Founded in 1905, Bethany Theological Seminary has become the graduate school and academy for theological education for the Church of the Brethren. First, the location of the Seminary was Chicago area, but in 1994, the school relocated to Richmond, Indiana and affiliated with Earlham School of Religion, a Christian graduate theological school in the Quaker tradition. Bethany has received  accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Academic Programs
As a graduate school, Bethany offers degree programs which serve a variety of vocational and academic objectives. Academics Programs and opportunities offered include:

• Master of Divinity Degree
• Master of Arts Degree
• Certificate of Achievement in Theological Studies (CATS)
• Connections: Online and Distance Education options
• Peace Studies
• Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults
• Ministry Formation
• Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership
• Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC)

The curriculum supporting these programs is designed to develop competencies in academic reflection and ministry formation necessary for effective work in ministry, teaching and other service vocations.

Students and Faculty
Bethany welcomes students with a spiritual hardiness and an intellectual daring who are willing to learn from the contexts outlined in the Bethany mission statement. Persons who have experience in volunteer programs often find Bethany a positive environment.