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The Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol: Explore the PhD in Government at Regent University.

Ph.D. in Government

Reimagine Public Service as a Leader of Thought & Action. Explore Regent’s Ph.D. in Government.

Do you want to be a change agent who improves the way government agencies and related entities operate? Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy in Government prepares students to be leaders of Christian thought and action in government and politics, including high-level policy positions at think tanks, government service positions in national security and domestic policy, and political science professors. The first of its kind to offer a fully online* course experience, this program provides robust training in the study and practice of government, all from a Christian worldview. You will enjoy broad interdisciplinary study and in-depth study using quantitative, qualitative and historical approaches. You’ll also learn from specialized, field-specific coursework tailored to your interests and career goals with concentrations in international development, international relations, security studies, and policy advocacy. You will be able to select a minor concentration and a major concentration that aligns with your interests and career goals from the following options: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Policy Analysis.

*A nine-day residency is required each June until the dissertation prospectus is successfully defended. On-campus courses also available upon approval.

Online w/ Residency
67
May 6, 2024
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BECOME THE PROBLEM SOLVER

Apply your advanced knowledge of history and ethics to strengthen governments, shape policy, and improve outcomes.

INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE & Advance in your career WITH A PH.D. IN GOVERNMENT

Boost your career options and join our global alumni network of government officials, consultants, policymakers, public servants, and administrators for a more significant impact locally, nationally and internationally.

FIll the gap in doctoral programs in the government

Regent is one of two Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions offering an explicitly Christian doctoral program in Government, Political Science, or Politics.

Learn from Experts & Align yourself with EXCELLENCE

Be mentored by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to national service and your success. 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 ranked among the Top 10 Military Friendly® School Designation: Private offering Doctorate, Military Friendly, 2022-23, and named a Best for Vets College, Military Times, 2022. Align yourself with excellence with a Ph.D. in Government from Regent University.

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

On completing the doctorate in government, you can:

  • Demonstrate expertise in governmental culture and climate and lead teams with excellence.
  • Develop sound policies to strengthen communities and the nation.
  • Provide expert analysis on new and existing regulations affecting various industries.
  • Apply a moral and ethical mindset when addressing and influencing policy.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Civil Service positions (GS-11+)
  • Public Policy Advocacy
  • Data Analyst
  • Corporate Risk Analyst
  • Higher Education Professor/Military Education Professional

Requests to take courses on campus will be considered by the Dean’s Office on a case-by-case basis.

Overview of the historical roots, methodological grounding and trends in the field with attention to its specialized vocabulary, important writers and works, and significant scholarly journals. Preparation for academic and policy writing and presenting, including preparation of academic books and journal articles as well as policy proposals and white papers.
Qualitative and quantitative reasoning, the basic principles of the philosophy of science, and positivist and reflexivist approaches to knowledge creation. Cross-listed with GOV 603.
Offers a biblical perspective of the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of Western civilization. Cross-listed with GOV 604.
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 614.
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 623.
Builds on fundamental research methods. Advanced approaches to qualitative and quantitative methods, introductory formal modeling. Prerequisite: GOV 603/GOV 703 Research Methods. Cross-listed with GOV 624.
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 625.
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 680.

Expand your knowledge of the different branches, policies and laws of the U.S. government system, and gain experience applying your advanced understanding of ethics and the inner workings of government to affect change.

Explore the political history and landscape of democracies and other political systems in America and across the globe, and learn a perspective molded not only by the histories of various countries but also how religion plays a part in every structure.

Learn how to foster strategic relationships and contribute to the political, economic, security, and other facets of government as it relates to others around the world.

Explore the process of determining which policies will best provide solutions in various administrations, and learn how to apply the approaches to protecting critical infrastructure.

Application Deadline:

  • January 15, 2024 – The online application and all additional required materials must be submitted by this date for full consideration.

Interview Dates for Summer 2024 Admission:

  • For selected applicants, a virtual interview will be scheduled and take place in early February. An on-campus interview option is also available.
  • Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.

2023-24 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 11Monday, August 21
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Step 2: 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 3: 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.

Step 4: Recommendation Letters

Please use the Recommendation Request Form to submit two formal letters of recommendation. One faculty recommendation is required, but two are preferred. If you cannot obtain two faculty recommendations, please ensure the professional or clergy recommender you chose can speak to your research skills and academic abilities.

Step 5: Academic Paper

Please submit a five-page minimum scholarly or published writing sample that demonstrates your research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills. This writing sample may include either a copy of your master’s thesis (or a portion of it, plus bibliography) or a formal paper or report and should utilize APA or Chicago citation style. Email to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: RSG Ph.D. Application Pieces or fax to 757.352.4725.

Step 6: Resume or CV

Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, but also any research or academic projects you have completed. Please email it to the Admissions Office at apply@regent.edu using the subject line: GOV Doctoral Application Pieces.

Step 7: Statement of Purpose

In 500-1000 words, please submit a statement of intent for pursuing the Ph.D. in Government. Consider addressing research concepts that you would like to consider, a faculty member you would like to work with, and how you plan to use this degree.

Step 8: Faculty Interview

Interviews for the Ph.D. in Government are by invitation only after review of the completed application.

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
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)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Incoming students in our Ph.D. in Government program are required to participate in a nine-day residency to be held on campus each June. Students in our inaugural Fall 2023 cohort will complete their residency in August, to be followed immediately by the start of the Fall semester. All subsequent residencies will take place each June. Residencies provide networking and mentoring opportunities for students; and facilitate discussions with faculty.

During residency, students will begin a course that will be completed during the remainder of the summer. First-year students will receive an orientation to Regent and participate in sessions on graduate level writing and online learning technology. The Robertson School of Government usually provides lunch and two breaks daily when courses are in session.

Students should consider the following residency costs: transportation, lodging, meals and textbooks purchased prior to residency.

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.

“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

“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

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

Jennifer Salcido, M.A., 2012

“Through the MPA program at Regent, I was chosen to participate in the Ph.D. Project ― an award-winning program designed to create diversity in corporate management. I learned that the pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging, yet rewarding experience.”

Theresa Judge, MPA, 2017 The Ph.D. Project