Journalism Minor
At Bethel, we teach journalism with a purpose and a sense of calling. Students are trained to integrate Christian principles as they tell stories of significance across multiple media platforms. This minor gives students skills they need to communicate clearly about the material they are learning in their primary major.
Why should I study journalism?
Journalism is changing, but the need for talented storytellers is as strong now as it’s ever been. In the classroom you'll be challenged as you discover how to approach comfortable and uncomfortable topics, hone your skills in writing, and explore new forms of media. Outside the classroom, students can earn funded trips to national conferences, workshops featuring journalists from around the world, and off-campus internship opportunities.
What can I do with this degree?
We believe that great storytelling transcends discipline. No matter what primary degree focus you choose, journalism will help you present information in a compelling way. Popular complement majors to the journalism minor include:
What skills will I develop?
- Journalistic reporting, writing and editing
- Learn various platforms in print, video, and photography, and social media
- Critical thinking
- Deep listening and questioning to reveal the truth
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the R.E.A.L. Experience—a program specifically designed to help you gain the relevant, hands-on experience employers desire—so that when you graduate, you’ll be as impressive in practice as you are on paper.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
From the first reporting class to the most advanced seminar, you’ll hear from professional journalists and get real-life journalistic experience by reporting on important issues and submitting your stories for publication.
Grow through hands-on journalism assignments
Students jumpstart their portfolios with writing, photo, and video clips by working for The Clarion, Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper and website. Opportunities also exist to write, shoot images, shoot video, and execute social media for student government groups, the Bethel University Office of Marketing, and the university sports information office.
Partner with the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication
The Johnson Center brings some of the world’s finest journalists to campus to teach and inspire our students with special one-on-one workshops on topics such as international journalism, using social media, and reporting on religion, sports, and business. The Center also provides funding for classroom enhancements and conference travel for students.
In recent semesters, the Johnson Center has made it possible for Bethel journalism students to:
- work with Middle East freelance photographer Alex Potter '11 and National Geographic/New York Times freelance photographer Brian Lehmann;
- write stories for publication in area community newspapers under the direction of Press Publications editor and Bethel journalism alumna Alicia (Cordova) Chapman;
- conference on feature story packages with web editor Christa Hillstrom of YES! Magazine in Seattle and get published in her national magazine;
- travel to conferences to hear from ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney and Jim Brady, formerly of the WashingtonPost.com.
- hear from groundbreaking female sports writer Rachel Blount of the Star Tribune
Recent campus visitors funded through the Johnson Center include Krista Tippett, host of the Peabody award-winning radio program “On Being”; Manny Garcia, managing editor of the Naples (Fla.) Daily News; and reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Minnesota Public Radio. Even beginning reporters have Skype visits from reporters at publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, and the New York Times.
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creative pieces published by faculty since 2013
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straight national championships for student publications
- Associate Collegiate PressRecent News
The Beginning of a Beautiful Partnership
January 19, 2023 | 10:45 a.m.
Upcoming Events
JUNE 20 2023
CANCELLED - Digital Storytelling
Student publication leaders will explore digital storytelling as they prepare to work on their student newspapers, news magazines, literary magazines, yearbooks, and broadcasts.
Literature changed who I was, allowed me to look at the world in a new way, to become a more curious person. Faith-learning integration at Bethel helped prepare me to link my faith with my work.
Amy Williams '07Current job: Major Gifts Officer at Ecumen
We had numerous opportunities to practice journalism in classroom and professional settings, and we didn't just learn it as a craft. We studied the role of journalism as an institution, which I find very beneficial in today's media environment.
Jared Nelson '16Current job: Communications Manager, PrepHoops.com
For me, journalism meant becoming a reporter, but God brought me into ministry. I quickly learned that good writing transcends vocation. Creative storytelling is key anywhere. Studying journalism helped me find my voice and bring good writing to any calling.
Monique Kleinhuizen '08 GS'16Current job: Communications Strategist at Bethel University
