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Biblical and Theological Studies

Biblical and Theological Studies

Biblical and theological studies equips students to make a difference in the Church and within their community. Our department teaches the ability to closely read biblical and historical texts and think critically about complex issues. Our students learn to confidently express themselves in writing and speaking while thinking deeply about ethical issues facing this generation according to God’s Word.

On this page Overview Graduate Outcomes Programs / Features Faculty Contact

Program Overview

Our department provides all students with general biblical and theological literacy, specifically according to the Reformed tradition. Our students are trained to seek truth and its relevance for the Church and society then apply this truth as the mold which transforms their heart, renews their mind, and shapes their lives.

We fit our students with the lenses necessary for a biblical view that paves the way to Kingdom activity, equipping them with the biblical rationale for culture-related experiences. This allows them to become acquainted with issues connected with biblical scholarship and the content of the Gospel over against the belief systems of the modern scene.

Through our courses, students develop their talents and skills to maximize the advance of the Kingdom of God in the choice and exercise of their profession. Additionally, we urge students with apparent qualifications and gifts for ministry, whether in the United States or abroad, to consider the possibility of such calling.

Graduate Outcomes

Students who graduate with a major in biblical and theological studies have pursued many vocations including:  

  • Bible Teacher, Briarwood Christian High School
  • Director of Youth Ministry, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis
  • Missionary, Sweden
  • Maclellan Foundation, Chattanooga
  • Theology Professor, Edinburgh University
  • Theology Professor, Whitworth University
  • Pastor, Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church
  • Associate Dean of Students, Covenant College

Alumni have also pursued further education:

  • Covenant Theological Seminary
  • Westminster Theological Seminary
  • Reformed Theological Seminary
  • Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
  • Boston University
emmie thompson

Emmie Thompson ’18

brad roberts

Brad Roberts ’15

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"I love teaching at Covenant College. We so often see such a stunning growth and development from their freshman to senior year. Our students here are eager to learn, they love Christ and the scriptures, and they are willing to work hard as they explore the beauty of their faith. Not only are we able to help them dive deep into the richness of the Bible with them, but also Church history and theology, missions and practice. And part of what is so unique about this education here is that it takes place within a college that values the liberal arts. So all of this teaching is also in conversation with art and literature, history and philosophy, science and sociology. It is hard for me to think of a better environment to teach students theology."
Dr. Kelly Kapic

Professor of Theology

Programs & Features

Students who choose to major in biblical and theological studies can add a concentration in missions to their major.

View Course Catalog

As a religious institution, we train all students to value the study of biblical texts and worldview and believe extensive knowledge of the Bible and ministry will complement any major. 

To this end, our department offers a variety of biblical studies minors:

  • Biblical and Theological Studies Minor
  • Biblical Languages Minor
  • History of Christianity Minor
  • Missions Minor
  • Youth Ministry Minor

View Course Catalog

Students who complete a Bible major at Covenant College may receive up to 17 semester hours of advanced standing toward the MDiv degree at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

View Course Catalog

Students interested in teaching Bible for grades 6-12 should complete a BA degree with a major in biblical and theological studies and then enroll in the one-year Master of Arts in Teaching at Covenant College. It is recommended that the Education Minor be completed.

View Course Catalog

  • MIS 203 Missionary Methods and Problems
  • BIB 212 Preparing for Relational Youth Ministry Skills
  • MIS 302 World Religions
  • BIB 379 Faith and Suffering
  • BIB 387 John Calvin and the Reformed Tradition
  • BIB 395 Current Issues in Biblical Studies

  • “Continuity & Consistency in the Thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer”
  • “Youth Ministry”
  • “Does the Body Matter?”
  • “Just War”

Guided Capstone Requirements

Meet the Biblical and Theological Studies Faculty

Jeff Dryden

Jeff Dryden Professor of Biblical Studies

Luke Irwin

Luke Irwin Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies

Scott Jones

Scott Jones Professor of Biblical Studies

Kelly Kapic

Kelly Kapic Professor of Theological Studies

Hans Madueme

Hans Madueme Associate Professor of Theological Studies

Clift Ward

Clift Ward Associate Professor of Church History and Theology

herb ward

Herb Ward Professor of Biblical Studies
Department Chair

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Graduate School of Education

Undergraduate Departments, Majors, Minors, Certificates, Concentrations, and Programs

Academic Certificates

  • Arts Administration
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
  • Journalism and Society
  • Medical Ethics Consultation
  • Neuroscience
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Art

  • Art, 2-D Concentration 
  • Art, 3-D Concentration 
  • Art, Art History Concentration 
  • Art, Graphic Design Concentration 
  • Art, Photography Concentration 
  • Art minor
  • Art History minor

Biblical & Theological Studies

  • Biblical & Theological Studies 
  • Biblical & Theological Studies, Missions Concentration 
  • Biblical & Theological Studies minor
  • Biblical Languages minor
  • History of Christianity minor
  • Missions minor
  • Youth Ministry minor

Biology

  • Biology, Biomedical Concentration 
  • Biology, Environmental Concentration 
  • Biology, General 
  • Biology, Health Professions Concentration 
  • Biology minor

Business

  • Business 
  • Business, Accounting Concentration 
  • Business, Finance Concentration 
  • Business, Marketing Concentration 
  • Sport Management 
  • Business minor
  • Sport Management minor

Chemistry

  • Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration 
  • Chemistry, General 
  • Biochemistry minor
  • Chemistry minor

Community Development

  • Community Development 
  • Community Development minor

Computer Science

  • Computer Science 
  • Computer Science minor

Economics

  • Economics 
  • Economics minor

Education

  • Education Studies 
  • Elementary Education (P-5) 
  • Secondary Education Certifications through MAT program 
  • Education minor

Engineering 3:2 Program

  • Natural Science, Pre-Engineering Studies Concentration

English

  • English 
  • English, Writing Concentration 
  • English minor
  • Writing minor

Health, Wellness and Coaching

  • Coaching minor

History, Politics, and International Studies

  • History 
  • History, Art History Concentration 
  • Political Science 
  • International Studies 
  • History minor
  • Political Science minor

Interdisciplinary Studies

  • Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations 

Mathematics

  • Mathematics 
  • Mathematics minor

Music

  • Music, Church Music Concentration 
  • Music, Creative Studies Concentration 
  • Music, General Music Concentration 
  • Music, Instrumental Performance Concentration 
  • Music, Music Education (Pre-MAT) Concentration 
  • Music, Organ Performance Concentration 
  • Music, Piano Pedagogy Concentration 
  • Music, Piano Performance Concentration 
  • Music, Vocal Performance Concentration 
  • Music minor

Philosophy

  • Philosophy 
  • Philosophy minor

Physics

  • Physics 
  • Physics minor

Pre-Professional Programs

  • Pre-Law Studies 
  • Pre-Medical Studies 
  • Pre-Nursing Studies 
  • Pre-Physical Therapy Studies 

Psychology

  • Psychology 
  • Psychology minor

Sociology

  • Sociology 
  • Sociology, Family Studies & Social Work Concentration 
  • Sociology minor

Theatre

  • Theatre minor

World Languages

  • French 
  • Spanish 
  • French minor
  • Spanish minor