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Summer Institute: Earn College Credit

ATTEND SUMMER INSTITUTE, EARN $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP PER YEAR
Students who attend Summer Institute will receive a $1,000 scholarship per year towards their tuition for attending Covenant College.

The Covenant College Summer Institute offers one-week residential programs for motivated high school students to earn college credit. These courses are hosted on Covenant College's campus and taught by Covenant College professors. Admission is competitive, and rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are encouraged to apply.

In addition to earning college credit, participating in the Summer Institute gives you a taste of a Covenant College education. Mornings are filled with rigorous and engaging academic instruction by Covenant faculty. You might continue your class discussion over lunch each day in the Great Hall with your classmates and professor in a more informal setting.

Afternoons build on the morning's instruction with studying, group work, or research in the library with the support of current Covenant College students serving as teaching assistants.

After dinner in the Great Hall, you'll have opportunities to experience different aspects of residence life at Covenant through a variety of planned activities.

The entire Summer Institute experience - from the classroom to the residence hall - is grounded in Scriptural principles, reminding and challenging students to live out the reality of Christ's preeminence in all things.

summer institute collage

Course Options

Students have the option of studying unique courses taught by Covenant professors. Each class is made up of no more than ten students. 

"What? Me, a Teacher?": Designing, Teaching, and Assessing a Lesson
Dr. Amy Bagby

The course will explore the teaching cycle (planning, teaching, assessessing). We will begin with a biblical foundation for teaching and then dissect the practical application of planning a lesson, teaching the lesson, and assessing student growth. Students will get hands-on experience in a classroom setting.


The Art of Literary Analysis
Dr. Robert Erle Barham

How might one approach a literary work thoughtfully and faithfully? This course will introduce the tools and techniques of literary analysis and interpretation. We will consider the distinct experience of literary art, recognizing both form and function. Addressing selections from fiction, poetry, and drama, as well as film and visual art, we will practice analyzing, discussing, and writing about literature.


Knowing Our Minds
Dr. Carole Yue

Our conscious and unconscious beliefs about how our minds work drive many of our behaviors. For example, our ideas about memory influence how we study, interpret eyewitness testimony, and even how we argue. However, many of our beliefs are inaccurate and can cause us to make bad decisions or miscommunicate without even realizing it. This course will consider some of our basic beliefs about how our minds work and how we can use psychological science to improve our understanding of ourselves and the people around us.


How to Observe What You Can't See
Dr. Preston Hoobler

The science of chemistry deals in particles and interactions that the human eye is incapable of directly seeing. However, what we observe on a human scale can tell us a great deal about what is happening “under the surface” of Creation. Color and temperature changes are examples of observations which tell us that chemistry is happening. Some helpful observations have eluded the unaided human eye. In these cases, brilliant people have devised instruments that provide interpretable data for a capable scientist. This course will cover several different methods of laboratory observation and help connect those observations to chemical understanding.


Immanuel: The Story of God's Desire to Live with and in Humanity
Dr. Luke Irwin

This course will trace the arc of God’s desire to dwell with humanity. From Eden to the New Jerusalem, we will investigate what it means for God to “dwell” with his chosen people and how his desire to dwell with humanity reveals his love. Important questions will include: what might it mean for God to “dwell” in a human body and amongst human beings? What does it mean for God to appear? What does this mean for the incarnation? What does “divine dwelling” mean for the church today and for the value of human bodies? More broadly, can divine “dwelling” describe the fundamental nature of the biblical story?


"Let that Soundtrack Play!": A Survey of the Role of Soundtracks in the Drama of Cinema
Dr. Scott Finch

This Summer Institute course is designed to explore the role of movie soundtracks to guide character development, draw in viewers into the plot, and to ignite a corresponding emotional investment to aid the memory of the experience. We will learn to analyze these pieces and speak about their strategic construction. Students will then get to pick soundtracks of their own to study and speak about in small group settings.


Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Dr. Lynell Martinez

What does it really mean to be made in His image? How can blood make us clean? Using scripture in combination with lessons from anatomy and physiology and examples from medical practice, students will investigate the relationship between our created bodies and their physical and spiritual functions. We will explore what it means to be made in His image and contemplate our dependence on Him as the very breath of life. We will use our understanding of the interconnectedness of individual cells and organs to better understand our own dependence on God as well as our Christian community. Using lessons from cancer biology, we will see the devastating consequences when just one of our cells operates independently, outside of the laws of the body. Finally, we will explore the scriptural and physiological significance of blood and its ability to bring new life to those who are dead.


