Department of Business

Discover how you’ll use the tools of business to make a difference.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Business, you’ll gain the tools for a successful career and discover how to make a meaningful impact on the world.

You’ll explore the intersection of business and faith, develop your God-given talents, and learn to use business principles to uplift your community and the world. Our program combines hands-on experience, distinguished faculty, and a supportive, Christ-guided community to foster your academic, personal, and spiritual growth. As you integrate your faith into your studies, you’ll achieve incredible things and become an ethical, inspirational leader.

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.

Learning opportunities


You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience starting your first day on campus.

  • Work with clients on a capstone project
  • Prepare tax returns for individuals and families in need
  • Work on our student-managed investment fund, Royals Investment Fund, LLC
  • Work on-campus as a teaching assistant (TA)
  • Participate in clubs and activities like the Chartered Financial Analyst Challenge, the Innovation Scholars program, and more

Internships


You’ll prepare for your career through internships at companies like General Mills, Thrivent, the Minnesota Twins, Target, UnitedHealth Group, General Mills, and Deloitte. 

International experiences


Study in locations around the world to learn about the global economy firsthand.

Student and alumni associations


Get connected and grow as a business leader in BBEA, a student-led academic club that prepares students for success. And you’ll gain mentorship and connect with our extensive alumni network through BethelBiz.

Christian perspective


We weave ethics, values, faith, and justice into our daily discussions, preparing you to make a big impact in your workplace and community.

Job placement


Fortune 100 companies in the Twin Cities actively recruit our graduates, and the department is strategically partnered with ten major firms—including UnitedHealth Group, Target, and Wells Fargo. Our accounting grads are routinely employed by the “Big Four” international accounting firms, and our alumni network extends to senior executives at major national corporations, leading to increased recruitment by major companies.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

In all our business degrees, you’ll build a strong foundation to pursue a meaningful career in a variety of settings. You’ll learn to use your gifts to serve, lead, and create lasting change in your workplaces and communities.

Skills


You'll learn:

  • Strong business skills and strategic thinking
  • Financial and investment acumen
  • Leadership and management capabilities
  • Marketing and sales knowledge
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Clear writing and communication

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in jobs like:

  • Corporate and public accounting
  • Business analytics
  • Actuarial services
  • Marketing or marketing research
  • Financial analysis
  • Investments and wealth management
  • Small business ventures
  • Nonprofit administration
  • Human resource management and recruiting
  • Digital marketing
  • Sales
  • Tax preparation
  • And much more

Graduate school


You can go on to study:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Numerous Ph.D. programs

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Sam Steadman '16, center, poses in the middle of his RE/MAX Results team in an open-concept kitchen.

Sam Steadman

Job: Co-founder of Team Steady and recipient of the 4 Under 40 Achievement Award

Degree: B.S. in Business: Accounting and Finance

In Bethel’s business department, Sam built a strong foundation in business and faith. He discovered his passion for real estate during his studies. Bethel's supportive community was instrumental in his personal growth, fostering lifelong friendships and providing encouragement as he launched his career. Today, as co-founder of Team Steady, Steadman leads a successful real estate team driven by strong biblical values, earning him recognition as a distinguished 4 Under 40 Alumni Award recipient.

Read more

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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.

Find your counselor

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. And in our state-of-the-art business space, you’ll find a large lounge space, huddle rooms, and interactive classrooms where you can connect with classmates and professors every day.

Department of Business


Location

Robertson Center (RC) 310

Contact

Mary Ann Harris

Bethany Opsata

Mary Ann Harris

Mary Ann Harris

Professor of Business and Department Chair

Bio >

Bethany Opsata

Bethany Opsata

Associate Professor of Business and Department Chair

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Shyla Allard

Assistant Professor of Business

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Mauvalyn Bowen

Mauvalyn Bowen

Professor of Business

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Michael Disher

Michael Disher

Assistant Professor of Economics

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Leo Gabriel

Leo Gabriel

Professor of Business

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Brian Holland

Brian Holland

Associate Professor of Business

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Joyce LeMay

Joyce LeMay

Associate Professor of Business

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Bruce Olsen

Bruce Olsen

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

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Andrew Paine

Associate Professor of Business

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Shawn Sauve

Associate Professor of Business

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Stephen Whiting

Stephen Whiting

Associate Professor of Business

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Drew Whitson

Drew Whitson

Associate Professor of Business

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Diana Dutcher

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Tracy Harris

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Julie Hedlund

Julie Hedlund

Adjunct Associate Professor of Business

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Paul Ives

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Logan Kix

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Daniel Meyer

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Richard Olson

Richard Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Lisa Sellner

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Greg Bourland

Greg Bourland

Adjunct Instructor of Business

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Gregg Lindberg

Gregg Lindberg

Adjunct Instructor of Business

Bio >

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David Danforth

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

Nikki Daniels

Nikki Daniels

Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership Emerita

Bio >

Chuck Hannema

Chuck Hannema

Associate Professor of Business Emeritus

Bio >

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

College is an investment in your future. That’s why we strive to make your education attainable and provide you with clear and accurate information as you consider your next steps. The net price calculator is a great place to start.

Estimate your cost today

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