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Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The function of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of human research participants and to facilitate research by using the basic ethical principles from the Belmont Report and federal regulations, guided always by scripture, which instructs us to practice justice, kindness, and humble obedience to God (Micah 6:8). Members of the IRB are tasked with the review and approval of all research involving human subjects that is conducted at Covenant College or by its faculty, staff or students.

 

The IRB is independent and does not answer to individuals, departments, or units that rely on the IRB for the review of their research. The IRB is the final authority for all decisions regarding the protection and welfare of human participants in research activities. Institutional officials may not approve the research if it has not been approved by the IRB.

 

Covenant College’s IRB is an administrative committee appointed and overseen by the Office of Academic Affairs. It is empowered by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Human Research.

 

Protections
Members of the committee are drawn from administration, faculty, and staff and will either have experience with and/or a compelling academic interest in research done with human subjects. The IRB must also also include a community representative.

 

The IRB has the authority to:

  • Disapprove, modify, or approve studies based upon consideration of human participant protection.

  • Conduct continuing review as it deems necessary, including requiring progress reports.

  • Suspend or terminate approval of a study not being conducted in accordance with the IRB’s requirements.

  • Observe the informed consent process and/or audit the progress of any study in its jurisdiction as it deems necessary.

 

Application Procedure Overview

Before beginning a research project with human participants, you must prepare the following documents, submit them to irb@covenant.edu, and receive approval from the IRB.

 

  • Fillable IRB protocol application.

  • Documentation that all members of the research team (including student researchers) have completed CITI training within previous 24 months. (Note: CITI-training certification lasts 3 years before the refresher course must be taken; however, no research protocol application will be approved with an expiration date beyond the 36-month end of CITI certification.)

 

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