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General Requirements for a Bacalaureate Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.),
Bachelor of Music Education (B.Mus.Ed.)

1. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and a 2.25 grade point average in one’s major. The major GPA includes all courses required in the major and all electives taken for the major.
   
   

2. A minimum of 122 semester credit hours. Of these, the following must be taken in programs that meet Bethel residency requirements (see Office of the Registrar or Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies):

   • at least 28 of the last 35 credits,
   • at least half of the credits used to meet the requirements of the major,
   • a Contemporary Christian Issues course, and
   • a minimum of three semester credit hours in General Education Bible and theology courses.
     
     
3. At least three interim sessions (minimum of 3 credits per interim). Students are strongly encouraged to take an interim course each of their first three years, so as to retain maximum flexibility for completing all requirements in the senior year.
   
   
4. A minimum of 51-52 credits of General Education, distributed as indicated on the charts on the following pages.
   
   
5. Artistic Experience: One activity in the arts, in addition to the course GES125 Introduction to the Creative Arts. Options are available in music, art, theatre, and the writing of poetry and fiction, including participation in a music performance group or theatrical production. Options for credit are indicated by an A in course numbers. A list of noncredit options is maintained by the registrar.
   
   
6. Cross-cultural experience: Students must have a significant, off-campus cross-cultural experience. This requirement can be met by participating in an approved, non-credit experience or by taking a course. Options for credit are indicated by a Z in course numbers.
   
   
7. Completion of the requirements of a major (listed by department in this catalog).
   
   
8. A minimum of 37 credits at the upper-division level (300 and 400).
   
   

9. Demonstration of basic competencies in:

   • Writing: One course is designated in each major, in addition to the required College Writing course and a writing emphasis in Comparative Systems and Contemporary Christian Issues courses.
   • Speaking: One upper-division course is designated in each major, in addition to required speaking assignments in the Nature of Persons and Contemporary Christian Issues courses.
   • Computing: As Bethel faculty increase the applications of computing to regular courses in each major, student knowledge of basic uses in their fields will be required. Elective computer literacy courses and noncredit workshops on general skills are available regularly. Students are encouraged to bring their personal computers with them to campus.
     
     
10. Completion of departmental and institutional assessment activities.
    
    
11. Upon completion of program, participation in commencement ceremonies is expected.