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Bethel University

Divisions of the university are the College of Arts and Sciences, Bethel Seminary, the Graduate School, the College of Adult and Professional Studies, and the School for Executive Leadership. The university offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 60 majors, an adult degree completion program, and eight graduate degree programs as well as seven master’s degree programs and one doctoral program through the seminary. Known for its academic excellence, Bethel University has an overarching mission of graduating men and women whose academic preparation, spiritual maturity, and broad Christian vision give them exceptional potential for leadership and service. Bethel seeks to integrate faith and learning in all of its programs, challenging students to grow academically, socially, and spiritually in a distinctive Christian environment. Bethel has a strong academic program with supportive and expert faculty to prepare students for a successful career or graduate study. Outside the classroom, Bethel offers exciting campus activities, excellent music performance groups, varsity and intramural sports, and a wide variety of student clubs and organizations.

Contact

Bethel University
Office of Admissions
3900 Bethel Drive
St. Paul, MN 55112

(651) 638-6242 Phone
(800) 255-8706 Toll-free
(651) 635-1490 Fax

BUadmissions-cas@bethel.edu E-mail
http://www.bethel.edu Web site

Academic programs

Degrees offered: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Education.

Faculty: 158 full-time, 92 part-time; 72 percent of full-time faculty members hold the doctorate or highest degree in their field.

Student/faculty ratio: 16:1

Average class size: 22

Number of library volumes: 150,200

Academic calendar: Semesters, January interim, one summer term

Accreditation & approval: Council on Social Work Education, Minnesota Board of Nursing, Minnesota Board of Teaching, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, National League for Nursing, North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Teaching licensure programs: Pre-elementary; elementary education with a minor in art, biblical and theological studies, business, cultural studies, early childhood education, English, French, general studies, health, history, life science, mathematics, music, natural science, physical education, political science, psychology, social studies, Spanish, speech communications and theatre; secondary education (grades 7-12) in language arts, life science, mathematics, music, physical science, social studies and Spanish.

Pre-professional programs: Engineering, law, medicine and physical therapy.

Independent study: Students can earn academic credit for a directed study experience under the guidance of a faculty member.

Non-traditional/adult education programs: Continuing education, graduate programs, Program in Adult College Education (PACE).

International study opportunities

Reconciliation Studies in Johannesburg, South Africa • Daystar University College, Nairobi, Kenya • Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem • England Term / Guatemala Term • Russian Studies Program • Middle East Studies Program • Latin American Studies Program • Oxford Honors Program • Tokyo Christian University • Hong Kong Baptist University • American Studies Program in Washington, D.C. • Oregon Extension • Los Angeles Film Studies Center • International Business Institute • Individualized Study Abroad Programs. Bethel sponsors its own semester study-abroad programs in England and Guatemala, 6 to 8 interim trips each January in locations such as Galapagos Islands, Israel and Vietnam, and dozens of additional overseas opportunities through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Christian College Consortium and numerous other Christian and higher education organizations.

Student organizations

Cheerleading, danceline, debate and academic clubs, intramural and varsity sports, music clubs, performing arts organizations, radio stations, roster, student government, student newspaper, student service organizations and others.

Athletic programs

Conference membership: NCAA Division III, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).

Men's varsity: Baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, ice hockey, soccer, tennis, track and field.

Women's varsity: Basketball, cross-country, ice hockey, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball.

Intramurals: Baseball, basketball, broomball, football, golf, racquetball, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weight lifting, 10K running.

Club sports: Men's and women's lacrosse, men's volleyball.

College services and facilities

On-campus housing: Bethel offers a variety of housing options for freshmen through seniors.

Fitness/recreation facilities: The campus has a sports and recreation center, weight rooms, racquetball courts and tennis courts.

Technology: Computers are available in many technology labs on campus and in the residence halls. Students have access to high speed internet connections in their dorm rooms. Bethel offers and supports both PC and Macintosh platforms for students.

Internships: Academic credit can be earned through some departments for off-campus academic internships.

Career services: Career planning and placement services are available.

Counseling and guidance services: Personal counseling is available. Academic counseling is provided through the Writing Center, Academic Enrichment Center and Computer Center.

Undergraduate enrollment

Full-time: 2731 students

Part-time: 77 students

Women: 60%

Men: 40%

All undergraduate students: 75 percent live on campus; 33 percent are Baptist; 12 percent are Lutheran.

Racial/ethnic distribution: 0.8 percent African-American; 2 percent Asian/Pacific Islander; 1 percent Hispanic/Latino; 0.3 percent American Indian/Alaskan; 94 percent White; 1.6 percent Unknown; 0.3 percent International.

Graduate enrollment

Full-time: 374 students

Part-time: 286 students

Women: 74%

Men: 26%

Racial/ethnic distribution: 2.6 percent African-American; 2 percent Asian/Pacific Islander; 0.3 percent Hispanic/Latino; 94.3 percent White; 0.8 percent International.

First-year student profile

First-year students: 50 percent from Twin Cities area; 25 percent from Greater Minnesota; 24 percent from other states; 1 percent from other countries; 98 percent live on campus.

Scholastic aptitude test: 15 percent of first-year students submitted the SAT as part of their applications. The average SAT Math score of enrolled students was 579; the average SAT Verbal score was 590.

American college test: 94 percent of first-year students presented the ACT as part of their applications. The average ACT composite score of enrolled students was 25.

High school rank: 89 percent of first-year students reported their high school class rank; the distribution of reported rankings was: Top 10 percent = 32 percent; Top 25 percent = 60 percent; Top 50 percent = 87 percent.

Admissions

On-line application: http://cas.bethel.edu/admissions/apply/index.html

Application deadline: Early Action - December 1; Final Decision - March 1

Application fee (amount): $25

Admissions tests required: ACT, PSAT or SAT

High school preparation: A college preparatory curriculum is recommended for all applicants.

Advanced placement credit: Up to 8 courses in advanced placement can be obtained through appropriate scores on a CEEB Advanced Placement examination, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, departmental placement exam or other departmental evaluation.

Transfer process (deadlines and materials): Rolling admissions. Applications must include pastoral reference, academic reference, high school transcripts (for some applicants), ACT or SAT results (for some applicants) and all college transcripts.

Transfer criteria (credits, GPA): 28 of the last 35 credits of the 122 required for a degree and at least half of the courses required for the concentration must be taken in Bethel programs. A 2.5 GPA is required.

Campus visits: Campus visits may be arranged by contacting the Office of Admissions on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Overnight visits and meal tickets are available.

Financial assistance

Percentage of new-entering students receiving financial aid from any source: 90%

Financial aid applications: To apply for financial aid, families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Bethel Financial Aid Application.

FAFSA code: 002338

Financial aid deadline: April 15

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