Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers for students and parents.
Students
WHO SHOULD APPLY TO THE PROGRAM?
BU@____ is for high school graduates and interested young adults who look to discover and embrace their God-give mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace.
BU@____ is for high school graduates and interested young adults who look to discover and embrace their God-give mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
Students are admitted in either the fall (classes begin in August) or spring (classes begin in January) semesters.
IS THIS AN ACCREDITED PROGRAM?
Yes, this program partners with Bethel University. Bethel University is a fully accredited institution authorized to award, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE AT BU@____?
Students attend their local extension site for approximately 3-4 days per week to work on coursework and engage in spiritual formation. Students may also participate in practicum experiences, attend chapel or other student activities as coordinated by each site.
A Sample Weekly Schedule
| MON | TUES | WED | THURS | FRI | SAT | SUN |
| Chapel 1 hour |
Leadership Development with Pastor 1 hour |
Morning Small Group 3 hours |
Study Time 3 hours |
Free day for homework, job, etc. |
Community Outreach (monthly) 2 hours |
Serve at Sunday Services (included in practicum) 2 hours |
| Study Time 3 hours |
Study Time 3 hours |
|||||
| BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
Practicum 6 hours |
BU Courses (online or face-to-face) 3 hours |
|||
| Some evenings will require study/reading |
WHO IS TEACHING THE CLASSES?
Bethel University will provide a quality curriculum taught by Bethel-hired faculty. Students complete classes at your local site. Classes will be offered in a variety of formats including online, virtual, and in-person depending on availability and interest in each seven weeks.
WHAT DEGREE DO I RECEIVE WHEN I FINISH?
There are both two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor’s degrees available from Bethel University. Both degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and ministry training from serving with a local business, ministry or organization.
Parents
WHY SHOULD MY STUDENT CHOOSE THE BETHEL UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SITE PROGRAM VERSUS A SIMILAR PROGRAM AT ANOTHER SCHOOL?
This program is affordable, practical and flexible. Affordability is answered on the Degrees and Program Costs page. While the cost may differ from a local community college, keep in mind that private school grants might also be applied to your student’s tuition. Private school grants could make BU-X a cheaper choice for your student.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM PRACTICAL?
This program is practical due to the practicum experiences each term. A practicum, much like an apprenticeship, integrates classroom instruction, mentoring and real-world experience. Students also build community through shared experiences with other students in the program.
HOW FLEXIBLE IS THIS PROGRAM?
Students will have some flexibility built into the weekly schedule. This program will allow students to study for classes, complete the practicum hours and work a job.
MY STUDENT DOES NOT LIKE "ONLINE LEARNING." HOW WOULD THIS PROGRAM BE A GOOD FIT?
Bethel professors are trained to engage and interact with distance learners. Bethel is recognized as a regional leader for online learning. For all classes, students will be working together and have the assistance of a site director and mentor. Having other students and staff as a level of accountability is sure to lead to student success even in an online forum.
CAN MY STUDENT TRANSFER TO BETHEL UNIVERSITY FROM BU-X?
This would be a great option for some individuals. Students can easily stay home for the first two years of the college experience, take mostly core classes at the BU Extension site, and then transition to Bethel University for the degree-specific courses the last two years.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE BU-X PROGRAM?
This program provides a safe learning environment. These sites provide a small group setting with familiar church personnel. If your student is interested in ministry, this is a specific program designed to help them leave college with less debt—setting them up to serve in any capacity.