Welcome to the Bethel University Early College Program! Bethel University provides opportunities for students to experience college coursework while completing high school. These programs are available to high school juniors and seniors through Dual Enrollment or PSEO. Our online and on-campus program options make this opportunity accessible to you wherever you live.
PSEO and dual enrollment students can enroll in most classes at Bethel, giving you the flexibility to work on general education credits and a college major all in your final years of high school. Residents of Minnesota should apply for PSEO, while those who live outside of Minnesota should apply for dual enrollment.
About Bethel University
Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with nearly 4,500 students from 47 states and 22 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Bethel offers bachelor’s and advanced degrees in nearly 100 fields. Educationally excellent classroom-based and online programs equip graduates to make exceptional contributions in lifelong service to God and the world. Visit www.bethel.edu for more information.Admission Standards
To apply for dual enrollment courses at Bethel, you must:
- Be a junior or senior in high school by the time you start classes
- Either have a GPA of at least 3.0 or submit a qualifying test score (ACT composite score of 24+ or 75th percentile on a standardized test)
Accreditation
Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (www.hlcommission.org; 312.263.0456).The academic program at Bethel University is enriched by its membership and participation in programs of the Christian College Consortium and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Bethel University is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
- A minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Of these, the following must be taken in programs that meet Bethel residency requirements:
- at least 28 credits.
- SOCS110 for students in Transfer Level A.
- Specific courses in a program may be required to be taken in residence.
- Completion of required courses, lower-division general education curriculum and electives, distributed as indicated.
- Upon completion of requirements 1–3, participation in a commencement ceremony is expected. The Application for Commencement must be submitted to the College of Adult & Professional Studies.
General Requirements
General requirements allow for inclusion of credits from a higher level. Students graduate under the requirements of the most current catalog at the time they enter Bethel for the last time. Any substitutions are determined by the College of Adult & Professional Studies.
A bachelor’s degree will not be awarded until at least one academic term after an associate’s degree has been awarded.
Courses must meet the Goal Area requirements below:
| Goal Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Goal Area 1: Communication | 8 credit minimum: including an Academic Research Writing course (Category R) |
| Goal Area 2: Critical Thinking | 6 credit minimum: SOCS 110 is required in residence for Transfer Level A |
| Goal Area 3: Natural Sciences | 8 credit minimum |
| Goal Area 4: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning | 3 credit minimum |
| Goal Area 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences | 9 credit minimum |
| Goal Area 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts | 6 credit minimum |
Degree Requirements
Associate of Arts Degree
Requirements for the degree (60 semester credit hours in total) include 40 semester credits of general education courses and 20 semester credits of elective courses. These requirements can usually be met in two years of full-time study, and they meet the requirements of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Students transferring in 45 credits or fewer are required to take SOCS 110.
General Education requirements for the A.A. degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education (See below for more details) | Credits | |
| Goal Area 1: including an Academic Research Writing course | 8 | |
| Goal Area 2 | 6 | |
| Goal Area 3 | 8 | |
| Goal Area 4 | 3 | |
| Goal Area 5 | 9 | |
| Goal Area 6 | 6 | |
| General Education Total | 40 | |
| Elective Courses | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
A list of the courses which fulfill each Goal Area is available on the CAPS Courses by Goal Area page.
Policies
Grade Release Policy
Bethel University will release grades to the student through it’s learning platform, Moodle and to high schools at the end of each semester. Federal law (FERPA) prohibits Bethel University’s disclosure of grades to parents during the semester without a student's consent. Students may choose to release grades to parents by completing the online form.