How BU-X Works
The extension studies program is for all high school graduates and interested young adults who look to discover and embrace their God-given mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace.
Here’s how it works
A local church or organization near you works with Bethel University to become an extension site. Bethel University is a fully accredited institution authorized to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The extension studies program offers two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor’s degrees available from Bethel University. Both degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and training from serving in a local ministry, business or organization.
This is not a typical online program
Bethel University is providing online courses in an accelerated hybrid model for 7-week courses (two sessions each semester); students take two to three courses each 7-week session. Many classes contain a live teaching session and/or pre-recorded lecture. This is a highly interactive classroom experience. However, this program comes at just a fraction of the cost of the traditional university experience.
Here’s how you enroll
Students who want to enroll in a degree program at an Extension Site or Regional Campus, must first apply to the Extension Site and be accepted there. Students will then be approved to apply to Bethel University and complete admissions and financial aid requirements. Students are admitted in either the fall (classes begin in August) or spring (classes begin in January) semesters.
Still have questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Students
Who should apply to the program?
When can I apply?
Students are admitted in either the fall (classes begin in August) or spring (classes begin in January) semesters.
Is this an accredited program?
Yes, this program partners with Bethel University. Bethel University is a fully accredited institution authorized to award, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
What does a typical week look like?
Students attend their local extension site for approximately 3-4 days per week to work on coursework and engage in spiritual formation. Students may also participate in practicum experiences, attend chapel or other student activities as coordinated by each site.
A Sample Weekly Schedule
| MON | TUES | WED | THURS | FRI | SAT | SUN |
| Chapel 1 hour |
Leadership Development with Pastor 1 hour |
Morning Small Group 3 hours |
Study Time 3 hours |
Free day for homework, job, etc. |
Community Outreach (monthly) 2 hours |
Serve at Sunday Services (included in practicum) 2 hours |
| Study Time 3 hours |
Study Time 3 hours |
|||||
| BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
Practicum 6 hours |
BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
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| Some evenings will require study/reading |
Who is teaching classes?
Bethel University will provide a quality curriculum taught by Bethel-hired faculty. Students complete classes at your local site. Classes will be offered in a variety of formats including online, virtual, and in-person depending on availability and interest in each seven weeks.
What degree do I receive when I finish?
There are both two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor’s degrees available from Bethel University. Both degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and ministry training from serving with a local business, ministry or organization.
Parents
Why should my student choose Bethel University Extension Site Program?
This program is affordable, practical and flexible. Affordability is answered on the Degrees and Program Costs page. While the cost may differ from a local community college, keep in mind that private school grants might also be applied to your student’s tuition. Private school grants could make BU-X a cheaper choice for your student.
What makes this program practical?
This program is practical due to the practicum experiences each term. A practicum, much like an apprenticeship, integrates classroom instruction, mentoring and real-world experience. Students also build community through shared experiences with other students in the program.
How flexible is this program?
Students will have some flexibility built into the weekly schedule. This program will allow students to study for classes, complete the practicum hours and work a job.
My student does not like “Online Learning.” How would this program be a good fit?
Bethel professors are trained to engage and interact with distance learners. Bethel is recognized as a regional leader for online learning. For all classes, students will be working together and have the assistance of a site director and mentor. Having other students and staff as a level of accountability is sure to lead to student success even in an online forum.
Can my student transfer to Bethel University from BU-X?
This would be a great option for some individuals. Students can easily stay home for the first two years of the college experience, take mostly core classes at the BU Extension site, and then transition to Bethel University for the degree-specific courses the last two years.
What are the benefits of the BU-X Program?
This program provides a safe learning environment. These sites provide a small group setting with familiar church personnel. If your student is interested in ministry, this is a specific program designed to help them leave college with less debt—setting them up to serve in any capacity.