[8] 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 (oral and written), psychology, sociology, science, mathematics, physical education, and foreign language.

The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Crossroads League (formerly known as the Mid-Central College Conference (MCCC) until after the 2011–12 school year) for most of its sports since the 1981–82 academic year; while its men's & women's swimming & diving teams compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC); and its women's lacrosse and men's volleyball teams compete in the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC).

They are also a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), primarily competing as an independent in the North Central Region of the Division I level.