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M.A. in International Development – Comparative & Regional Studies

Understand Global Issues Through Regional Expertise Combined with Comparative Analysis

Addressing global challenges requires using a comparative lens and understanding different geographical regions. Gain regional expertise and study the comparative method through Regent’s M.A. in International Development–Comparative & Regional Studies. With this concentration, discover how comparative and regional context shapes global outcomes.

Online
33
October 21, 2024
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Think Strategically, Act Globally

Study international affairs from a strategic perspective designed for global action, combining regional knowledge with a comparative perspective.

Increase Your Global Knowledge

Become a more informed global thinker and leader through a quality curriculum applicable to a wide range of careers.

Gain Quality Mentors

Get mentored by expert faculty who are well-versed in international relations and global issues and are passionate about your success.

Align Yourself With Excellence

Regent has been ranked among Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). 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. Experience the Regent difference through the Master of Arts in Government – International Relations program.

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.

On completing the M.A. in International Development—Comparative & Regional Studies, you can:

  • Investigate a broad variety of geographical regions affecting the global stage, including South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East
  • Become a more analytically informed, methodological global scholar
  • Use your increased regional understanding to act as a regional expert on issues of global concern

Career Opportunities

  • U.S. Diplomat/Ambassador
  • U.S. Intelligence
  • NGO/Nonprofit Leadership
  • Development Consulting
Students will participate in a practical development project or related opportunity, in conjunction with faculty and partner organizations, consistent with their eventual career goals and the mission of the international development degree and RSG. Prerequisite: Complete Core Curriculum (18 credits).
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.
Offers a biblical perspective of the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of Western civilization. Cross-listed with GOV 704.
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.
Surveys the history, politics, culture and geopolitical trends of South and Southeast Asia, with an eye toward the role these regions and countries play in the international relations of the Indo-Pacific region. Cross-listed with GOV 744.
Political change and ideological trends in the Middle East after WWII. Explores the politics of state and nation building, the legacies of colonialism, the impact of nationalism, the development of civil society, the complications of oil wealth, the challenges of democracy, and the place of political Islam. Cross-listed with GOV 753.
Overview of development and role of political parties within political institutions, from an American and international perspective. Cross-listed with GOV 763.
Analyzes the nature and character of democracy and democratic institutions, compares theoretical approaches to democratization and political development, and analyzes practical case studies. Cross-listed with GOV 773.
A multi-disciplinary study of international and multinational social, political, and economic problems from a Comparative and international perspective. Cross-listed with GOV 774.
Deals with Asia’s wars and peace in the 20th century, and the dynamic political, economic, and religious developments in the 21st century. It will also discuss the division and desire for unification of Korea, and China’s rise as a regional and global power. Includes an analysis of ASEAN’s goal to move from economic cooperation to political integration and regional security, and the consideration of the role of APEC and Asia’s future relations with The United States and European Union. Cross-listed with GOV 776.
Policies and procedures to mitigate, prevent and respond to disaster, the literature of risk, regimes for safety and risk reduction, the ethics of care and compassion, and mechanisms for measuring threat and recovery.
Presents an introduction to the systematic study of comparative politics. Examines political systems, processes in historical and current contexts in order to understand how they differ and why. Cross-listed with GOV 780.
Provides lectures, case studies, outside speakers, and class discussion of development and advancement issues in the management of nonprofit 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.

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.

“With core classes like American Political Thought in RSG, you realize these issues will come up again in your career. You gain a stance you can defend and confidence that you know what you’re talking about.”

Clarin Gniffke, M.A. Government, 2014 Owner, Alexandra Consulting, LLC

“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

“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

“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

“What stuck out to me at Regent was the character and ethics — the commitment to glorifying God in all that we do. I am grateful to be part of a place impacting this world for eternity. By getting past our fallibilities, we can see what the power of God can do.”

Bill Dudley, MPA, 2014 Logistics Manager, U.S. Navy; Worship Pastor, Beach Beacon Baptist Church