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Philosophy Minor

Minor

With a philosophy minor, you’ll gain skills that set you apart as you explore life’s biggest questions and issues.

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By adding a minor in philosophy, you’ll develop skills that can set you apart as you learn to think critically and analyze carefully, and you'll be challenged to think about the largest questions and issues of life. And philosophy is a small and flexible minor that can complement nearly any major.

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Why should I study philosophy at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success. You’ll experience:

  • Faith-fueled learning 
    We teach with the belief that all God’s creation and all human beings are worthy of study, so you’ll gain a broad knowledge of human history that is deepened by the integration of a Christian perspective.
  • Flexibility
    Bethel's philosophy minor requires a small number of credits, and it can pair with many majors. 
  • 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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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?

As a philosophy minor at Bethel, you'll cultivate a diverse set of skills that will enhance your personal growth and professional development.

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A strong base in philosophy

While studying applied philosophy, you’ll gain a solid foundation in historical content and learn to analyze epistemological and metaphysical problems.

Modern preparation

As you expand your knowledge, you’ll explore how to live in the present day, how to interact with current issues, and how you can serve your community and world.

Equipped to serve

Coursework develops adaptable skills that will equip you to serve your community—research, reading, communication, critical thinking, analysis, writing, speaking, and use of multiple media.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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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 and minors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.

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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.

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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.

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Modern application

You’ll have the chance to learn relevant tech skills in areas like documentary filmmaking, podcasting, blogging, and digital preservation.

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Real-world impact

How will this minor help my career goals?

As a philosophy minor at Bethel, you’ll acquire a diverse skill set that will prepare you for a wide range of careers and graduate school opportunities.

A strong base in philosophy

You’ll forge a strong base in philosophy and explore ways to live in the present day and address current issues.

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.

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

Show your passion

Through rigorous study in a field like philosophy, 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.

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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 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

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz

Andrew Bramsen

Andrew Bramsen

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Chris Gehrz

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History

Bio >

Charles Goldberg

Charles Goldberg

Associate Professor of History

Bio >

AnneMarie Kooistra

AnneMarie Kooistra

Professor of History

Bio >

Christopher Moore

Christopher Moore

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Sam Mulberry

Sam Mulberry

Assistant Professor of History and Co-Director of the Academic Enrichment and Support Center

Bio >

Sara Shady

Sara Shady

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

Lynn Uzzell

Lynn Uzzell

Associate Professor of Political Science

Bio >

Dan Yim

Dan Yim

Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bruce Berglund

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

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Michael Bumann

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Omar Fakhri

Omar Fakhri

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Bart Fischer

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

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Andrew Greenlee

Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy

Bio >

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Rushika Hage

Adjunct Instructor of History

Bio >

Amy Poppinga

Amy Poppinga

Adjunct Associate Professor of History

Bio >

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Todd Kline

Adjunct Instructor of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Bio >

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Haley Wireman-Sobba

Adjunct Instructor of Political Science

Bio >

James Hurd

James Hurd

Professor of Anthropology Emeritus

Bio >

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John Lawyer

Professor of Political Science Emeritus

Bio >

Samuel Zalanga

Samuel Zalanga

Professor of Sociology Emeritus

Bio >

60%

of students add a second major

150+

students in the department

93%

of recent alumni say their studies enhanced their writing, critical thinking, and research abilities

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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. Here are a few examples:

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements