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.
Contact us
Request info
Interested in learning more about Bethel's communication arts and literature education major? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Hey! Looks like the form didn't load. If it doesn't load after a second or two, please refresh the page and you should see it. If that doesn't work, please let us know.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Student teaching 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 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.
Get involved on campus
You can join the Bethel Student Educator’s Association, a student-led academic club that builds community. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Claudia May
Professor of Reconciliation Studies and Program Director of Reconciliation Studies
Brad Cawyer
Assistant Professor of Music, Conductor of University Orchestras and Director of String Activities
Sam Mulberry
Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center
Diane Dahl Ph.D., M.S.N., RN
Associate Dean of Nursing; Chief Nursing Administrator and Interim Dean of Healthcare Programs and Dean of Nursing; Chief Nursing Administrator
Becky Carlson
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education and Placement and Partnership Specialist
Lisa Kepple
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Applied Health Sciences and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Education
Faith Schumann
Adjunct Instructor of General Studies and Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences
Michelle Steffenhagen
Adjunct Assistant Professor of General Studies and Introduction to Wellbeing Coordinator
Patricia Paulson
Professor of Science Education Emerita and Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A path with promise
Clear price. Clear outcomes.
Know what your education costs—and where it’s taking you. You’ll start with a clear price so you can focus on what truly matters: your education and your future. And you’ll graduate with confidence through the Bethel Career Commitment, which includes built-in career coaching and additional support for eligible graduates who still need help.
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.
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: