Majors & Minors
Majors
B.A. in Sociocultural Studies
Sociocultural studies merges the fields of anthropology and sociology to give students a holistic look at human social and culture life. We’ve designed the program so students can specialize within 4 areas of study.
Choice of tracks:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Global and Urban Missions
- Holistic Development
Anthropology combines the study of human nature, culture, and history. At Bethel, we look at how the discipline is studied conventionally and bring our Christian perspective into the classroom—exploring how God created people to live in community.
Sociology takes a closer look at societies and social interaction. Students explore how societies have evolved and changed over time and how these societies can oppress or liberate people. We also explore our Christian faith and other faith traditions to examine how people of faith live out their lives.
In the Global and Urban Missions track, we prepare students who want to work as change agents in global and urban settings. In addition to taking anthropology and sociology courses, students study theology, religion, and economics. All students complete a cross-cultural practicum to build skills through tangible experience. This is an ideal major to combine with a second major.
Holistic Development guides students through rigorous study of community and global issues related to development, including spiritual, social, cultural, and economic change. Through course work carried out in communities within the U.S. and throughout the world, our students practice real methods of being change agents on local, national, or international levels.
B.A. in Third World Studies
Our Third World studies students develop deep understandings of the social, cultural, and spiritual life in the Third World and explore the possibility of playing a useful role in that context. All students complete a cross-cultural experience to help ground their learning in the day-to-day reality of Third World cultures and societies.
This major must be combined with another major at Bethel.
B.A. in Reconciliation Studies
This is an exciting major at Bethel designed to help students become agents of reconciliation in our world. Students become experts in the areas of diversity, conflict mediation, social justice, and reconciliation theology.
Minors
Cross-Cultural Missions
This minor is geared for students who want to work as change agents in global and urban settings. Beyond courses in anthropology and sociocultural studies, students study theology, religious studies, economics, and history. All students also complete a cross-cultural practicum.
Sociocultural Studies
Students build skills and knowledge that help them develop an understanding of social and cultural lives. It’s an ideal minor for students who plan to work in multicultural settings or help communities move through change.
Reconciliation Studies
Students get an introduction to diversity, conflict mediation, social justice, and reconciliation theory. It’s a great compliment to majors in political science, social work, education, biblical studies, and more.
