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Graduates in Robertson Hall: Regent University offers a Public Administration certificate program online and in Virginia Beach.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in Public Administration

On Campus, Online
12
May 8, 2023
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The Certificate in Public Administration, offered online and on campus, will help you develop managerial competence for a successful career in government or in a public or nonprofit organization. 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, you will learn strong organizational skills and how to apply political theory and strong moral character to your work as you integrate human, fiscal and information resources.

  • Examine principles of economics, work and wealth, interest and debt, and the role of the government in the economy.
  • Understand organizational structure, dynamics, policy, and issues within the public organization.
  • Choose coursework, from budgeting and taxation to human resources and organizational management, based on your goals and interests.

This certificate may help advance your career in nonprofit and faith-based organizations or as a local, state, or national government professional 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:

The history, evolution and modern-day dynamics, policy and issues within human resource management, discussing examples from all three levels of government.
Understanding the development of successful fiscal policy initiatives, the technical material and the political processes involved in making tax and spending policy to interact effectively with other professionals in the development, prosecution and ultimate attainment of a public policy objective.
An in-depth analysis of the history of the discipline of American public administration and a development of several distinct principles of normative administrative theory and Judeo-Christian ethics based upon classics in the field.
Focuses on theories of organizational structure, dynamics, culture, leadership, motivation, goals and effectiveness, policy decision-making, and pertinent management issues with public organizations.
From a strategic management perspective, explore principles and practices of management and administration as they apply to not-for-profit organizations. Unique organizational issues covered include board-staff relations; recruiting and motivating volunteers; accountability; organizing for and managing growth; and strategies to respond to changes in the political, economic and cultural environment.
Provides lectures, case studies, outside speakers, and class discussion of development and advancement issues in the management of not-for-profit ministries. Explores fundraising, including determining sources of support, planning the campaign, and successful strategies; marketing ministries, including promotional campaigns and public relations; and management issues including recruiting and managing volunteers.
An in-depth and applied study of the principles and practices of starting a nonprofit organization or program through the development of a feasibility study and business plan.

2022-23 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All new 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 12Monday, August 22
Session MFriday, September 9Monday, September 19
Session BFriday, October 14Monday, October 24
Session CWednesday, January 4Monday, January 9
Session TFriday, January 27Monday, February 6
Session DFriday, March 3Monday, March 13
Session EFriday, April 28Monday, May 8
Session FFriday, June 9Monday, June 19

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. Complete an Admissions Questionnaire Regarding Your Professional Goals and Interests

4. 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)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

*********** ACCORDION CURRENTLY HIDDEN ***********

Certificate of Graduate StudiesTuition Cost Per Credit HourTotal CreditsTuition Cost for Certificate
American Government$67512$8,100
Cybersecurity Policy$67512$8,100
International Relations$67512$8,100
Law & Public Policy$67512$8,100
Middle East Politics$67512$8,100
National Security Studies$67512$8,100
Political Campaign Strategies & Management$67512$8,100
Public Administration$67512$8,100
Terrorism & Homeland Defense$67512$8,100

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Estimated Cost of Attendance: View the estimated cost of attendance to see an example of the total cost of tuition and fees.

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.

“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

“Professors give real-life lessons and then connect them with God's purpose for your life in a relevant manner.”

Hannah Bell, M.A., 2012 Nonprofit Organization Leader

“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

“All the time, when people hear I am studying public administration, they say, ‘Oh, we need more Christian leaders in government!’ It’s a perfect fit for Regent’s mission. And if you’re a Christian, you have something anchoring you to the decisions you make that affect an entire country.”

Sonya Mills, MPA, 2018 Human Resources Administrative Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Hawaii

“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