Bethel University
Saint Paul, United States • Founded 1871 • World Rank #4609
Overview
Founded in 1871, the Bethel University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Saint Paul (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.
This institution also has a branch campus in San Diego. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bethel University (BU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Baptist religion.
Bethel University (BU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 153-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. BU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Bethel University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Bethel University operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Bethel University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 4 items
- Bethel Seminary
- College of Adult and Professional Studies
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Graduate school
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Bethel University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
Bachelor's Degree
75 programmes
These 75 programmes make up Bethel University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
American Sign Language Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Human Services, General Public Administration
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Journalism Journalism
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Liberal Arts
Digital Humanities and Textual Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
22 programmes
Bethel University's 22 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Social Work Social Work
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
Bethel University lists 2 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
Bethel University lists 3 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
28 programmes
Bethel University offers 28 programmes as shorter-cycle and preparatory qualifications, a flexible tier for skills-focused learners or those bridging into undergraduate study.
American Sign Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries Religious Studies
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
International and Comparative Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Bethel University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Bethel University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at Bethel University
Bethel University's catalogue includes 130 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Bethel University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Bethel University's official website at www.bethel.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (651) 638 6400. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel University
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Bethel University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
How old is Bethel University?
The institution opened in 1871 (approximately 155 years ago).
Where is Bethel University located?
Bethel University is located in Saint Paul, United States.
What is Bethel University's control type?
Bethel University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Bethel University?
Student enrolment at Bethel University is around 3,000-3,999.
How is Bethel University ranked?
It ranks #4609 globally and #483 in United States.
Is Bethel University affiliated with a religion?
Bethel University operates within the Christian-Baptist tradition.
How is Bethel University organised academically?
Bethel University has 4 academic units.
Is Bethel University officially recognised?
Bethel University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Bethel University?
The institution's website is www.bethel.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
These are the most highly ranked universities in the United States. Putting Bethel University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Fellow Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) members alongside Bethel University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Baptist
The institutions below share Bethel University's Christian-Baptist tradition and operate with comparable spiritual frameworks. Spiritual frameworks shape institutional decisions on student life, curriculum, and community engagement.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Bethel University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Religious Studies
Accreditation portability differs for Religious Studies programmes across the United States. Professional accreditation (where applicable) matters more than institutional accreditation for regulated career paths.
Universities Often Compared with Bethel University
Peer universities to Bethel University by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
