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Journalism Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a journalism major, you’ll build a solid foundation of journalistic skills and a commitment to integrity and excellence.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Journalism, you’ll learn to write, edit, and report. Through classes that focus on hands-on learning, exciting off-campus internships, and workshops with prominent Christian journalists, you’ll build confidence in creating content for the latest media platforms. Within a supportive learning environment, you’ll infuse your creative craft with a commitment to seeking truth and telling stories that matter—all while gaining adaptable skills for your career.

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Why should I study journalism 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, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Your rich interaction with writing, editing, and reporting, taught by Christian professors and approached through the eyes of faith, will guide you on your unique journey as you ask questions and consider what it means to be Christian.
  • Flexibility
    The journalism degree course requirements are flexible, allowing you the opportunity to add other disciplines as second majors or minors to broaden your skillsets, enhance your employability, and tailor your education to your career goals.
  • A community where you belong
    You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success.

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Contact us

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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 journalism, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. Our culture and the world of media are changing rapidly, and the need for ethical, creative storytellers is greater than it's ever been.

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Comprehensive journalism skills

You'll receive solid training in journalistic reporting, writing, editing, photography, and design, ensuring you are well-prepared for a dynamic career in media.

Ethical storytelling

You'll learn to navigate the rapidly changing media landscape with a commitment to ethical storytelling. At Bethel, you'll infuse your creative craft with truth-seeking and impactful narratives.

Cutting-edge multimedia skills

You'll gain proficiency in creating content for new media platforms.

Real-world application

Through classes and labs, you'll apply your skills in real-world scenarios, preparing you for various roles in the media industry and beyond.

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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.

See plans

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.

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Study abroad

You can participate in the January Textura trip—an intimate exploration of a different culture. You’ll write investigative pieces about local life and use those stories to compile and design a culturally insightful magazine. You’ll also have the chance to spend a semester at King’s College John McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute in New York City or the Washington Journalism Center in Washington, D.C.

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Build your portfolio

Hone your journalistic skills and increase your writing, photo, and video clips by working for The Clarion—Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper—other campus offices, The Royal Report YouTube channel, and more. Opportunities also exist to write, design, and shoot photos and videos for student government groups, the Bethel University Office of Marketing, and the university sports information office.

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Internships

Apply what you’ve learned through great media internships with local news or nonprofit organizations, including the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Minnesota Public Radio.

See all experiences

Real-world impact

What can I do with a journalism degree?

As you become the person you’re meant to be, you’ll be equipped to tell stories in different formats for a variety of organizations. And you’ll be prepared for a life of purpose in many fields.

Media

With strong journalistic skills, you’ll be prepared for roles at newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, and online media outlets.

Advocacy

Be ready to tell stories for social change and make an impact through local and international nonprofits, parachurch organizations, and other ministries.

Business

You’ll be equipped for corporate communications and marketing, public relations, and web-based communication.

Skills for any field

You can apply your background to almost any field including, law, politics, missions, and more.

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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 know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible between classes, and you’ll often find fellow students gathered or studying nearby.

Department of English and Journalism


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 370, 372

Contact

April Vinding

Scott Winter

April Vinding

April Vinding

Professor of English

Bio >

Marion Larson

Marion Larson

Professor of English

Bio >

Angela Preston

Angela Preston

Associate Professor of English

Bio >

Scott Winter

Scott Winter

Professor of Journalism

Bio >

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William Lawrenz

Adjunct Instructor of English and Journalism

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Phyllis Alsdurf

Professor of English Emerita

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Thomas Becknell

Thomas Becknell

Professor of English Emeritus

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Susan Brooks

Susan Brooks

Professor of English Emerita

Bio >

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Lorraine Eitel

Associate Professor of English Emerita

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Daniel Ritchie

Daniel Ritchie

Professor of English Emeritus

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Daniel Taylor

Professor of English Emeritus

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99

students majoring in the department

20+

students attend professional conferences annually

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.

Learn more

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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