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A soldier: Explore Regent’s Middle East Politics certificate program, offered online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Middle East Politics

On Campus, Online
12
June 17, 2024
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The Certificate in Middle East Politics, offered online and on campus, is designed for students seeking to strengthen their credentials in issues associated with this significant area of the world. You may earn a 12-credit (4 course) certificate of graduate studies in a targeted discipline, either to expand your degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Through this program, explore how you can grow as a principled leader in government for the health and prosperity of our nation and our world. You will examine political, historical, cultural and religious issues centered around Middle East history and current developments. You also have the option to gain Arabic language proficiency.

  • Examine international relations theories.
  • Study Middle East politics, Shari’a Law and Islamic political thought, and their relevance to non-Muslim nations.
  • Strengthen your understanding of American foreign policy, who creates policy, economics aspects at play, and America’s role in the world today.

This certificate may help advance your career in policy research, foreign service, or national security by equipping you as an expert in your field.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Select 4 courses (12 credits) from the list below:

An analysis of the nature and development of the Israeli political system, including historical background, Zionism, elections and the institutions of government, constitutional issues, and religion and politics. The relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy will also be explored as well as the regional and global context in which Israel exists. Cross-listed with GOV 712.
Foundational seminar for graduate work in International Relations and International Security. Identifies and explains key methodological and theoretical approaches to the study of international relations theory, applies these methods and theories to specific practical aspects of international relations, and analyzes various IR theories and perspectives in light of a Christian world view. Cross-listed with GOV 725.
Covers basic aspects of religion and international politics, including religion’s relationship to state power, international religious freedom, inter-state and intra-state religious conflict, and religion’s relationship to international human rights and economic development. There are also strong connections with relevant scriptural principles. Cross-listed with GOV 726.
Analyzes the past and present foreign policy of U.S. in relation to the greater Middle East, with a focus on the post-war era. Cold War politics, the evolving relationship with Israel and various other governments, religionized politics, and related global trends such as terrorism and oil economics. Cross-listed with GOV 752.
Political change and ideological trends in the Middle East after WWII. Explores the politics of state and nation building, the legacies of colonialism, the impact of nationalism, the development of civil society, the complications of oil wealth, the challenges of democracy, and the place of political Islam. Cross-listed with GOV 753.
Survey Islamic Law in three parts: (1) Qur’anic foundations using the Qur’an itself and the history of its various interpretations; (2) “classical/historical/orthodox/traditional” Shari’a itself; and (3) the application of Shari’a in Muslim nations today and its relevancy to non-Muslim nations. Cross-listed as LAW 812.
Presents the most influential threads of political thought and philosophy in the Islamic world from Muhammad and the Caliphate through modern Islamism. Topics examined include: The classical Caliphate, early modern Islamic empires, Sunni, Shia and Sufi conceptions of politics, Islamic revivalism and Islamism, Islamic finance, and religious freedom in Islam. Cross-listed with GOV 772.
Historical development of US foreign policy principles; actors involved in creation of foreign policy, role of interest groups and special interests; economic aspects of US foreign policy and the role of ideology and religion; considers America’s role in the world today. Cross-listed with GOV 789.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session DFriday, March 1Monday, March 11
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6
Session FFriday, June 7Monday, June 17

The Certificate of Graduate Studies offers an excellent opportunity for those not requiring a master’s degree. This option is often used by those needing continuing education credits or for those who wish to complement their existing degree with additional training for career advancement. Upon completing the certificate, students have the option of applying to the master’s program, and if accepted, all courses taken toward the certificate transfer in.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
American Government$69512$8,340
Cyber Practitioner Preparation$6959$6,255
Cybersecurity Policy$69512$8,340
International Relations$69512$8,340
Law & Public Policy$69512$8,340
Middle East Politics$69512$8,340
National Security Studies$69512$8,340
Political Campaign Strategies & Management$69512$8,340
Public Administration$69512$8,340
Terrorism & Homeland Defense$69512$8,340

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, your questions matter. Please take a few moments to skim our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.

“What distinguishes Regent from other graduate schools is the Christian application to public policy issues. My faith is more complete because I was able to integrate a biblical worldview with domestic and international political issues.”

Amber Sells, M.A., 2008

“My time at RSG was a rewarding experience! I was enlightened about the various ideas that influence the political, economic, and social agendas of the world. In addition, I built relationships with faculty, staff, and students and benefited from several RSG-sponsored opportunities.”

Takeshia Stokes, M.A., 2010

“A Master of Public Administration with honors — I did that! A single mom, worked full time and a full-time grad student too.”

Keeley Daye, MPA, 2020 Workforce Service Representative, Virginia Employment Commission; Owner, Capture the Daye Photography

“I'm so glad Regent isn't afraid to engage with other viewpoints. It's a place where people are willing to debate their position honestly and without fear.”

Larry Mayes, M.A., 1998 Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston