Bethel University (Indiana)


Bethel University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Mishawaka, Indiana. It was established in 1947 and is affiliated with the evangelical Christian Missionary Church.

Organization and administration

Bethel is a part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Council of Independent Colleges. It is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The institution also has specialized accreditation by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the National Association of Schools of Music, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Currently, Bethel is organized into three academic areas: Division of Arts & Sciences; Division of Humanities & Social Sciences; School of Nursing. Additionally, there are four graduate programs administered in conjunction with the schools through the Office of Adult and Graduate Studies.
There are approximately 2000 students distributed across these programs. About 1300 are traditional students pursuing bachelor's degrees right after high school. 650 are adult students who take classes on evenings and weekends which lead to bachelors or associate degrees. 250 are enrolled in graduate programs. The Bethel University faculty is composed of about 115 full-time members.
Bethel College changed its name to Bethel University upon the end of commencement exercises on May 5, 2019.

Academics

Bethel University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult degree programs across the spectrum of disciplines that characterizes American higher education at small colleges. The traditional academic majors include a substantial general education component which is typical of most liberal arts institutions. With some variation by major program, these students take courses in history, literature, philosophy, fine arts, communication, psychology, sociology, science, mathematics, physical education, and foreign language. Furthermore, because of the university's identification with Christianity, all students take courses in Bible and an introductory theology course. These general education courses provide a broad background across the disciplines upon which more depth is pursued in a major.

Athletics

Bethel University teams are known as the Pilots. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and competes in the Crossroads League,. The Pilots also compete as a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association. Basketball, baseball, and softball games are broadcast by the Regional Radio Sports Network.
The Pilots offer eight men's sports, nine women's sports, and two coed sports:
Men's sports:
Women's sports:
Coed:
The most recent sports added were men's and women's bowling and swimming & diving. These additions were announced in Spring 2018 and will began competing in the 2019–2020 school year.

Athletic accomplishments

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In addition to athletic competition, Bethel University encourages athletes to undertake short-term missionary work. Over 45 short-term missions trips/task force teams have been taken by teams within the athletic department.

Notable people