This spring, Covenant’s body of faculty and board of trustees approved three new majors that will be offered beginning Fall 2025: health sciences in the biology department, christian ministry in the biblical and theological studies department, and worship leadership in the music department. President Voyles told the student body during chapel on April 14, 2025, where the announcement of each new major was met with ecstatic cheers from the packed seats in the Dora Maclellan Brown Memorial Chapel.

Serving Like the Great Physician

From 1995 to 2020, 74% of Covenant biology majors pursued careers in the medical field or in medical research. In response, the academic committees decided to create a dedicated health sciences major—one that mirrors the former biology concentration in health professions but offers a more streamlined path for students preparing for medical careers. While the course load remains similar in weight, it will “effectively prepare [students] for their next steps, from clinical practice to public health, clinical research, and beyond.”

Graduation to Shepherding 

Although Covenant College has long been recognized for its strong foundation in biblical studies, theology, and the Reformed tradition, it has never before offered a major focused on practical theology and discipleship. With the new Christian ministry major, the department is taking a significant step forward—equipping students for vocational ministry without requiring them to pursue seminary training.

Classical to Modern 

The music department has developed a new worship ministry major, designed to align more closely with the evolving musical expressions found in today’s churches. The faculty sees this shift not only as a way to meet student interest, but also as “an opportunity to help guide the denomination’s approach to worship on many levels.”

The need for trained worship leaders—especially within the PCA—has grown significantly in recent years. “Our denomination desperately needs qualified musical leaders—we receive at least five job notices each semester looking for worship leaders,” the department noted. With this new major, Covenant is stepping into that gap, preparing students to lead congregations in musical ministry.

Competitive Degrees

Parents and prospective students are taking notice as Covenant positions itself more competitively among peer institutions. These newly introduced majors are part of a strategic effort to help students pursue their callings with confidence. By offering more specialized degrees, Covenant enables students to integrate faith with an academic focus—approaching core classes and electives with greater clarity and purpose.

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