Dr. John Alexis Edgren founded Bethel Theological Seminary in 1871 to respond to the need for an educated ministry among the Baptist churches being organized by Swedish immigrants.

Bethel Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Commission on Institutions of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Seminary offers three Certificate Programs, five Masters Degrees and one Doctoral (D.Min.) Program.

Bethel Theological Seminary West is located in San Diego, San Diego County, CA, and has an enrollment of about 200.