The social sciences are about more than working in agencies. They’re about being change agents.
The Department of Sociology and Reconciliation Studies prepares graduates to make a difference in the world. You’ll explore social and cultural life to understand complex community issues and learn how to respond through an informed Christian faith.
Majors, Minors, and Programs
| Cross-cultural Missions Minor | Minor | ||
| Reconciliation Studies | Major | Minor | |
| Sociocultural Studies | Major | Minor | |
| Third World Studies | Major |
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Exploring Key Issues of Life
Bethel is the only Christian university that integrates sociology, anthropology, and reconciliation studies in a single department—bringing a depth to our programs unmatched anywhere else. We’re a rich, interactive community of students and faculty with a focus on seeking social justice and becoming world citizens. Our unique reconciliation studies major focuses on diversity, conflict mediation, social justice, and reconciliation theology. Our sociologists and anthropologists investigate key issues of urban life, social and economic development, criminology, and social justice from a rigorous social science and Christian perspective. And to make these ideas come to life, you’ll have opportunities for cross-cultural experiences in real communities through off-campus programs. It's about taking our faith in Christ and integrating it into everything we learn, into everything we do, so we can accomplish incredible things—in our careers, in our communities, and in our world.
0% of our majors study abroad
125-150 students in our majors
Program Highlights
Social justice focus
The entire department holds a strong commitment to social justice at global, national, institutional, and community levels.
Pioneer program in reconciliation studies
Our unique reconciliation studies major focuses on diversity, conflict mediation, social justice, and reconciliation theology to prepare you to bring healing to the challenges of a diverse world.
Professors who have worked in the field
Our professors have worked in missions, urban development, or cross-cultural placements and see it as a priority to provide students with rich mentoring relationships as they pursue their career goals.
Hands-on experiences
You’ll practice what you’re learning by engaging with diverse communities and organizations outside the classroom, including NGOs, businesses, communities, governmental organizations, and many other settings.
Opportunities to conduct and present research
Professors will work closely with you on research projects and help you publish your results in professional journals and present at conferences, including reconciliation conferences held at Bethel.
Bethel Urban House
Bethel students live in intentional Christian community in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul to learn about the city and experience urban life.
Bethel's Christ-centered values coupled with academic excellence must not be overlooked. My professors were personal with students while spiritually and intellectually challenging. My degree has wide applications and is uniquely equipping me in long-lasting ways for my M.Div. training.
Jessica Garske '12Grad school: Talbot School of Theology (Biola University)
My professors at Bethel were not only influential during my time as a student, but they remain voices of inspiration, encouragement, and guidance fiver years later. Their friendship has been one of the greatest gifts of my education at Bethel.
Maren Telsey '09Grad school: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
My experience was great preparation for living abroad after graduation. I learned the value of cultural exchange and the importance of examining my own privilege as I interact with people of different backgrounds.
Benjamin Umhoefer '13Current job: 2nd grade teacher, Escuela Bilingue Amigos de Jesus
The faculty taught me to think critically, interrogate social phenomenon, and apply my learning for improving communities. I was prepared professionally and academically from the immense academic, intellectual, and personal support from faculty, with whom I developed lasting friendships.
Ryan Steel '12Current job: Research Associate
What can I do with a major from this department?
Our students prepare for professional careers in nonprofit, for profit, public service, and ministry settings. They prepare to better understand culture and to engage the world in causes of justice and fairness.
Careers
Our graduates work as:
- Public service employees
- Nonprofit and NGOs employees
- Public relations specialists
- Community and human service officers
- Ministers and missionaries
- Lawyers In law enforcement
- Public policy makers
- Healthcare researchers
- Community developers (domestic and international)
- Business people
- Educators
Graduate Schools
Our alumni attend:
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Washington University
- New York University
- University of Minnesota
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Washington
- Hamline Law School
- Michigan State University
- Union Theological Seminary
- London School of Oriental and African Studies
- University of California at San Diego
- American University
Graduate Fields
Our alumni study:
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Urban planning/studies
- Peace studies
- Law
- Theology/Seminary
- Women's studies
- MBA
- MSW
- TESOL
- Missiology