Bethel University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1959. This “regional accreditation,” recognized by the United States Department of Education, demonstrates that the university meets quality educational standards. Bethel programs are also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (at the undergraduate and graduate level) and the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Master's of Nurse-Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.
Undergraduate teacher preparation programs leading to licensure for kindergarten, elementary, middle-level, and secondary teaching, as well as graduate programs leading to licensure in special education and middle-level, and secondary teaching, are approved by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The nursing program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society, and programs in the department are certified. The Department of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.
The academic program at Bethel University is enriched by its membership and participation in programs of the Christian College Consortium, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Upper Midwest Association for Intercultural Education, the Jerusalem University College, and the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies.
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.
Information in this catalog is descriptive only and not contractual. All listed courses and programs are current at the time of printing, but are subject to change without notice based on enrollment, faculty availability, and other considerations. Bethel reserves the right to withdraw a course or program or to limit its enrollment. Bethel reserves the right to add a new program and related courses to this catalog after publication, upon approval from the related state and/or accrediting organizations. In this event, the new program and courses will be provided, with their effective terms, at www.bethel.edu/undergrad/academics/.
While Bethel publishes program information and materials and assigns advisors, the student is ultimately responsible to ensure that he or she has fulfilled all graduation requirements. Bethel reserves the right to withdraw a previously awarded degree if it subsequently determines that the student did not complete degree requirements.
Business
Bethel's MBA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a leading specialized accreditation association for business education.
Counseling
Bethel's M.A. in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling Related and Educational Programs (CACREP) as a clinical mental health counseling program through March, 2031, having met all CACREP standards.
Education
Bethel's graduate teacher education degree programs are accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) which has approved Bethel's Graduate education programs leading to initial and add-on licenses in various K–12, 9-12, 5-8, and 5-12 content areas; initial and add-on licenses in various special education disability areas; as well as an add-on license in Teacher Coordinator of Work-based Learning.
The Minnesota Board of School Administrators has accredited Bethel University's K-12 Administrator Licenses Program leading to licenses as principals, superintendents, and directors of special education. Once the required coursework, internships, and panel review are concluded, Bethel recommends students for a K-12 administrator's license; the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board grants the license.
Bethel's Certificate in International Baccalaureate Education (CIBE) is recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). Students who successfully complete the certificate are eligible for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (IBCTL) granted directly by IB.
International Baccalaureate Education
Bethel's Certificate in International Baccalaureate Education (CIBE) is recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). Students who successfully complete the certificate are eligible for the International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (IBCTL) granted directly by IB.
Nursing
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
The Master's of Nurse-Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education. www.midwife.org/acme 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1230, Silver Spring, MD 20910-6374.
The Master of Science program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Physician Assistant
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Bethel University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA is April of 2026. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
The PA program is also listed as an approved program by the Higher Learning Commission and registered with the Minnesota Department of Education.
Seminary
Bethel Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). ATS is the national accrediting agency for theological schools in the United States and Canada. The seminary is a school within Bethel University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Both ATS and HLC are recognized by the United States Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Social Work
Bethel University's MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For more information about social work accreditation, visit the CSWE website. Or contact accreditation.
Bethel’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).