New Minors and Endorsements for the College of Arts & Sciences

This spring, Bethel’s College of Arts & Sciences is rolling out four new minors and three new endorsement options. These minors and endorsements can be added to any major, enhancing students’ ability to pursue their interests and passions in meaningful ways. 

The new academic offerings include a digital humanities minor, media and performing arts minor, military and diplomatic studies endorsement, music performance endorsement, pre-law minor, and social media minor. 

“These new programs offer students clear paths to explore their interests,” says Provost Robin Rylaarsdam. “They provide ways to dig deeper into topics and ideas that students encounter in their general education experience or in their major.” In addition to helping students explore their interests, minors and endorsements can also help prepare students for their future careers or graduate studies.

Classics Endorsement 

The classics endorsement is an interdisciplinary program of study that introduces students to a classical language as well as the cultures, history, and philosophies of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern world. Students will develop crucial humanities skills like close reading, knowledge of foreign languages, persuasive writing, and the ability to synthesize complex information. These skills are complementary to a variety of majors and interests.

Digital Humanities Minor

Combining the traditional strengths of the humanities with the knowledge of cutting-edge digital technologies, the digital humanities minor helps equip students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Students who minor in digital humanities will enhance their preparation for careers in a variety of industries, like marketing, design, technology, education, library and information science, and more. 

Media and Performing Arts Minor

The media and performing arts minor offers students the opportunity to pursue their passion for performance while also developing advanced technical skills. Students will gain experience in media production, communication, acting, musical theatre, and opera. With this interdisciplinary approach, students will be equipped to tell and produce meaningful stories in a professional setting.

Military and Diplomatic Studies Endorsement

Students who add the military and diplomatic studies endorsement will gain a deep understanding of the history and modern political context of military and foreign service experiences. This endorsement is well-suited for students who aspire to a career in the military or foreign service, or who bring military experience to their academic journey. Students will take courses in international relations, political science, and history, which will help them develop valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and clear communication. 

Music Performance Endorsement

The music performance endorsement allows students to receive academic credit for their participation in private music lessons, music ensembles, musical theatre, and opera productions. Through the endorsement, students have the opportunity to perform with high-level ensembles and work with professional artist teachers and conductors, providing them with valuable experience that can be applied to a variety of career fields in innovative ways.

Pre-Law Minor

While law schools accept students from many majors, the pre-law minor provides students with a strong foundation for future success. Pre-law courses help develop students’ research, analysis, and writing skills. Students will also be equipped with the robust philosophical and ethical reasoning that is crucial to success in law school and beyond.

Social Media Minor

The social media minor provides students with the skills and knowledge to understand social media trends and develop effective strategies for businesses and organizations. Students who add the social media minor will have hands-on training in content creation, strategy development, and SEO practices. The minor is interdisciplinary, combining business and communication studies courses to prepare students to enter the workplace with an understanding of multiple perspectives. 

Explore your options.

Bethel’s College of Arts & Sciences offers more than 100 areas of study, allowing students to prepare for their future careers, wherever they’re called.

Learn more