Certificate of Graduate Studies in Law & Public Policy

Locations: On Campus, Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: June 23, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate in Law & Public Policy, offered online and on campus, is designed to benefit those students who want to expand their knowledge and credentials in legal and political issues. 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 gain an in-depth analysis of Congress, which makes laws, and the judiciary, which interprets them — all through the lens of a biblical worldview.

Explore the constitutional foundation of the branches of government and the roots of our constitutional rights in England.
Examine the innovations explored during the colonial period, the writings of the Founders, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Choose coursework, from economic policy and contracts to constitutional law and religion and politics, based on your goals and interests.

This certificate may help advance your career in public service and politics, policymaking and paralegal service, by equipping you as an expert in your field.

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

Featured Courses

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

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
GOV 605	Christian Ethics & the Law of Armed Conflict	3	Considers the nature of war and peace, including thought and practice from philosophical and religious viewpoints, with particular reference to the Christian tradition (e.g. just war theory) and the formal law of armed conflict. Cross-listed with LAW 560 and GOV 705.
GOV 618	Contracts	3	Common law of contracts, and the principles controlling the formation, performance and termination of contracts (offer, acceptance, consideration, conditions, material breach, damages, third party beneficiaries, assignment, statute of frauds and statutory variances from the common law). Cross-listed with MLAW 521 and EHEA 506.
GOV 619	Constitutional Law & Policy I	3	Examines the history of the Constitution, the structure, power and limitations of each of the 3 branches of the federal government, the power and rights of the states, and the authority of local governments (counties and cities). Cross-listed with MLAW 619 and GOV 719.
GOV 620	Constitutional Law & Policy II	3	Considers the Bill of Rights (including the delicate relationship between church & state, freedom of speech and freedom of worship), the rights of liberty, equal protection and due process arising from the 14th Amendment, and the subsequent rise and effects of judicial policy-making (including the “right to privacy,” the “right to intimate sexual choice,” and the “right to die”). Cross-listed with EHEA 508, and MLAW 620.
GOV 623	Public Policy Initiatives	3	Provides comprehensive overview of the public policy process and policy analysis. Examines contexts and actors of public policy, the principles and techniques for analyzing policy alternatives, and the methods for evaluating the effectiveness of governmental policy initiatives. Cross-listed with GOV 723.
GOV 626	Religion & Global Politics	3	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.
GOV 628	The Law & Governance of Higher Education	3	Provides historical and contemporary legal issues that have and will continue to shape colleges and universities today. Discusses legal issues regarding the college and trustees, administrators and staff. Investigates the legal basis of higher education in the United States to include constitutional provisions and federal statutes that influence higher education policy. Prepares emergent administrators for preventative law measures in an increasing litigious environment. Cross-listed with EHEA 503 and 803.
GOV 635	Presidency	3	Concepts and methodologies; the institution of the presidency including role of elections, ideology and party politics; methods for measuring success of presidential initiatives; executive power and relationship to legislative and judicial branches; relations with the media, with NGO’s, lobbies and international actors and organizations. Cross-listed with GOV 735.
GOV 636	Congress	3	Methodologies and concepts for the study of legislative politics; historical and contemporary legislative policymaking process, as well as relations with the executive and judicial branches, the role of lobbies and special interests and contemporary issues including polarization, the drawing of congressional districts and the role of ideology in Congress. Cross-listed with GOV 736.
GOV 658	American Political Traditions	3	Examination of philosophical, historical and religious roots of the American political tradition. Explores the roots of constitutional government, Judeo-Christian contributions to American political thought, and the development of and contestation over contemporary ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism and progressivism. Cross-listed with GOV 758.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 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.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, June 23

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.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate of Graduate Studies	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
American Government	$695	12	$8,340
Cyber Practitioner Preparation	$695	9	$6,255
Cybersecurity Policy	$695	12	$8,340
International Relations	$695	12	$8,340
Law & Public Policy	$695	12	$8,340
Middle East Politics	$695	12	$8,340
National Security Studies	$695	12	$8,340
Political Campaign Strategies & Management	$695	12	$8,340
Public Administration	$695	12	$8,340
Terrorism & Homeland Defense	$695	12	$8,340

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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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.

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“All of my professors have such a passion for what they are teaching and it is contagious. RSG professors have first-hand knowledge about the subjects they teach. They emphasize that we can make moral arguments in the public sphere.”

Keelyn Geoghean, M.A., 2014

“The whole concept at Regent was, if you are pursuing administration in the public interest, you aren't just doing it to be a bureaucrat, but to serve those around you. You have to be engaged and know what you believe when you go into it, to stand up for what you think is right.”

Andrew Owen, MPA, 2017 Deputy Treasurer, City of Suffolk

“The Robertson School of Government was the perfect fit in obtaining a master's degree while serving active-duty. The online program gave me the flexibility I needed. This track of study will truly prepare and position you at the forefront of a rapidly expanding skillset within the federal government.”

Jonathan Tillman, M.A., 2010

“Regent’s online model provided an unparalleled combination of high-quality instruction, flexibility and specialization.”

Kassie Dulin, M.A., 2014 American Government