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A soldier directs a helicopter: Explore Regent's MA in National Security Studies - Middle East Politics program (online / Virginia).

M.A. in National Security Studies – Middle East Politics

Take the Lead as a Trusted Advisor

Are you interested in the Middle East and their role in the world? Regent’s online and on-campus Master of Arts in National Security Studies – Middle East Politics degree equips you to understand the various political, cultural and religious issues in the Middle East – from nation building to developing civil society to political Islam – so you can provide detailed analysis and serve as a trusted security advisor.

On Campus, Online
36-38
May 8, 2023
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Learn to Identify & Analyze

Gain in-depth knowledge of the Middle East, as well as grand strategy, national security and international security to analyze risk, identify future threats and develop strategic counterterrorism plans.

Access Faculty Experts

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

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

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 10 School by Military Friendly®, 2022-23, 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 National Security Studies – Middle East Politics 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 National Security Studies – Middle East Politics degree, you can:

  • Forecast and prepare for future concerns in the Middle East.
  • Analyze and improve foreign policies and international relations strategies.
  • Provide in-depth insight and counsel regarding the Middle East and its political, cultural, and religious views.

Career Opportunities

  • Middle East Political Analyst
  • Terrorism Threat Advisor
  • Foreign Conflict Manager/Security Specialist
  • DoD, CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA
  • Military
28%
Projected Employment Growth for Information Security Analysts U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
An analysis of the nature and development of the Israeli political system, including historical background, Zionism, elections and the institutions of government, constitutional issues, and religion and politics. The relationship between domestic politics and foreign policy will also be explored as well as the regional and global context in which Israel exists.
Analyzes the past and present foreign policy of U.S. in relation to the greater Middle East, with a focus on the post-war era. Cold War politics, the evolving relationship with Israel and various other governments, religionized politics, and related global trends such as terrorism and oil economics.
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.
International and regional laws regarding the right to expression and protection of religious belief. Defenses to protect religious freedom, mechanisms for advocacy and intervention, and the impact that non-governmental organizations can have in protecting religious freedom. Cross-listed with MLAW 638.
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” Shari’a itself; and (3) the application of Shari’a 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 Islamism. Topics examined include: The classical Caliphate, early modern Islamic empires, Sunni, Shia and Sufi conceptions of politics, Islamic revivalism and Islamism, Islamic finance, and religious freedom in Islam.
Analyzes the nature and character of democracy and democratic institutions, compares theoretical approaches to democratization and political development, and analyzes practical case studies.

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

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: Complete Your Admissions Questionnaire

  • After you submit your application, you will receive a link to complete the required admissions questionnaire.

Step 3: Submit Your Unofficial College Transcripts

  • Email your unofficial college transcripts to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Unofficial Transcripts.
  • Upon conditional acceptance, Regent University will attempt to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution.
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

  • Email a photo of your government-issued ID to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: Government ID.
  • Please note that 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)$800
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6756$4,050
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6756$4,050

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)$6759$6,075
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)$6759$6,075

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.

“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

“Regent provided valuable internship experiences — from working for a Congressman to work in Iraq with the Kurdish government.”

Jennifer Salcido, M.A., 2012

“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