Frequently Asked Questions: M.A. in Communication

1. What makes Bethel's program different from other master's programs?

Bethel's program in communication is different for three basic reasons. First, we require students to take courses in a variety of areas of communication -- so that you will be prepared to handle a variety of different situations. Second, our degree offers a unique blend of theory and application. Not only do you learn theory, but you also have the opportunities to practice that theory in a variety of courses. You just don't learn from a book -- you go out and study communication by studying organizations, small groups, and your own communication. Finally, Bethel's program is one of a select few master's programs in communication offered by a full member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities -- and it's been around since 1997.

2. What's so special about the cohort model? What are cohorts?

Cohorts are small groups of students who take all of their classes together. We find that the cohort model offers three distinct advantages. First, students have a tremendous opportunity to really know each other both inside and outside of class. We have heard of cohorts remaining together 10 years after graduation. Second, you'll find that taking one class at a time really allows you to focus on the material in each course instead of having to worry about several classes. Finally, you'll find the cohort model makes sense given the fast-paced world we live in today.

The size of our cohorts varies depending on the entering class, but you'll find that they tend to range from 6-22 students.

3. Are there financial aid opportunities?

Yes! Often, employers will reimburse all or part of the costs of a master's degree program. In addition, Bethel has information about financial aid -- including loans and scholarships.

You'll find that when you add up the costs, a Bethel master's degree program costs about as much as a program from a larger state university -- but with much more individual attention!

4. I see that you require the Miller Analogies Test. Tell me more about the test.

The Miller Analogies Test is a 100-question test designed to test your ability to complete analogies given portions of the analogy. It's the most common alternative to the Graduate Record Exam.

Still worried about the MAT? We offer free preparation workshops before you take the test.

And, if you're an international student, you do need to take the TOEFL exam.

5. What kind of workload can I expect while taking the master's program?

We find that the workload varies by student. Each person has different abilities when it comes to reading and writing. We find that many of our students average between 10-20 hours per week on assignments, but that can vary. We know that our students often have 40 hour (or more) per week jobs, and we try to be sensitive to those concerns.

6. Are there any tests in your program?

Most of our courses don't have tests -- instead, you have presentations and papers. However, at the end of your third semester, you do have comprehensive exams. These exams, which are 4 hours of written exams, are designed to demonstrate that you've passed a basic level of knowledge in our core courses, and that you have acquired enough knowledge to write your master's thesis.

The department discusses the exam several weeks before you take it, and offers review sessions to make sure that you'll do well. You won't be surprised about the content of the exams.

7. Do your students get accepted to PhD programs?

We do have students in a variety of doctoral institutions, including the University of St. Thomas, the University of Missouri, and several other programs. Given that Bethel's program is accredited by the North Central accrediting association, courses taken in our program are recognized across the country.

8. What if I don't have all the prerequisites? Can I still be accepted to the program?

Yes. You may be provisionally accepted by Bethel until you've completed the prerequisites. The Graduate School and the College for Adult and Professional Studies offers intensive short courses on a regular basis in the areas of interpersonal communication, statistics, and other areas. You can also talk to our admissions advisor -- often, you'll find that a class you've had meets one of our prerequisites.

9. Bethel University doesn't offer teaching assistantships. How do I get classroom teaching experience?

We provide various opportunities for our graduate students to work with faculty members in undergraduate classes. You can work in a variety of classes, such as Persuasion, Family Communication, and more. You'll have the chance to work in lower and upper-level courses under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Additionally, based on preparation and experience, students may be able to work with our campus radio station, video production studio, or forensics team.

We have also started a post-secondary teaching certificate program. You can also take courses such as "The Teaching Craft," which is designed to help you as a teacher. You can find out more at the Graduate School site.

10. Who teaches your courses?

You can go to our faculty page to see a list of our graduate faculty. In addition, members from approximately 10 different departments also serve as graduate committee members. Our full-time faculty in the undergraduate program also teach in our graduate program.

11. What kinds of theses and projects have your students done?

A sample listing can be found on our theses page.

12. Do I have to be Christian, or a member of a certain denomination to attend Bethel?

Not at all! While you should know that all of our faculty members are professing Christians, our faculty come from a variety of denominational perspectives. In some courses, Christian content is taught when appropriate. But we don't require you to believe the same way we do! Faculty members attend a variety of churches, including Lutheran, American Baptist, Baptist General Conference and more. Our graduate courses seek to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, of particular denominational creeds or beliefs.

13. I want to teach at a community college. Will your program help me?

Absolutely! We either have or have had students from the program in more than 30 different two and four-year colleges. Our alumni are teaching courses such as Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Political Communication, and more. You'll find that our faculty are willing to help and support you if teaching is a career choice you want to make.

14. So what else can I do with this degree?

Perhaps the best way to answer this is to say, "What can't you do with the degree?" The Bethel program is designed to meet several different types of needs. The degree will help those planning on further graduate study in communication. The degree also is designed for working adults who need to improve their communication skills and their understanding of how communication works within organizations both in the profit and non-profit sectors. Finally, we believe anyone who works in teams, or leads a team, needs to have better communication skills.