No matter your major, an environmental studies minor equips you with the knowledge to lead meaningful conversations and craft solutions for a sustainable future. The minor is a great fit if you’re majoring in related fields—like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry—or if you simply want to establish a strong base of knowledge in animal and plant species, conservation, and environmental ethics and justice. Environmental studies can help you round out your education and prepare for graduate school in a number of fields—or fuel your passion for creation care within journalism, education, political science, community health, philosophy, and other complementary career areas.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
While you explore the environment, you can focus your learning in an adjacent scientific field or even major in a completely non-science area. No matter how you choose to mix and match areas of study to follow God’s unique calling on your life, you’ll be well-prepared for what’s next.
Analysis of complex global issues
Gain understanding of the interactions between our geopolitical landscape, environmental degradation, human population growth, the spread of disease and invasive species, and the impacts those factors have on people and ecosystems globally.
Collaboration and communication
You’ll be equipped to collaborate with students and faculty from a variety of disciplines, honing your presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
Laboratory skills
Develop your skills and expertise in specialized lab spaces and outdoors on Bethel's beautiful lakeside campus. You'll collect, identify, and preserve plant specimens; monitor wildlife; and analyze soil samples.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors and endorsements. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.
Specialized labs
Depending on your interests, you can learn in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities and labs, including human cadaver and biotechnology labs, neurosciences labs, a cellular/molecular biology lab, a greenhouse, environmental science labs, and 247 acres of outdoor laboratories.
Conduct research
As you engage in cutting-edge work, you’ll have opportunities to conduct research alongside professors and you could present your findings at regional and national scientific conferences.
Student clubs and organizations
Get involved on campus by joining clubs like the Pre-Med Club, Creation Restoration Club, or Tri-Beta National Biology Honor Society.
Real-world impact
How will this minor help my career goals?
A minor in environmental studies can enhance any career field, from business and education to community health and history.
A strong base in scientific thinking
You’ll learn to ask good questions, test your theories, and come to evidence-based conclusions.
Biblical conservation
Understand, evaluate, and affirm the biblical and ethical foundations for creation care, equipping you for career paths in a variety of fields and industries.
Understanding of biological systems
Explain how the world works biologically and physically, and synthesize the integral connections of human economies, political systems, and cultures to these structures and processes.
Flexibility in coursework
This minor was designed so you can choose coursework that fits your schedule and educational goals. In addition to two required courses in the environmental sciences, you can shape your learning around electives in biology, plant taxonomy, public health, sustainable living, and more.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying in our department lounge.
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.
Become A Bethel Student
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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
This flexible endorsement will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:
Explore the full lists: