Department of Biblical & Theological Studies

Study the Bible and theology and gain the tools to serve and lead in a variety of settings.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Biblical and Theological Studies, you’ll build a strong biblical foundation that prepares you to serve and lead capably and knowledgeably.

But we don’t stop there. Beyond biblical knowledge, you’ll experience deep spiritual and personal transformation that will equip you to integrate your faith into everything you do.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Faith integration


Beyond expanding your knowledge of the Bible, you’ll grow in your personal faith as you learn to integrate it into everything you do.

Practical experience


Hone your ministry skills as a leader by participating in community outreaches like Twin Cities Outreach, interning at local churches and ministry sites, or getting involved in Bethel’s own campus ministries.

Study abroad


Study abroad in Israel, Turkey, Greece, Cambodia, or Ireland, and take classes in World Christianity to understand the church in a global context. You’ll also have a chance to travel on missions trips to locations worldwide.

Mentorship


Our professors are respected scholars, speakers, and writers. Our small class sizes allow you to know them, be mentored by them, and collaborate with them on significant research projects like the Green Scholars Initiative through which you and a faculty member research a biblical text artifact.

Prepare for seminary and grad school


Through strong scholarship and rigorous theological study, you’ll be fully prepared for graduate education, including study at Bethel Seminary if you so choose.

Expert faculty


You’ll learn alongside professors who are respected scholars, speakers, and writers. And they’ll get to know you and will invest in success. And with Bethel’s vibrant community and small class sizes, you’ll find numerous opportunities for mentorship and collaboration with professors.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in Biblical and Theological Studies will prepare you for a wide variety of careers—and for further education. Almost all of our recent graduates said that their studies helped them improve in skills employers value. And you’ll be prepared to follow other alumni who go on to study at top graduate schools.

Skills


You’ll learn:

  • Ethical thinking
  • Global perspectives of theological ideals, not just Western thought
  • Writing and research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Theological thinking in a manner that is attentive to today’s world
  • Analytic and philosophical thinking
  • Leadership principles for effective ministry in the church

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work as a:

  • Pastor
  • Teacher or professor
  • Youth minister
  • Ministry leader
  • Chaplain
  • Writer/editor
  • Missionary
  • Camp counselor or director
  • Church planter
  • Director of Christian organizations
  • Church administrator
  • Journalist
  • Relief worker
  • Business leader
  • Community organizer
  • Nonprofit director
  • Social worker
  • Worship leader
  • Lawyer
  • Urban ministry director

Graduate school


You’ll be prepared to go on to study:

  • Education and teaching
  • Business/MBA
  • Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Ministry
  • Theology

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Trevor Rankin

Job: Mill City Church operations associate

Degree: Biblical and theological studies

During his time at Bethel, Trevor found a supportive academic environment to explore the Bible and theology. But more than that, he learned that the Gospel isn’t just knowing what’s in the Bible. It’s something that’s accessible to everyone—even little ones. He interned in the children’s ministry at Mill City Church in Minneapolis and found that working with kids was energizing. After graduating, Trevor became the Mill City’s operations associate and now assists in running their K-5 Sunday school.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside professors who are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions. 

Department of Biblical & Theological Studies


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 356

Contact

Erik Leafblad

Michael Holmes

Erik Leafblad

Erik Leafblad

Assistant Professor of Missional Ministries and Department Chair

Bio >

Michael Holmes

Michael Holmes

University Professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity Emeritus and Department Chair

Bio >

James K. Beilby

James K. Beilby

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Paul Eddy

Paul Eddy

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Victor Ezigbo

Victor Ezigbo

Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Kaz Hayashi

Kaz Hayashi

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez

Professor of Biblical Studies

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Catherine Wright

Catherine Wright

Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Dale Durie

Adjunct Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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John Potts

John Potts

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott

Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Gloria Wiese

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Carissa Wyant

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Peter Kapsner

Peter Kapsner

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies

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Donald Alexander

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

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Pamela Erwin

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita

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John Herzog

Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

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Karen McKinney

Karen McKinney

Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita

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Carl Rasmussen

Professor of Old Testament Emeritus

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Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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