Covenant College

Health and Medicine Studies at Covenant College

Covenant College offers a range of majors and pre-professional programs designed to prepare students for careers in the health and medicine fields. These programs integrate a Christian worldview with rigorous academic training, equipping students for service in various healthcare vocations.

Majors

Health Sciences: A new major beginning in Fall 2025, the Health Sciences program provides a streamlined pathway for students aspiring to careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and other healthcare professions. This major, which evolved from a previous concentration in the biology department, is designed to effectively prepare students for the next steps in their professional journey, whether that be clinical practice, public health, or clinical research. The curriculum is built to meet the prerequisites for a variety of graduate health programs.

Biology: The Biology major at Covenant College offers several concentrations suitable for students with an interest in the life sciences and their application to medicine.

Biomedical Concentration: This concentration focuses on the molecular and cellular aspects of biology. It is an ideal track for students planning to attend medical school, dental school, or pursue biomedical research. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, preparing students for the rigors of advanced study.

Health Professions Concentration: This flexible concentration is tailored for students aiming for a variety of health-related graduate programs, including physical therapy, nursing, and physician assistant programs. The coursework provides a solid biological foundation while allowing for the completion of specific prerequisites for different professional schools.

Chemistry: The Chemistry major provides a deep understanding of the chemical principles that are foundational to many medical and health disciplines.

Biochemistry Concentration: This concentration is designed for students interested in the chemical processes within living organisms. It is a common choice for pre-medical students as it provides a strong background for understanding pharmacology, metabolism, and the molecular basis of disease.

Minors & Certificates

Neuroscience Certificate: This interdisciplinary program allows students to explore the complexities of the brain and nervous system from a scientific and philosophical perspective. The certificate is a valuable addition for students majoring in biology or psychology who are interested in fields such as neurology, psychiatry, or cognitive science research.

Medical Ethics Consultation Certificate: This certificate program equips students to engage with the complex ethical issues prevalent in modern medicine. Students develop a framework for ethical decision-making grounded in a Christian worldview, preparing them to serve on hospital ethics committees or provide thoughtful counsel in a variety of healthcare settings.

Pre-Professional Programs

Covenant College also offers robust pre-professional advising tracks for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in specific healthcare fields. These are not majors themselves but are advising programs that guide students in any major to complete the necessary prerequisites and gain the experiences needed for admission into their desired graduate programs.

Pre-medical: This track provides comprehensive advising and support for students preparing for medical school. Students are guided in course selection, MCAT preparation, and gaining relevant clinical and research experience.

Pre-nursing: This track is for students who plan to enter a nursing program after graduating from Covenant. The advising helps students to complete the necessary science and other prerequisite courses for admission into accelerated BSN or direct-entry MSN programs.

Pre-physical Therapy: This track supports students who are called to the field of physical therapy. Advisors work with students to ensure they meet the specific course requirements and gain the observation hours necessary for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.