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An alumnus: Pursue your master’s in government at Regent University - online or in Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

M.A. in Government

Lead the Way Through Government Service

Are you passionate to serve and ready to lead change? Regent’s online and on-campus Master of Arts in Government equips you to sharpen your skills for greater impact in your community, the U.S. and the world. Choose from several concentrated areas of study in your government degree to prepare you to advance in your career and your purpose.

On Campus, Online
33
January 13, 2025

Careers | Concentrations | Courses | Admissions | Tuition

Grow as a Problem Solver

Apply your understanding of history and ethics to strengthen governments, shape policy and affect the future.

Access Faculty Experts

Be mentored by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to national service – and to your success.

Increase Your Influence

Complete your M.A. in Government and join our global alumni network of government officials, consultants, policymakers, public servants and administrators in making a difference in the U.S. and around the world.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). We have also been recognized as a Military Friendly Top 5 School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges: Online & Nontraditional by Military Times, 2020.

Presented from a Christian perspective, this degree is supported by our respected faculty in Virginia Beach.

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

M.A. in Government Career Opportunities

On completing the master’s in government, you can:

  • Develop sound policies to strengthen communities and the nation.
  • Provide in-depth analysis on new and existing regulations affecting various industries.
  • Apply a moral and ethical mindset when addressing and influencing policy.

Career Opportunities:

  • Public Servant at the local, state, or national level
  • Non-Governmental Organization Staff
  • Political Consultant
  • Public Policy Advocate
  • PR Specialist/Media Spokesperson/News Analyst
20%
Higher median usual weekly earnings for workers with a master's versus a bachelor's degree
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Government – American Government will equip you with the history, context and insight to analyze political issues and systems from a constitutional foundation and promote healthy governance.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Government – International Relations will equip you to aid in the creation and analysis of international policy to foster strategic relationships around the world.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Government – Law & Public Policy will expand your knowledge of policy, competitive politics and the law while you learn the history and inner-workings of government.

Featured Courses
GOV 603Research Methods3
Qualitative and quantitative reasoning, the basic principles of the philosophy of science, and positivist and reflexivist approaches to knowledge creation. Cross listed with GOV 703.
GOV 604Christian Foundations of Government3
Offers a biblical perspective of the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of Western civilization. Cross-listed with GOV 704.
GOV 614American Politics3
Foundational seminar for graduate work in American politics. Introduces behavioral, reflexivist and institutional approaches to study of key concepts in American politics – including the presidency, Congress, voting and the judiciary. Cross-listed with GOV 714.
GOV 623Public Policy Initiatives3
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 625International Relations Theory3
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.
GOV 658American Political Traditions3
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.

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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

Admissions 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.

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9006$5,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9009$8,100

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 »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6956$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9006$5,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6959$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$9009$8,100

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
“Regent provided valuable internship experiences — from working for a Congressman to work in Iraq with the Kurdish government.”
Jennifer Salcido, M.A., 2012
“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
“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
“Your time in school, and certainly at Regent, molds how you think, molds how you approach things … Regent offers a serious academic environment that provides for growth in those areas.”
Chris Connelly, M.A. in Public Policy, 1998; Ph.D. in Communication, 2020 Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler