Customize Your Bachelor’s Degree

Create a program of study designed for your unique career goals.

Designed for those seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree, the online B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (general studies online degree) at Bethel University allows you to make the most of your previous educational experiences in order to advance your career.

This fully online general studies degree allows you to pursue professional advancement while developing your areas of interest. Rooted in liberal arts, our core curriculum gives you a comprehensive academic foundation through courses in communications, humanities, diversity and global awareness, social science, natural science and math, religion and philosophy, and wellness. Beyond this core curriculum, you may structure your degree with up to three different concentration areas, depending on your transfer credits and topics of interest. Bethel is committed to helping you finish your degree as soon as possible. That’s why we allow you to transfer up to three-fourths of your necessary credits.

All classes are taught by experienced faculty and adjunct professors, who provide both academic and mentorship support. Because the program is fully online, it is well suited to the needs of working adults. Classes begin six times per year, are asynchronous, and do not require on-campus meetings or office hours. The online general studies degree can be completed in as little as two years.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the training you need to advance in your area of interest, or further your studies at the graduate level. Many of our graduates continue in the field of business or enter positions of management. All are situated to potentially gain increased income and go further in their careers.

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Accreditation

Bethel University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole.

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Program Details

Next Start Date: 10/20/2024
Credit Hours: 120
Cost/Credit: 485
Transfer Credits: Up to 90
Est. Completion Time: 1-4 Years
Accreditation: HLC

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Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:
  • A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.
  • Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.

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Course Requirements

The online Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (online general studies) allows for three concentration areas. Concentration areas are comprised of courses with the same prefix code. At least 12 hours of the Interdisciplinary Studies major must be 300 and/or 400 level courses. Courses from another academic institution may be transferred into the concentration areas, but the last 30 credit hours must be completed at Bethel University. A total of 18 credit hours or more must be taken at Bethel University and applied to concentration areas for a bachelor’s degree.

  • ▸ General Education (36)

    General education courses offer an introduction to the arts and sciences within a college setting. Through this comprehensive course of study, students will gain appreciation for a broad range of subjects and build the skills necessary to succeed in higher education. 36 credit hours are required of general education courses.

  • ▸ General Electives (48 Credits)

    Electives allow students to dive deeper into a wide range of subjects, and provide the opportunity to tailor a course of study based on interests and academic goals. Students are required to earn 48 credit hours of electives.

    Students may transfer credit from other accredited institutions, provided the courses are equivalent to required Bethel courses and the student earned a grade of C or better.
    CLEP testing is available for select courses.

  • ▸ Concentration Areas (36 Credits)

    Concentration areas allow students to tailor their course of study to meet their unique academic goals and to take advantage of previously earned college credit. Students must take 15 credit hours in a primary concentration area, 12 credit hours from a secondary concentration area, and 9 credit hours from a third concentration area, adding up to a total of 36 credit hours. Students’ primary concentration area must contain at least nine credit hours or course work from Bethel.

Program consists of:

38

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
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Admission Requirements

Undergraduate programs require:
  • Online undergraduate application
  • Submit your official transcripts (directly from the institution to Bethel) from all undergraduate work. If you have completed less than 30 credit hours, also submit your official high school or GED transcript
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Show proficiency by either submitting your official SAT or ACT scores, completing a college-level English or math course or taking Bethel’s placement tests

Tuition and Fees

Bethel has long been touted for its value. We were ranked No. 2 on Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest list, listed as one of the 50 Best Value Christian Colleges, and have made it to the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Regional Universities-Midwest” list for fifteen consecutive years.

**Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes an estimated three to ten semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits.

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Payment Plan

The college has a monthly installment plan available through Nelnet Campus Commerce. Enrollment can be completed online by accessing the student billing link through MyBethel or by calling 800.609.8056. Students will be charged an enrollment fee of $40.

Total cost with max. transfer credits:

$14,010

Total Courses
Earn your degree faster by transferring credits.
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Financial Aid

Bethel University is committed to ensuring that all our students receive an affordable education.
We offer financial aid based on need, and military benefits and are proud to offer extraordinarily competitive tuition rates.
FAFSA Information
To learn more about your financial aid options or submit a FAFSA, please see our Financial Aid page.
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Transfer Credits

Bethel is committed to helping you make the most of your previous educational experiences. Visit our Transfer Credits page to learn more.
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Career Outcomes

An interdisciplinary studies degree (general studies degree) enables students to concentrate in almost any academic field imaginable. This means graduates can work in a wide range of careers, as well as continue their studies at the graduate level. Potential career fields include the ones listed here. Career information taken from Payscale.com.

  • ▸ Nonprofit Sector

    Nonprofit organizations are those that focus on missions or projects for the sake of public benefit. They can be any size and have an almost infinite range of objectives. Some common nonprofit focus areas include human rights, animal welfare, disease research, disaster relief, the arts, and the environment. While the median salary of a nonprofit worker varies considerably based on education, experience, job type, and location, this number ranges from $37,500 to $89,450 annually.

  • ▸ Healthcare

    Healthcare is a field that revolves around the provision of medical services. Those in this sector can work in any number of roles, from the physical and mental care of individuals to the production of pharmaceuticals to the administration of large healthcare facilities. While the median salary in this field varies considerably, employees earn between $58,711 and $100,510 per year.

  • ▸ Marketing, Advertising, and Media Management

    Marketing, advertising, and media management is a sector that focuses on the promotion of goods, services, and ideas. Those in this field may work for creative agencies, perform market research, specialize in digital services, or any number of other exciting jobs. Although the median salary of someone in this field varies based on several factors, individuals in this industry earn between $39,941 and $83,551 per year.

  • ▸ Project Management

    Project management is a field concerned with the creation of unique products, services, or results. Those who work in this field may apply their work to areas as diverse as business, information technology, logistics, and much more. Although the number may vary based on a host of factors such as job type, experience, location, and education, the median annual salary for individuals in this field range from $57,106 to $114,276.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.
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