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Communication Arts and Literature Education 5-12 Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a communication arts and literature education major, you’ll become a teacher who inspires students and helps prepare them for success by sharing a love of love literature, communication, and writing.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Communication Arts and Literature Education, you’ll prepare to be a high school or middle school English teacher as you complete significant coursework in English and education, with additional coursework in communication studies—making connections between the subject matter and the teaching strategies it requires. You’ll have many opportunities to gain real-world experience in classrooms as you learn in a program that exceeds state-required prep and practicum time—all so you’ll become a teacher who makes a difference in the lives of students.

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Why should I study communication arts and literature education at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of English and Journalism and the Department of Education. In both, you’ll learn from compassionate and knowledgeable professors who will get to know you personally and will invest in your success. In every class, you’ll learn from teachers who model how to continue seeking new methods and content in their teaching to keep courses fresh and innovative. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    As you gain the skills to teach, you’ll also explore how your faith can influence your work and drive you to serve in incredible ways in your classroom and the world.

  • A respected education program
    You’ll learn in an education department known and respected around the region and beyond for its strong teacher preparation. In fact, many area principals look to hire recent Bethel graduates, and many students secure a full-time job before graduation.

  • Mentorship and support
    You’ll meet with your faculty advisor to help you meet your goals. While student teaching, you’ll be mentored by a full-time faculty member to receive valuable, individualized feedback that will help you reflect on your work and improve.

  • A community where you belong
    You'll build your professional network and complete courses alongside supportive peers as you gain the confidence and practical tools to excel as a teacher. You’ll also be able to connect with classmates and regional education leaders at events hosted by the department and student groups.

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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

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in communication arts and literature education, you’ll become a skilled teacher who is also a lifelong learner equipped to adapt to changing trends in education. And you’ll gain the tools to use your love of literature, communication, and writing to empower students for success since students skilled in literacy have more success.

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Strong writing and communication skills

You’ll develop first-rate literary scholarship and grow as a skilled writer and communicator by studying a range of subjects like speech, newspaper writing, and youth literature.

A strong base in education and training methods

You’ll be well-versed in teaching methods, curriculum design, the ability to instruct small and large groups in the 21st century, and the means to measure and evaluate your techniques.

Real-world experience

You'll benefit from hands-on learning in diverse settings. You'll gain field placement experience in addition to your student teaching assignment and be able to work as an off-campus tutor or participate in a year-long residency.

Innovative teaching methods

You’ll learn to use evolving teaching technology—like Smart Boards, online resources, and other creative teaching tools—and you’ll experience educational best practices in flexible teaching labs.

The tools to serve all students

You’ll develop the awareness and sensitivity to serve all students in your classroom, and you’ll forge a stronger understanding of our global culture and how to serve a diverse population of students.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong skills in writing, verbal and nonverbal communication, presentation, research, organization, evaluation, creative problem solving, and process improvement—skills that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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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.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Student teaching and classroom experience

From your first day on campus, you’ll have numerous classroom experiences in a range of diverse settings in our partner schools. And you’ll spend a semester student teaching full time in a local classroom. And we have many partnerships with area schools that will help you find the best fit that suits your goals.

Networking and mentorship

You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, and develop your job interviewing skills—and interact directly with potential employers. These include a principal panel each fall and Bethel Advance, a recruiting and interview night held each spring.

Get involved on campus

You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community within the education department. You’ll also be able to write for The Clarion student newspaper, the Coeval student literary journal, or the Textura magazine. And you can attend on-campus theatre productions and readings along with others around the Twin Cities.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with a communication arts and literature education degree?

With a communication arts and literature education degree, you’ll be prepared to teach English to middle and high school students in classrooms of public, private, charter, and international schools. As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped for a life of purpose in the classroom and beyond.

The skills for a teaching career

You’ll earn a teaching license and become successful a middle and high school teacher. While many graduates teach in Minnesota, others have taught at schools across the country and around the world.

Many opportunities in education

You’ll also be equipped for a wide variety of other roles. You could work as a curriculum coordinator, instructional designer/developer, museum or park educator, training specialist, educational consultant, public policy coordinator, or analyst.

Graduate school and Ed.D. programs

You’ll be prepared to pursue further certifications, licenses, and graduate programs in many subjects to better serve your students and earn higher wages. You can also pursue a principal license, a superintendent license, and other administrative roles.

Skills for any field

If your career takes you outside education, you’ll have a wide range of critical thinking, strong writing, and other adaptable skills to serve in many jobs and fields.

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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.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll invest in your success, and you’ll develop strong mentoring relationships that extend past graduation.

Department of Education


Location

Lakeside Center (LSC) C200

Contact

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Jill Martin

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Nadine Johnson

Nadine Johnson

Education Licensing and Advising Specialist

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Elisabeth Lefebvre

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Associate Professor of Education

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Mary Lindell

Mary Lindell

Associate Professor of Education

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Peg McCormick

Peg McCormick

Associate Professor of Education

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Mindy Molin

Administrative Assistant

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Danny Swensen

Danny Swensen

Professor of Education

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Steven Thompson

Steven Thompson

Professor of Music Education

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Geri Von Grey

Geri Von Grey

Associate Professor of Education

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Becky Carlson

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Placement Coordinator

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William Derden

William Derden

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Karin Farrington

Karin Farrington

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Justine Harren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Katelin Held

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Rachel Jorgensen

Rachel Jorgensen

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amie Lorence Grubidge

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Sara Nelson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Melissa Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amy Fox

Amy Fox

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Erica Hering

Erica Hering

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Sara Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Lisa Kepple

Lisa Kepple

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Education

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Glenn Morehouse Olson

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Lisa Ouren

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Susan Schwope

Susan Schwope

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Amanda Wallrich

Adjunct Instructor of Education

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Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

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Scott Brown

Scott Brown

Professor of Mathematics Education Emeritus

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Patricia Danforth

Assistant Professor of Education Emerita

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Adele Greenlee

Professor of Education Emerita

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Dorothy Haugen

Assistant Professor of Physical Education Emerita

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Steven Henkel

Steven Henkel

Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science Emeritus

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Sandi Horn

Sandi Horn

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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David Klostreich

Associate Professor of Physical Education Emeritus

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Patricia Paulson

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Science Education Emerita

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Jolene Pearson

Jolene Pearson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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Jay Rasmussen

Jay Rasmussen

Professor of Education Emeritus

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Mark Rhoads

Mark Rhoads

Professor of Music Emeritus

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Louise Wilson

Associate Professor of Education Emerita

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$60,109

average salary for education alumni 10 years after graduation

- U.S. Census Bureau

Top 15

Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

- besteducationdegrees.com

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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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

Start your application

Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements