General Requirements for an Associate of Arts Degree

The Associate of Arts degree contains a balanced program of liberal arts education without orientation to a particular major. Requirements for the degree include 60 semester credit hours, consisting of 40 credits of general education and 20 credits of electives. These requirements can usually be met in two years of full-time study and align with the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Associate of Arts degree, students will be able to:

• Communicate effectively using written, oral, and technological methods.

• Articulate ethical responses to issues using a personal worldview.

• Apply critical thinking and quantitative and qualitative skills to solve problems across disciplines.

• Describe how humans address the human condition through imaginative and creative work.

• Illustrate aspects of personal and professional well-being, including spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive, relational, and meaning-centered dimensions.

• Analyze aspects of the world through a Christian worldview.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Associate of Arts degree program must:

• Meet the general admission requirements for the College of Adult & Professional Studies.

• Complete a transcript evaluation to determine outstanding course requirements or needed credits.

• Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA or assessment criteria may be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories for details.

General Education Requirements (40 credits)

Goal Area 1 - Communication: 8 credits

Inquiry Writing Seminar (ENGL 230R) and one of the following courses:

• Basic Communication Skills (COMM 160​ )

• College Composition (ENGL 130)

Goal Area 2 - Critical Thinking: 4 credits

Select one of the following courses:

• Introduction to Business (BUSN 104)
• Business Problem Solving (BUSN 200)
• Personal Mission and Leadership (ORGL 120)
• How Learning Works: Keys to College Success (SOCS 110)¹
• Introduction to Healthcare (SOCS 120)

Goal Area 3 - Natural Sciences: 8 credits

Physiology of Wellness (HEPE 260) and Environment and Humanity (NASC 275)

Goal Area 4 - Mathematics: 4 credits

Any of the following courses:

• Personal Financial Literacy (BUSN 115)
• Mathematics in Real Life (MATH 180)
• Business Mathematics and Statistics (MATH 201)

Goal Area 5 - History & Social/Behavioral Science: 8 credits

Select 8 credits from the following courses:

• Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 202)
• Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 203)
• History of the United States (HIST 250)
• American Government and Politics (POLS 100)
• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 100)
• Introduction to Sociology (SOCS 101)
• Introduction to American Cultures (SOCS 255)
• Socioeconomic & Justice Issues in Market Economies (SOWK 240)

Goal Area 6 - Humanities and Fine Arts: 4 credits

Select 4 credits from the following courses:

• Introduction to Art Appreciation (ARTC 150)
• Literature: How Stories Change the World (ENGL 100)

Electives: 20-21 credits

Elective courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor and may include transfer credits or coursework aligned with student interests and educational goals.

Additional Requirements

1. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.
2. At least 28 of the last 35 credits must be taken at Bethel.
3. Taken at Bethel: 
   1. The Bible in Real Life (BIBL 230)
4. Upon completion of program, participation in commencement ceremonies is expected.
   1. Participation in commencement ceremonies is permitted for students who have not completed all graduation requirements provided they have no more than seven (7) credits by the end of the fall term of the next academic year. For December commencement, courses must be completed by the end of the spring term of the same academic year. Policies regarding residency for particular courses apply.