Bethel University at Pathway

Raising up leaders for Christian Ministry

Bethel University and Pathway Community Church are partnering together to bring Christian higher education and ministry training to degree-seekers in our community. As part of this innovative program, students will receive a high-quality education that is affordable, local, and fully accredited. They will also receive hands-on training in Pathway’s ministry environments that will provide real-world experience for their futures in the workplace.

Bethel University  is a private, Christian university located in Mishawaka, Indiana, offering over 50 areas of study in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Our community is dedicated to guiding students on their academic journey while building relationships that last a lifetime. Our Extension Studies program (BU-X) is bringing Christian higher education and ministry training to communities across America through an education that is affordable, local, practical and fully accredited.

Why Bethel University at Pathway?

Flexibility

As a student at BU at Pathway, you’ll have the flexibility to live at home, work a part-time job, be part of your personal community—all while you earn your college degree.

Affordability

Bethel University offers discounted tuition to students at extension sites, allowing BUx students to earn up to 30 credit hours a year for $10,500.  Additionally, financial aid is available for those who qualify. 

Experience

Ministry apprenticeships are offered to you through Pathway—up to 3 credit hours per semester.  This amounts to 8-10 hours weekly of firsthand leadership, ministry, and workplace experience.

Get your degree at a fraction of the cost

 

BU at Pathway currently offers ten degree options, and we anticipate adding more selections in the near future. The current options are:

B.A. = Bachelor of Arts  |  A.A. = Associate of Arts

General Studies

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts in General Studies provides a liberal arts general education curriculum that is Christ-centered. With a range of studies from communications skills, humanities, diversity and global awareness, social science, natural science and math, Bible and religion, students will attain most of the general studies requirements of a four-year degree. In addition, students can customize their degree to develop their known interests while exploring new subject areas.

Ministry Leadership

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts in Ministry Leadership degree offers challenging general studies courses that lead to Christian ministries-related courses and a series of church-based, supervised ministry sessions. The degree is designed to develop a student’s ability to think deeply about Christianity and foster the ability to minister and communicate well in a variety of settings.

Pre-education Studies

Associate of Arts

This affordable degree track is a 2+2 program designed for students to complete the first two years at an extension site. After the initial two years, students will transition to finishing their Education degree at Bethel University. The goal of the A.A. is to foster students’ ability to think deeply, give them appropriate exposure to a K-12 classroom, and prepare them to finish their bachelor’s degree in education. The degree is especially well-poised to appeal to students who have an interest in education, while allowing them experiences to determine their area of specialty within the field of education.

Ministry Leadership

Bachelor of Arts

The degree is designed to offer a more robust general studies core to traditional-aged students while providing them with a cognate of Christian ministries-related courses and a series of church-based supervised ministry practicums. The goal of the degree is to foster students’ ability to think deeply and Christlike and to minister and communicate well in an increasingly diverse American context. As students engage in coursework, the goal is for them to experience deeper personal spiritual growth that will enable them to provide Christ-centered leadership to meet a variety of needs.

Business Administration

Bachelor of Arts

This degree is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to begin a career in business or to increase the skillset for those already working in a business setting. Students will choose a concentration area to expand their business knowledge and become more marketable in human resource management, non-profit management, health care administration or organizational leadership. All content is delivered through the lens of a Christian worldview to enable students to integrate faith in decision making to promote sound business ethics.

Business Marketing

Bachelor of Arts

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively to target audiences, develop promotional materials and implement successful marketing strategies. With a comprehensive curriculum that features core business topics and specialized marketing coursework, the online Bachelor of Arts in Business Marketing features an emphasis on social media and the latest industry approaches. This program is an accelerated course of study, transfer-friendly, and can be completed in four years.

