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Graduates in Robertson Hall: Explore the Law and Public Policy certificate program offered by Regent University.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Law & Public Policy

On Campus, Online
12
October 23, 2023
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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.

Regent University ranked #24 of the top 42 Accredited Certificate programs | Intelligent.com

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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 MFriday, September 8Monday, September 18
Session BFriday, October 13Monday, October 23
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session TFriday, January 26Monday, February 5
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 Process:

1. Complete Your Online Application

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office for assistance.

2. Provide Your Unofficial College Transcripts

We require an official transcript indicating successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Regent has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.

If you have an unofficial copy of your college transcripts, please email those to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: RSG Certificate Application Pieces.

If you are an international student, or you earned college credit at non-US institutions, please submit your transcripts for a third-party course-by-course evaluation. Learn more and find recommended agencies.

3. International Applicants

Visit the International Students Admissions page for additional admission requirements and to determine if you qualify as an international student.

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
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.

“Through the MPA program at Regent, I was chosen to participate in the Ph.D. Project ― an award-winning program designed to create diversity in corporate management. I learned that the pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging, yet rewarding experience.”

Theresa Judge, MPA, 2017 The Ph.D. Project

“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

“Regent’s Military Resource Center introduced me to a network of mentors and went the extra mile to support me.”

Natasha Moore, B.S. in Criminal Justice, 2019; MPA, 2020 Navy veteran; preparing to be a commissioned officer in the military

“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

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

Kassie Dulin, M.A., 2014 American Government