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Sociocultural Studies of Education Minor

Bachelor of Arts

With a Minor in Sociocultural Studies of Education, you’ll explore how the education system and society and culture shape one another.

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By adding a sociocultural studies of education minor, you’ll the relationship between schools, students, and teachers and U.S. history, economics, politics, society, and culture. As an education student, this minor will deepen your understanding of the field and its connections to our culture. If your studying another subject, you can gain insights into educational policy and practice to prepare for work that intersects with the education system.

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Why should I study education at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Education, where you’ll learn from compassionate and knowledgeable professors who will get to know you personally and will invest in your success. 

  • 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 study education in a 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 supportYou’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.
  • Flexible academic planning
    These courses can be integrated into your academic plan as electives, ensuring you graduate on time and meet your credit requirements.

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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?

With a sociocultural studies minor, you’ll gain a foundation of teaching knowledge and skills that will prepare you to continue to graduate school and earn a teaching license.

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Explore critical societal issues

Examine contemporary debates like LGBTQ+ and religious liberty, vaccinations, and parental choice, and privatization and public funding through the lens of schooling.

Engage with contemporary debates

You'll examine current political and social issues as they relate to the educational system.

Understand educational diversity

As U.S. schools diversify, you'll develop the skills to meet the needs of diverse student groups.

Interdisciplinary learning

Take courses across various departments, enriching your primary major and broadening your educational perspectives.

Prepare for impactful careers

Whether you become an educator, policymaker, or community leader, this minor equips you with the knowledge to address urgent educational challenges.

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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 clubs

You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that strives to build community within the education department. You’ll be able to attend club events aimed at supporting your future as an educator and connect with your fellow education majors. You can explore your interests through 30+ clubs and intramural sports on campus.

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Study abroad

You’ll have many options for studying abroad over a full semester, January session, spring break, and the summer, including Exploring British Education and Culture, a study abroad course over January for education majors.

Networking and connections

You’ll be able to attend events hosted by the education department where you can interact with regional education leaders, build connections, 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.

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Real-world impact

How will a sociocultural studies of education minor help my career goals?

As you study sociocultural studies of education, you'll prepare for a range of careers and advanced educational opportunities.

Deepen your educational knowledge

You’ll enhance your understanding of how education interacts with societal and cultural factors, preparing you for roles in education and beyond.

Contribute to societal change

With a comprehensive understanding of educational systems and policies, you'll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.

Build bridges across disciplines

The minor encourages you to merge your education with another area of study departments, offering a rich interdisciplinary experience that can be applied to various careers.

Stand out in the job market

Whether you pursue teaching, graduate school, or other related fields, this minor makes you a more knowledgeable and attractive candidate.

Enhance your teaching career

Gain valuable insights into policy to better prepare as a teacher ready to address issues that might come up in your classroom.

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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. You’ll learn from professors who are always seeking new methods and content to keep courses fresh and innovative, and our department stresses the importance of classrooms being communities of learning where all students are welcome and respected.

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

Bio >

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Elisabeth Lefebvre

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Mary Lindell

Mary Lindell

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

Peg McCormick

Peg McCormick

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

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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

Bio >

Geri Von Grey

Geri Von Grey

Associate Professor of Education

Bio >

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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

Bio >

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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

Bio >

Erica Hering

Erica Hering

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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Sara Jones

Adjunct Instructor of Education

Bio >

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

Bio >

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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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99%

of our graduates say they would recommend our teacher education program

$60,109

average salary for education alumni 10 years after graduation

- U.S. Census Bureau
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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.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. But here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements