Semester Programs
Students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits and seniors must meet residency requirements in order to participate in semester off-campus programs. All students must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average and must complete the off-campus studies approval process. Unless otherwise noted, the following programs will be counted in the Bethel University GPA.
American Studies Program (ASP)
Founded in 1976, ASP serves as Bethel’s “Washington, D.C., campus.” Students gain hands-on experience with an internship in their chosen field and explore pressing national and international issues in public policy seminars that are issue-oriented and interdisciplinary. Internships are available in a wide range of fields. ASP bridges classroom and marketplace, combining biblical reflection, policy analysis, and real-world experience. Students are exposed to on-the-job learning that helps them prepare for their futures and gain perspective on God’s calling for their lives. Academic tracks are available in Public Policy or Strategic Communication. Students enroll in 15-16 semester hours of credit.
Consortium Visitor Program
The Christian College Consortium Visitor Program is designed to give students an opportunity to take advantage of course offerings and varied experiences on other Christian college and university campuses for a semester while maintaining regular standing at Bethel. Further information on the Consortium Visitor Program may be obtained from the Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies. The courses taken at a consortium school should be petitioned to count for Bethel requirements and will be counted as transfer credits.
Contemporary Music Center (CMC)
Young musicians and aspiring music industry executives have the opportunity to learn more about a career in popular music through the CMC. Alongside faculty, artists-in-residence, and visiting music industry professionals, students are encouraged to explore the integration of their Christian faith and love of music in the marketplace. In addition to seminars and lectures, great attention is given to the creation and marketing of original music. CMC offers three tracks: the artist track, in which students create a portfolio of original songs; the business track, in which students work with artists in career direction and management, contract negotiations, budgeting, and creating marketing and sales plans; and the technical track, which allows students to pursue training in audio engineering and studio recording. The CMC is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Students enroll in 16 semester hours of credit.
The King's College New York City Semester in Journalism (NYCJ)
Bethel is a partner school with The King’s College in New York City. Its NYC Semester in Journalism immerses students in a unique academic experience. Because the campus is located in Manhattan’s Financial District, the program provides unparalleled internship opportunities, networking connections, and cultural experiences. Students spend the semester learning from top-notch journalism faculty and engaging with other writers in the journalism capital of America. Led by Wall Street Journal veteran Professor Paul Glader, King’s hosts guest lectures and offers classes featuring journalists from such resources as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News, Christianity Today, World Magazine, Religion News Service, Reuters, Forbes Magazine, The New York Post, ESPN’s Grantland and other media outlets. Each semester offers courses that fulfill requirements in Bethel’s journalism major and minor; electives in other areas of study (e.g., business, communications, literature) are also available.
Los Angeles Film Studies Center (LAFSC)
The LAFSC is designed to train students to serve in various aspects of the film industry with both professional skill and Christian integrity. Students live, learn, and work in the Los Angeles area near major studios. The curriculum consists of two required seminars focusing on the role of film in culture and the relationship of faith to work in this important industry. In addition, students choose two elective courses from a variety of offerings in film studies. Internships in various segments of the film industry provide students with hands-on experience. The combination of the internship and seminars allows students to explore the film industry within a Christian context and from a liberal arts perspective. Students enroll in 16 semester hours of credit.
The Oregon Extension
The Oregon Extension is a fall semester program of intensive interdisciplinary studies in the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains for juniors and seniors. It provides an opportunity to grapple seriously with ideas, Christian commitment, and life together in a small community of five faculty and 30 students. Students enroll in 16 semester hours of credit.
Summer Program
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
Bethel participates in the Environmental Studies extension program available at the Au Sable Institute with campuses in northern Lower Michigan or Washington state in the Pacific Rim. Students can do one summer session or back-to-back summer terms. Interested students should obtain information from the Department of Biology.