M.A. in National Security Studies – Indo-Pacific Politics

Improve International Relations & Serve as a Trusted Advisor with a Master’s in National Security Studies

Are you interested in working with nations located in the Indo-Malayan areas of the Pacific Ocean? Regent’s Master of Arts in National Security Studies with a concentration in Indo-Pacific Politics can equip you to understand the various political, cultural, economic, and religious issues framing the world’s most populous region. With an expansive territory stretching from Australia to India, you can study the Indo-Pacific framework, from nation-building to sustainable development. You can also learn how to analyze political strategies that support defense policies while preparing to serve as a trusted security advisor.

Locations: On Campus, Online

Total Credit Hours: 36

Next Session Start: May 12, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

Learn to Identify & Analyze

Gain in-depth knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region to assess national security issues, risks and threats.

Access to Faculty Experts

Learn from and be mentored by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to national service and your success, like RADM Bill McCarthy (USN, ret.), Lt. Col. Charlie Neimeyer, Ph.D. (USMC, ret.), and others. Assistant Professor Dr. Joshua Hastey, director of the M.A. in Government and M.A. in National Security Studies programs, is available to share more about the distinguished experts teaching these highly marketable, in-demand degrees.

Grow Your Network

Join our global alumni community of government officials, consultants, policymakers, and security professionals in making a difference around the world.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE WITH A MASTER’S IN NATIONAL SECURITY

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). We have also been recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly^® School by Military Friendly, 2024-25, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets: Colleges by Military Times, 2021. This degree is supported by respected faculty in Virginia Beach and online and presented from a Christian perspective.

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

Career Opportunities

On completing the master’s in National Security Studies – Indo-Pacific Politics degree, you can:

Examine security challenges distinct to Indo-Pacific maritime and littoral areas and prepare for future concerns.
Survey South and Southeast Asia’s history, politics, culture, and geopolitical trends.
Analyze U.S.-China relations, power shifts, human rights, and more.
Improve foreign policies and international relations strategies.

Career Opportunities

Indo-Pacific Political Analyst Diplomacy
Terrorism Threat Advisor Corporate Risk Analysis
Foreign Conflict Manager/Security Specialist Private Sector or Federal Geopolitical Analysis
DoD, CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA Intelligence Community
Military Officer or Federal Employee (advanced ranks)

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
GOV 642	Maritime Security	3	Develops an understanding of how national security experts consider key maritime security issues and their trade-offs with other national security priorities as well as how the elements of national power (diplomatic, information, military, economics) are related to U.S. objectives in dealing with threats and vulnerabilities in the maritime sector. Cross-listed with GOV 742.
GOV 644	Politics of South & Southeast Asia	3	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.
GOV 645	US-China Relations	3	Analyzes United States-China relations in the 21st century, surveyed themes include: power shifts, gray zone competition, human rights, and ethics in geopolitical competition. Cross-listed with GOV 745.
GOV 676	Politics of East Asia	3	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.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

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.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, 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.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	6	$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	6	$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$930	6	$5,580

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per t2-atpsSemester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	9	$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	9	$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$930	9	$8,370

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	6	$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	6	$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	6	$5,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per t2-atpsSemester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	9	$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	9	$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	9	$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.

FAQ

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.

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Ranked Among Top National Universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2019-2020, 2022-2025

Top5

Military Friendly® School Designation: Private offering Doctorate
Military Friendly, 2024-25

$24Million

In Institutional Scholarships & Aid for 2023-24

Generous transfer policy — transfer up to 90 credit hours
Up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree or up to 49% of a graduate degree

“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

“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

“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