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Science is designed for students with the interest and passion for helping people. This program develops the skills needed for working in social service agencies, group homes, crisis centers, mental health agencies, religious organizations, extended care facilities and substance abuse centers. This degree would also position students to earn a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

Cybersecurity

Bachelor of Science

This program is designed to train graduates to meet the cybersecurity needs of organizations in financial, educational, corporate and government settings. With a rigorous curriculum that provides a deep understanding of key topics in computer systems, cyberlaw, policy creation and compliance, this program combines industry best practices with real-world application.

Multi-disciplinary Studies

Bachelor of Arts

This innovative degree allows students to custom design their degree plan to better pursue unique avenues in their professional development. Rooted in liberal arts, the core curriculum gives students 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, students may structure their degree with up to three different concentration areas, depending on transfer credits and topics of interest.

Worship Ministry Leadership

Bachelor of Arts

The Worship Ministry Leadership major prepares students for a career in leading worship ministry and creative arts in a local church. The major can be tailored to the particular interests of students in areas such as worship leadership, technology and media management, church operations, songwriting, or studio recording. Combined with a strong core of ministry leadership and biblical studies courses and regular practicums in a local church, this major is uniquely designed for students who prefer a practical degree that matches their personal skills and interests.

Christ-Centered Education

Every course is integrated with a biblical worldview. Students participate in weekly chapel, small groups, mentoring, and monthly community service projects around Fort Wayne.

Cost: $10,500

One year of tuition and fees at BU at Pathway, based on 15 credits per semester, including 3 practicum hours. Cost increases if student registers for additional credits.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.  Students may apply for the Federal Pell Grant and Indiana residents may apply for Indiana state grants.  For eligible students with the most need, these grants may substantially reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

Your Next Steps

1. Fill out our simple interest form

You must complete this step and obtain Pathway’s acceptance before filling out a Bethel application.

2. Apply to Bethel University

Students should transfer FAFSA, SAT/ACT scores, and school transcripts to Bethel University.
*All students must meet the admission criteria for Bethel University.

3. Acceptance and Enrollment

Bethel University’s admission team will notify you of acceptance and begin your enrollment at BU at Pathway.

4. Select Classes

You will work with your advisor to select the appropriate classes pertaining to your degree.

FAQ: Students

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Extensions studies are for all high school graduates and interested young adults who look to discover and embrace their God-given mission within a platform of vocational ministry or the marketplace. To learn more, please fill out the student information form.

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, and master’s degrees.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE?

WHO IS TEACHING THE CLASS?

Bethel University will provide online courses for students, meaning you will be taught by BU professors.

WHAT DEGREE DO I RECEIVE WHEN I FINISH?

There are both two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor degrees available from Bethel University. Both degrees offer valuable life experience, leadership development, and ministry training from serving at Pathway Community Church..

WILL CREDITS FROM OTHER COLLEGES TRANSFER OR CAN I TRANSFER CREDITS FROM BU@PCC TO ANOTHER COLLEGE?

Yes, although each school varies in what they will or will not accept, most general classes will transfer in or transfer out to other schools. Bethel University will help you determine which credits can transfer.

IS HOUSING AVAILABLE?

Unfortunately, housing is not available.

DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER FINANCIAL AID OR STUDENT LOANS?

BU at Pathway enables enrolled students to pay for their college experience using federal financial aid. To know if you are eligible for such funding, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov and maintain 12 credit hours each semester.

Many scholarships received from organizations outside of Bethel University can be applied to the cost of your education.

Bethel University will assist you in understanding all of your financial options.

FAQ: 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 BUx?

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. Our site provides a small group setting among Pathway pastors and staff. 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 within a local church.

Want to have a conversation?

At Pathway, our mission is to lead people into a full life found in Jesus Christ (John 10:10), and we are thrilled to be part of this endeavor with BUx to raise up the next generation of leaders. We’d love to talk more with you about your future and the possibilities for you at BU at Pathway.

Brian Beall
BU at Pathway Site Director
BethelU@pccfw.org

Renee Von Gunten
Bethel University Administrative Coordinator
rvongunten@pccfw.org