Does Money Make the World Go ‘Round? A survey of money, inflation, and international finance
Dr. John Rush

This course will explore the nature of money, its role in the national and international economy, and what it is that we love when we love money. We will discuss the key characteristics of money and survey the historical transition from commodity to fiat money. The role of the Federal Reserve System and impact of the money supply on the domestic economy will be examined, including the relationship between the money supply and hyperinflation. The operation of the global exchange rate system will be examined, including an evaluation of the dominant role of the U.S. dollar, exploration of exchange rate crises, and a survey of the role and origin of the International Monetary Fund. The enhanced understanding of money developed over the course will be applied to our lives as disciples of Jesus who want to resist the temptation to love money.


The Art of Place
Professor Jeffrey Morton

The subject of place is not a neutral one. Whether we recognize it or not, we all come from somewhere and are presently in a place. In this experiential class we will explore the subject in an art studio context informed by social and critical theory, and theological and Christian thinking about place. While walking the campus of Covenant College, making maps and notational drawing, and through the act of photography and journaling, we will ask the simple question: where do we belong?


The History of the Future
Dr. Jay Green

Human societies have been guided historically, in part, by the ways their members envision the futures that lie before them. As a result, select individuals throughout the ages have attempted to visualize-even predict-how life, technology, and society generally will look in times to come. While these visions have rarely proven accurate, each gives us unique, revealing glimpses into how peoples of the past understood themselves and their present circumstances.

This course examines the development of ideas about the future throughout human history, placing particular emphasis on the modern age and the context of the United States.

RESIDENCE LIFE

In addition to learning from Covenant professors, students will live in a Covenant College residence hall, dine in Covenant's Great Hall, and experience a taste of Covenant's campus life.

Current Covenant students will serve as resident assistants in the residence hall, and will host fun activities each evening. Summer Institute participants will also have group devotions together several times throughout the week.

While the summer experience isn't exactly the same as a student's experience during the regular academic year, over the course of your week in residence on campus you will become more familiar with what life is like for Covenant students and better understand the value of a Covenant education.

 
summer institute attendees

Application Process

Admission to the Summer Institute is competitive, and rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school with a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible.

There are four steps to apply for admission:

  • Submit a completed application.
  • Submit a 200-250 word essay to explain why you are interested in participating in Covenant College's Summer Institute. Please describe how your interest in the subject matter of your preferred course has been shaped by your family, church, and/or broader community.
  • Submit a current high school transcript.

Applicants may submit application materials by email to summerinstitute@covenant.edu, by fax to 706.820.0893, or by mail to Covenant College Summer Institute, 14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, Georgia 30750.

Cost

The total investment to enroll in Covenant College's Summer Institute is $1010.

The cost is composed of the following:

  • Tuition for one hour of college credit - $715
  • Housing in a Covenant College residence hall - $135
  • Meals in Covenant College's Great Hall - $110
  • Residence life activities - $50

Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Students should plan to arrive and check in on Sunday, July 14, 2024, between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Bedding (pillow, sheets and blanket or sleeping bag) for an extra-long twin bed, towel, clothes, shoes for outdoor activities, rain jacket, swimsuit (optional), toiletries, laptop (recommended), Bible, pen and paper, and perhaps a little spending money for snacks or merchandise from the College bookstore. Any medication that you take as well.

No, we will provide all of the reading material you will need for your class once you are on campus.

No, simply come curious and ready to engage!

Parents are welcome to drop off students during the check-in time and pick up students during the check-out time. The remainder of the program is limited to students, in order to facilitate focused attention on coursework and as close to a Covenant College student experience as possible. We will offer a campus tour, as well as meetings with admissions counselors, on Friday afternoon for any family members who would like to sign up.

You may drive here but may not use your car while the Summer Institute is in session. You will be able to park your car in a campus parking lot.

Students will live in a Covenant College residence hall just like current Covenant students do. While the buildings are co-ed, each hall is limited to either men or women. A current Covenant College student will serve as a resident assistant on each hall throughout the Summer Institute, interacting with and assisting students. When you check in, you will be given an access card that will allow you to enter your residence hall during the week, as access is limited to residents and staff.

Yes, WiFi will be available for all Summer Institute participants.

Current Covenant students will serve as your teaching assistants in the afternoons and as your resident assistants in the residence halls and during evening activities. You will have opportunities to talk with them about their experiences as students at Covenant.

The program concludes at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, and students should check out of the residence hall between 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on Friday. A late-check-out penalty will apply for anyone who checks out after 2:30 p.m.

Yes, admissions counselors will be available for students; however, we encourage interested parents to attend the scheduled parent time on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 to talk to admissions representatives who will be available to answer questions.

Yes, students and their families can take a campus tour. Please contact Jon Wylie, associate dean of students for residence life, to work with admissions to schedule a family tour.

Yes, you are welcome to apply for admission in consecutive summers. The Summer Institute is intended for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school. While we can't provide a guarantee, as admission is competitive, it is possible to attend for three summers and earn three college credits. We expect to offer new courses in future summers.

CONTACT US

Do you have questions that we haven't answered here? We'd be glad to help.

You are welcome to contact our admissions staff with questions about any aspect of the Summer Institute

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