![Bethel University students focused on a lecture, with one student taking notes on a laptop.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-minor-hero.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
With a history minor, you’ll gain essential skills that can be applied to almost any career.
![Bethel University students listening to a professor during a classroom lecture, with notebooks and water bottles on the table.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-minor-intro.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
By adding a minor in history, you’ll explore the past and pursue your interests while gaining skills in critical thinking, research, and communication—skills that will help you prepare for most jobs. This minor is a great complement to almost any major you choose. As you study a subject you’re passionate about, you’ll learn to apply yourself and see the world with a diverse and equitable lens, empowering you to support your community with compassion and understanding. You’ll gain more than lessons from old books—it will inform the way you live.
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
As you explore history—from ancient Rome to the modern Middle East and beyond—you’ll expand your knowledge and develop your skills. And with only one required course, you’ll be able to pick elective courses that meet your interests and goals.
![Bethel University students participating in a class discussion, with one student taking notes.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-minor-skills.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
A strong historical base
As you study human history, your knowledge will be deepened by the integration of faith and modern application.
Skills for any career
You’ll forge a strong base of skills in communication, teamwork, research, writing, and more to prepare you for your and for graduate and professional schools.
Critical thinking
You’ll develop strong critical thinking skills as you learn how to find patterns in data, evaluate sources and arguments, and better understand causation and context.
Modern application
Many courses allow you to explore the digital humanities and modern tools like documentary filmmaking, podcasting, blogging, and digital preservation.
![Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/student-discussion.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
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 and minors. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience—all in a community where you belong.
![Visitors moving quickly past large paintings in an art museum, creating a blurred motion effect.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-2.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Study abroad
Study around the world through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Off-campus study abroad programs include the January trip to Morocco, Spain, and France. Or you study for a semester at a university in another country. Recent students have studied in Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Lithuania.
![Two students smiling and chatting during a group discussion, with laptops and water bottles on the table.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-3.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Internships
We have partnerships like a paid internship at the White Bear Lake Historical Society. You’ll also have the chance to intern at sites like the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Historical Society, and the opportunity to apply to work for the department as a teaching assistant.
![A professor and a student having an in-depth discussion in a book-filled office.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-1.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Research
You’ll have the chance to conduct research with professors through programs like Edgren Scholars and summer research projects. And you can conduct your own original research in local or digital archives for your senior seminar paper.
Real-world impact
How will this minor help my career goals?
The skills of critical thinking, clear writing, creative problem solving, and literacy create empathetic and exceptional communicators ready for any job.
Stand out to employers
You’ll gain skills that employers value—skills that will prepare you for a wide variety of fields and graduate and professional schools.
Show your passion
Through rigorous study in a field like history, you’ll stand out to employers with your passion and purpose.
Apply your faith to your career
As you wrestle with important questions and study from a Christian perspective, you’ll be well-equipped to glorify God wherever your career takes you.
![Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/_shared-content/images/bkg/dock.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
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 know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”
Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
Location
Contact
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Accessible education
Tuition and financial aid
College is an investment in your future. That’s why we strive to make your education attainable and provide you with clear and accurate information as you consider your next steps. The net price calculator is a great place to start.
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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.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
This flexible minor will complement almost any major you choose. Here are a few examples:
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Explore the full lists: