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An alumnus: Explore the American Government certificate program offered by Regent University.

Certificate of Graduate Studies in American Government

On Campus, Online
12
October 21, 2024
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The Certificate in American Government, offered online and on campus, is designed for those with a passion for government and public policy. You may earn a 12-credit (4 course) certificate of graduate studies in a targeted discipline, either to expand your degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Through this program, explore how you can grow as a principled leader in government for the health and prosperity of our nation and our world. You can be equipped to analyze U.S. government plans and policies from a legal, political, economic and security angle. You can also acquire an understanding of the sociocultural, legal and historic basis of policymaking.

  • Understand how religion and politics can and should interconnect.
  • Choose coursework, from constitutional law and presidential leadership to public policy and public human resource management, based on your goals and interests.

This certificate may help advance your career in think tanks, legislature, or government agencies by equipping you as an expert in your field.

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

Select 4 courses (12 credits) from the list below:

Examines the history of the Constitution, the structure, power and limitations of each of the 3 branches of the federal government, the power and rights of the states, and the authority of local governments (counties and cities). Cross-listed with MLAW 619 and GOV 719.
Understanding the development of successful fiscal policy initiatives, the technical material and the political processes involved in making tax and spending policy to interact effectively with other professionals in the development, prosecution and ultimate attainment of a public policy objective. Cross-listed with GOV 734.
Concepts and methodologies; the institution of the presidency including role of elections, ideology and party politics; methods for measuring success of presidential initiatives; executive power and relationship to legislative and judicial branches; relations with the media, with NGO’s, lobbies and international actors and organizations. Cross-listed with GOV 735.
Methodologies and concepts for the study of legislative politics; historical and contemporary legislative policymaking process, as well as relations with the executive and judicial branches, the role of lobbies and special interests and contemporary issues including polarization, the drawing of congressional districts and the role of ideology in Congress. Cross-listed with GOV 736.
Explores the role of the various U.S. intelligence agencies in assessing foreign and domestic terror threats, developing effective counterterrorism strategies, and thwarting terrorist aggression. Topics include intelligence collection and analysis, domestic vs. foreign intelligence, uses and limits of intelligence for counterterrorism, ethical issues in intelligence, and intelligence oversight and reform.
An in-depth analysis of the history of the discipline of American public administration and a development of several distinct principles of normative administrative theory and Judeo-Christian ethics based upon classics in the field.
Focuses on theories of organizational structure, dynamics, culture, leadership, motivation, goals and effectiveness, policy decision-making, and pertinent management issues with public organizations.
Broadens individual understanding of the ever-changing nature of international terrorism and its consequences on American society at large. It covers the present-day US domestic and external responses to terrorism and focus on the rise of the US Homeland Security Agency. Also, there is a focus on trends in modern terrorism, especially the proliferation of WMD and what the US can do (or is doing) to counter such trends. Cross-listed with GOV 777.
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.
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.
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.

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

The Certificate of Graduate Studies offers an excellent opportunity for those not requiring a master’s degree. This option is often used by those needing continuing education credits or for those who wish to complement their existing degree with additional training for career advancement. Upon completing the certificate, students have the option of applying to the master’s program, and if accepted, all courses taken toward the certificate transfer in.

Application 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.

Certificate of Graduate Studies Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour Total Credits Tuition Cost for Certificate
American Government $695 12 $8,340
Cyber Practitioner Preparation $695 9 $6,255
Cybersecurity Policy $695 12 $8,340
International Relations $695 12 $8,340
Law & Public Policy $695 12 $8,340
Middle East Politics $695 12 $8,340
National Security Studies $695 12 $8,340
Political Campaign Strategies & Management $695 12 $8,340
Public Administration $695 12 $8,340
Terrorism & Homeland Defense $695 12 $8,340

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.

“All of my professors have such a passion for what they are teaching and it is contagious. RSG professors have first-hand knowledge about the subjects they teach. They emphasize that we can make moral arguments in the public sphere.”

Keelyn Geoghean, M.A., 2014

“For anyone interested in developing the analytical skills required to make sense of complicated ideas, I encourage you to give Regent's Honors College a look. The relationships, skills and knowledge you'll gain through the discussion-based classes, and engaging assignments will benefit you in the years to come.”

Abigail Lindner, College of Arts & Sciences, 2022

“"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

“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

“My online degree allowed me to incorporate my academics with my profession making my graduate experience at Regent incredibly relevant.”

Gabrielle Jackson, M.A., 2012 The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics