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Ministry Degrees at Bethel University

We believe ministry is more than a major—it’s a calling. Our Ministry programs equip leaders who want to faithfully serve others, deepen their scriptural understanding, and impact communities both local and global. Through flexible curricula, hands-on experiences, and spiritual growth, you can step confidently into a life of kingdom work.

Student Singing with Guitar
American Sign language in chapel

ASL Highlights

Academics

Emphasis on spiritual formation, biblical interpretation, pastoral care and multicultural ministry.

Small Class Sizes

12:1 student–faculty ratio

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance offered for all students

Experiential Learning

Hands-on or applied ministry experience (internship, practicum) is part of the Pastoral Ministries degree.

Student Singing with Guitar
American Sign language - missionary church day

What You'll Study

You’ll explore core courses in Christian ministry, theology, and pastoral care while gaining hands-on experience through internships and leadership opportunities.

Search Ministry Degrees
"Bethel’s religion and philosophy department has given me an authentic, personal experience that has armed and equipped me with insight and passion for ministry."
Kevin Brown ’15
Executive Pastor at Grabill Missionary Church
"Through classes and through [my mentor], I understood how to implement those [practical biblical routines] in my everyday walk and how to connect with God on a much deeper level because I was actually pursuing those things as opposed to just knowing I should be pursuing them."
Ryan Busse '16
Executive Pastor, St. Mark Missionary Church
"My time at Bethel was deeply formative, both personally and spiritually. I was blessed with professors who not only taught with wisdom but also lived out the kind of faith and leadership they encouraged in us. The community I found at Bethel helped shape my understanding of what it means to serve others with humility and purpose."
Scottie Miller '22
Ministry Major
"Bethel taught me not to learn just to learn but to learn to teach others. And now I get the opportunity every day to teach and see students grow in their potential and giftings, own their relationship with Christ, understand the hope of Jesus through the Bible and believe even at their age they can make an impact for His kingdom."
Olivia Bley '24
Youth Ministry Major

Career Paths

Pursue careers such as pastor, youth or worship leader, missionary, chaplain, nonprofit or parachurch leader or serve as a Christian educator.

Students gathering and praying at Bethel University outside
American Sign language in Chapel at Bethel University