
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Religion & Politics
The Certificate in Religion & Politics, offered online and on campus, will increase your knowledge of the intersection of religious factors with history, American politics, culture, peace and security, and world affairs. 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 be firmly grounded in social science theories of religion, culture, and government and deepen your understanding of Church and State.
- Choose four courses from among these topics to customize your studies: Christian Foundations of Government, Constitutional Law & Policy, Religion & Politics, Shari’a Law, Islamic Political Thought, Biblical Law, and Christian Ethics.
This certificate may help advance your career in ministry, nonprofit or NGO leadership, think tanks, writing & research, and beyond by equipping you as an expert in your field.
Offers a biblical perspective of the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of Western civilization as expressed in education, law, ethics, biology, politics, science, psychology, sociology, economics and history. It will contrast biblical Christianity with the other principal worldviews in Western civilization: Secular Humanism, Marxism/Leninism and Cosmic Humanism (New Age), and will analyze public policy issues using each worldview.
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.
Introduces key debates in philosophy of technology, considers impacts of new technological developments from political, philosophical, theological, psychological and sociological perspectives. Considers transhumanism, Big Data and implications of autonomy and surveillance for democracy.
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, LAW 820, and MLAW 620.
Covers the basic aspects of religion and politics as reflected in scholarship and period sermons. There are also strong connections with scriptural principles relevant to the topic.
Exegetical course in the laws of the Bible, using the Decalogue as its own principle of organization. Develops the meaning of the laws in context and their appropriate applications, with emphasis on the nature of their applicability to policy issues such as pluralism, penology, lawful oaths, blue laws, church and state jurisdiction, gender roles, marriage, capital punishment and other topics. Cross-listed with LAW 811.
Examination of the philosophical and religious roots of early America from the colonial era to the formation of the Constitution.
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” Sharia itself; and (3) the application of Sharia 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 jihadism. Topics and authors examined include Sunni and Shi’ite theories of leadership, the Mamluk ideology, Ibn Khaldun, al-Farabi, Ibn Rushd, Sayeed Qutb, and others.
Biblical and theological foundations that determine the formation of Christian moral decision-making and shape a personal lifestyle. Examines selected contemporary moral issues in the light of Biblical teachings. Includes an overview of the prophetic call to the community, the marketplace and nation to mobilize the church in addressing crucial social issues. Cross-listed with DLDR 722 and RTCH 722.
In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.
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.
2020-2021 Semester Check-In Deadlines:
All new students are expected to check-in for the semester 2 weeks prior to 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 14 |
Monday, August 24 |
Session M |
Friday, September 11 |
Monday, September 21 |
Session B |
Friday, October 16 |
Monday, October 26 |
Session C |
Tuesday, January 5 |
Monday, January 11 |
Session T |
Friday, January 29 |
Monday, February 8 |
Session D |
Friday, March 5 |
Monday, March 15 |
Session E |
Friday, April 30 |
Monday, May 10 |
Session F |
Friday, June 11 |
Monday, June 21 |
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. Pay Your $25 Application Fee
Pay the $25 nonrefundable application fee by check or money order mailed to Regent University, Enrollment Support Services, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
3. 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.
4. Complete an Admissions Questionnaire Regarding Your Professional Goals and Interests
5. 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.
2019-20 Tuition Rates
Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Certificate Program |
$675 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $700 |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $550 |
2020-21 Tuition Rates
Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
---|---|
Certificate Program |
$675 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $750 |
University Services Fee (Online Students) | $600 |
*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.