Bethesda University Degree Programs
Bethesda University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Master’s in Theology Degree Programs Online.
Earning a college degree is one of the best ways to move into a new career or advance in a current career. There is research that indicates college graduates are less likely to be unemployed and report being much more satisfied with their job than people who hold just a high school diploma. Bethesda University offers a wide range of programs designed to help individuals achieve their higher education goals.
Bethesda University six undergraduate and five graduate degrees as well as one certificate program. The Bachelor of Arts in Religion is available with concentrations in Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry or Christian Education. It provides students with professional training for ministry, offering a solid grounding in Bible, doctrine and the practices of ministry using a Pentecostal environment. Students are able to manifest a solid knowledge of Scripture with proper hermeneutical skills as well as understand the doctrines of the Church and Pentecostal distinctives. They also gain an understanding of the history, traditions and practices of the church. Courses may include Pentecostal Heritage, Christian Ethics, Christian Service and Church History. The program is available both on campus and online.
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education provides students with an understanding of developmentally-appropriate practices for working with young children. The program is taught with a Christian focus and includes biblical knowledge, allowing graduates to share their faith with children. Students gain an understanding of a child’s cognitive, physical, affective, social, moral and spiritual development as well as methods used in organizing and managing childcare programs. Courses may include Development in Early Childhood, Creative Experiences for Children, Child Psychology and Parent Education. The program is only available on campus.
Bethesda University offers a Preschool Certificate Program designed to train teachers and directors of preschools, childcare centers, and family child care homes. Students gain an understanding of the development of children as well as the value of play in early childhood education. They develop classroom management skills as well as an understanding of changing family patterns that include blended families and single-family households. Courses required may include Development in the Early Years, Organization and Management of the Child Care Center, Educational Programs for Infants and Toddlers, as well as Child Creative Experience.
The Master of Divinity program is available both on campus and online. The program offers an understanding of biblical, theological and practical skills in ministry. It is designed to prepare prospective ministers for effective pastoral or missionary ministry. Students gain an understanding of the Bible along with other books important to religion. They gain an understanding of the historical development of theology and apply biblical principles in dealing with contemporary moral and social issues. Courses required may include Biblical Hermeneutics, Principles of Exegesis, Gospels, Asian Church History and Systematic Theology.
The Doctor of Ministry, which is available both online and on campus, is designed for those who wish to become spiritual and academic leaders in Christian ministry. The program is challenging, helping students learn, understand, apply, examine and synthesize religious, educational and practical experiences. Students gain a critical understanding of ministry as well as an advanced understanding of ministry as it relates to spiritual formation and discipleship. Courses required may include Jesus Christ, Scripture and the Foundation of Ministry, Small Groups and Discipleships, Developing Missional Church for the World as well as Leading Christian Organizations and Cultivating Leadership. Students must also research and defend a dissertation.
About Bethesda University
Bethesda University was founded by Dr. David Yonggi Cho in 1976 who developed an institute of higher learning focused on Pentecostal distinctiveness in order to train men and women in the Christian faith. The University has a mission to prepare leaders who are focused on world peace and world missions.
Bethesda University provides an education that would promote value and the establishment of priorities. The school believes there is a growing need for Christian leaders today and their goal is to equip leaders in the 21st century with an exceptional education that is steeped in a Christian foundation and Pentecostal heritage.
Bethesda University Accreditation Details
Bethesda University is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. These accreditations indicate that the University undergoes periodic evaluation to confirm students are receiving the highest level of education and the school agrees to address any areas identified as needing improvement. In addition, the Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry are accredited by the ABHE Commission on Accreditation.
Bethesda University Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must provide official high school transcripts as well as a copy of their photo identification. Applicants entering a religion program must submit a Christian Testimony while all other students must submit a personal essay. A medical examination certificate is also required for on-campus students. Applicants who have attended other institutes of higher learning must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and must provide official transcripts from all schools attended. They must submit Christian testimony if they are entering a religion program or a personal essay if they are entering other programs. A copy of their photo identification and, if attending on campus, a medical examination clearance form.
Applicants to the Doctor of Divinity must hold a Master of Divinity degree and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must submit a biographical essay, a personal ministry vision statement, and a photo identification. If attending on campus, they must also provide a medical examination clearance form.
Bethesda University Tuition and Financial Aid
Bethesda University charges $255 per credit hour for both undergraduate and graduate tuition whether attending on campus or online. Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify.
Students may be eligible for federal grants and loans as part of their financial aid assistance for undergraduate studies. Graduate students are offered loans as part of the financial aid package. All aid offered at Bethesda University is based on need. Undergraduate students may also apply for Cal Grants through that program which requires a separate application.
Bethesda University is a Christ-centered institute of higher learning that aims to provide students not only with academic knowledge, but also the spiritual values to become servant leaders in an increasingly global society.