- Hargis Park
- Wellness Center
- Ona Orth Athletic Complex
- Sports And Recreation Center
- Robertson Center Gym
- Royal Stadium
Student clubs
- Anime Club
- Catholic Student Association
- College Republicans
- Creation Restoration
- Disability Awareness Group
- GlobeMed
- International Justice Mission (IJM)
- Law and Justice Club
- Leading Women of Tomorrow
- Model United Nations
- Mu Kappa
- The Royals' Game
Bethel University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959. This "regional accreditation," recognized by the United States Department of Education, demonstrates that the university meets quality educational standards.