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United States · Healthcare, Criminal Justice & Bass Fishing · Sourced 2026-10-15

Bethel University

Explore accredited Physician Assistant master's programs, online criminal justice degrees, and athletic scholarships at Bethel University.

Official institution website ↗Independent Academic Atlas

Institution Overview & Profile

Bethel University, chartered in 1842 in McKenzie, Tennessee, is a private comprehensive university affiliated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Renowned across the Southeast for its Physician Assistant (PA) master's program, online criminal justice and business degrees, and national-championship collegiate bass fishing team, Bethel combines professional preparation with Christian service.

Institution TypePrivate Comprehensive University (Cumberland Presbyterian Affiliated)
Main CampusMcKenzie Campus (100 acres in West Tennessee) & Online Division
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) / ARC-PA
Admissions RouteDirect online application via Bethel Portal / CASPA for Physician Assistant
Language of InstructionEnglish (TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 100)
Financial Aid & GrantsBethel Institutional Merit Scholarships, Tennessee HOPE Scholarship & Federal Pell Grants

Key Academic Strengths

Featured Academic & Degree Programs

Graduate Professional Degree

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)

27-month intensive ARC-PA accredited medical curriculum featuring 12 months of clinical rotations in family medicine, surgery, and emergency care.

Graduate Degree

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

36-credit online graduate program with concentrations in Healthcare Administration, Executive Management, and Academic Leadership.

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Comprehensive study of forensic investigation, constitutional law, corrections policy, and emergency management.

Verified Academic Opportunities (7)

Scholarship

Bethel University Academic Excellence Scholarship

Merit award granted to incoming full-time undergraduate students based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores.

Funding: Up to $11,000 per academic year renewable for four consecutive years Deadline: May 1, 2027 (Rolling admissions)
Master's

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Admission

Highly competitive 27-month clinical program preparing medical providers for national certification (PANCE) and clinical practice.

Funding: Eligible for federal HRSA rural healthcare loan repayment grants ($50,000) Deadline: October 1, 2026 (For January 2027 matriculation via CASPA)
Master's

Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management

100% online MBA tailored for healthcare administrators, covering medical law, clinical informatics, healthcare finance, and strategic planning.

Funding: Corporate partner tuition discount of 15% Deadline: July 1, 2027
Scholarship

Collegiate Bass Fishing Team Athletic Scholarship

Athletic scholarship awarded to competitive collegiate anglers representing Bethel in national Bassmaster and MLF collegiate tournaments.

Funding: Partial to full tuition scholarship plus tournament travel and tournament boat equipment support Deadline: March 31, 2027
Bachelor's

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online Admission

Accelerated degree completion program for law enforcement officers, military service members, and aspiring criminal justice professionals.

Funding: Law enforcement agency educational tuition assistance eligible Deadline: August 1, 2027
Grant

Bethel Christian Leadership & Church Ministry Award

Tuition grant for dependent children of ordained ministers or students actively pursuing vocational ministry degrees.

Funding: $2,500 annual award renewable across four years Deadline: May 15, 2027
Internship

Tennessee Rural Health Nursing Scholarship Practicum

Funded clinical nursing practicum hosted in West Tennessee rural health clinics and critical access hospitals.

Funding: $3,000 semester clinical stipend plus mileage reimbursement Deadline: April 15, 2027

Notable Faculty & Researchers (3)

Dr. Walter Butler

President & Alumnus of Bethel University · Office of the President

Dr. Walter Butler has served as President of Bethel University since 2013, steering major online degree growth and healthcare laboratory enhancements across Tennessee.

Higher Education Administration Christian Leadership Rural Community Development

Dr. Jenny Webb

Program Director & Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies · Physician Assistant Studies Program

Dr. Jenny Webb directs the ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program, coordinating clinical education and rural health primary care rotations across the Mid-South.

Physician Assistant Education Primary Care Medicine Emergency Medicine Diagnostics

Garry Mason

Head Coach, Bethel University Bass Fishing · Department of Athletics

Garry Mason is the legendary founder and head coach of Bethel's Bass Fishing team, creating the first collegiate bass fishing scholarship program in America and winning multiple national championships.

Collegiate Bass Fishing Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation Outdoor Sports Management

Next Steps & Application Advisory

Prospective scholars are advised to review official Bethel University program requirements well in advance of published deadlines.