Q&A with Emily Dehmer from the Undergraduate Advising Center

Emily Dehmer works closely with undergraduate students at Bethel, helping them navigate academic planning, explore majors and minors, and connect their coursework with future goals.

How does academic advising work at Bethel?  

Students can expect to have an advisor who values them as a person—not just a number—and helps them navigate academic decisions throughout their time at Bethel. While degree requirements stay the same within majors, we do not operate under a “one size fits all” mentality. We recognize that every student is different and has unique educational and personal needs, and advisors help guide students as they make informed academic and career decisions. Advising enables students to thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually—and lead them to lifelong vocations that impact the world.

What does advising look like for students who haven’t declared a major versus those who have?  

Students who are still determining what they want to study (exploratory majors) are assigned to one of Bethel’s designated exploratory advisors. I am one of them! The exploratory advisors are able to spend more time with each student as they discover what subjects they like and do not like. By the end of their first year, most exploratory students have found a major that feels like a good fit.

An excellent resource for all students—but especially for exploratory majors—is Bethel’s Office of Career Development and Calling. They provide free assessments that explore the student’s strengths and identify majors and careers that might align with their gifts. Career coaches also meet one-on-one with students as they choose a major.

What would you tell a student who isn’t sure what they want to study?

If you’re at all considering nursing, education, engineering, math, or a science, it’s always best to start taking courses in that major. These majors are highly sequential and require many credits. If you discover it’s not the right fit, it’s easier to switch out than to catch up later. It’s common for students to change their major or add an additional major, minor, or certificate during their first year, so you’re not alone if your first choice doesn’t stick.

How are students matched with an academic advisor?

Students are paired with a faculty or staff advisor based on the major they have declared. Some of the science majors also have specific faculty advisors that work with students interested in pre-professional programs like pre-med or pre-veterinary studies. 

If students have a preferred advisor, they can request that person when submitting the change of major, minor, or advisor form—or by emailing the Advising Center. We’ll work with departments to honor those requests when possible. 

When do they typically meet with their advisor—and how often?

At minimum, students meet with their advisor once a semester to go over their academic plan, allowing them to register for courses for the next semester. If students would like to meet with their advisor more frequently, they are welcome to do so. 

Students also don’t have to limit themselves to their assigned advisor. If they connect with another faculty member—perhaps someone doing research they’re interested in—it’s likely that professor will also help guide them in coursework and career-related decisions.

Is it common for students to double major or add a minor?

It is very common for students to add a minor; most students do. Bethel offers 39 minors, so there is something for everyone! We also offer seven endorsements, which require fewer credits than a minor and are more specialized. One popular endorsement is the Healthcare Professional Preparation Endorsement, which can be completed in as few as seven credits. And if students are planning to study abroad at any point during their college experience, the Intercultural Engagement Endorsement is an excellent one to add.

It is also common for students to double major, though the feasibility of doing so depends on the major. For students majoring in the humanities, a double major is very attainable because of how many elective credits students need beyond their major and general education requirements.  

Can students still graduate in four years if they change or add a major?

It depends on the major and how many semesters or years a student is into college. If a student is considering changing majors, it is always a great idea for them to speak with their current advisor as well as a faculty member in the major they are interested in switching to. If they want an idea of how long it would take them to graduate with their new major, we’re happy to make them a sample academic plan—just reach out to the Advising Center!

How does Bethel help students connect their major to a meaningful vocation?

Many majors incorporate these conversations into coursework. For example, biology majors often take “Biology in a Changing World” during sophomore year. The course explores careers, personal growth goals, and faith integration.

The Office of Career Development and Calling also offers help with resumes, cover letters, job and internship searches, graduate school applications, interview prep, and more. Students can schedule free appointments to explore options and prepare for life after graduation.

What’s your top piece of advice for a student who feels overwhelmed by academic decisions?

Don’t worry about having your whole life figured out. Reflect on what feels right to you right now—your major, your interests, your values. Nobody has it all together (not even the adults!). We’re all learning and growing together—and that’s just fine. 

How can parents best support their students through the advising process?

Reassure them and encourage them to utilize the resources available to them. One of the things that makes Bethel so special is that everyone who works here genuinely cares about students. So many offices across campus exist just to support and walk alongside students—and help them thrive.

Visit the advising center.

Academic advising at Bethel equips you to take intentional steps toward lifelong service to God and the world. We’ll partner with you as you make informed academic choices and grow in your understanding of your calling and your whole education.

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