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The American flag: Pursue your Master’s in National Security Studies at Regent- online or in Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

M.A. in National Security Studies

Defend & Secure Our Nation. Pursue Your Master’s in National Security Studies.

Are you wired to foresee and tackle challenges related to homeland security, counter-terrorism, and national and international intelligence? Sharpen your skills through our online and on-campus Master of Arts in National Security Studies. Choose from in-demand concentrations that allow you to focus your master’s in national security studies program.

On Campus, Online
36-38
January 13, 2025

Careers | Concentrations | Courses | Admissions | Tuition

Increase Your Career Potential

Prepare for opportunities in the defense industry, military, government, private sector, and beyond.

Position Yourself for Impact

Affect change in cybersecurity, military operations, crisis management, diplomacy, strategic intelligence, and other areas critical to national security.

Develop Your Expertise & Leadership

Identify, analyze, forecast, and manage emerging security threats and identify strategic, policy-based security solutions.

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’s in national security studies.

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

M.A. in National Security Studies Career Opportunities

The master’s in national security studies offers the following concentrations:

  • Cybersecurity Policy
  • Homeland Security
  • Indo-Pacific Politics
  • International Security
  • Mid-East Politics

Career Opportunities:

  • Corporate or National Security Administration
  • DoD, CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA, Homeland Security
  • Foreign Conflict Manager
  • Risk Manager/Security Analyst/Threat Advisor
  • Military
28%
Projected Employment Growth for Information Security Analysts U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in National Security Studies – Cybersecurity Policy will equip you with the legal insight, strategies and foresight to help corporations and the nation defend against cyber threats.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in National Security Studies – Homeland Security will teach you how to identify and analyze potential security threats to the U.S. while you broaden your knowledge in the areas of domestic terrorism, natural disasters and cybersecurity.

The M.A. in National Security Studies – Indo-Pacific Politics equips 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 will study the Indo-Pacific framework, from nation-building to sustainable development.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in National Security Studies – International Security will teach you how to identify, assess and deter international security threats as you broaden your knowledge in the areas of national security and cybersecurity.

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in National Security Studies – Middle East Politics will help you understand the various political, cultural and religious issues in the Middle East, so you can grow your network as a trusted security advisor.

Featured Courses
GOV 501Graduate Foundations for Government2
Provides the knowledge, resources, and essential skills needed for success at the graduate level. Topics include academic writing, online learning, information literacy, and advising and support services for Government.
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 605Christian Ethics & the Law of Armed Conflict3
Considers the nature of war and peace, including thought and practice from philosophical and religious viewpoints, with particular reference to the Christian tradition (e.g. just war theory) and the formal law of armed conflict. Cross-listed with LAW 560 and GOV 705.
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 641Grand Strategy & Military Operations3
Provides the theoretical and conceptual tools required to understand the grand strategy assumptions underlying Western national security policies since the advent of Clausewitz and Jomini with a focus on the application of grand strategy to military operations across the elements of national power (diplomatic, information, military, economics) and among U.S. and allied forces since World War I. Cross-listed with GOV 741.
GOV 632International Security3
This course offers a comprehensive overview of the study of international conflict and security. The goal is to provide students with a solid theoretical and conceptual foundation for understanding the causes, nature, and consequences of key developments in international conflict and cooperation. Cross-listed with GOV 732.
GOV 689US Foreign Policy3
Historical development of US foreign policy principles; actors involved in creation of foreign policy, role of interest groups and special interests; economic aspects of US foreign policy and the role of ideology and religion; considers America’s role in the world today. Cross-listed with GOV 789.

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.

“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

“"If I had to choose one highlight of my time at Regent, it would be my working experience with my professor as a research assistant. Working with him has taught me first-hand how to honor God with my mind."”

Nathan Gill, M.A. in Government, 2013

“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

“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

“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