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 can enjoy broad interdisciplinary study and in-depth study using quantitative, qualitative and historical approaches. You can 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. 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.
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.
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.
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 E | Friday, May 2 | Monday, May 12 |
Application Deadline
January 13, 2025 – The online application and all additional required materials must be submitted by this date for full consideration.
Interview Dates for Summer 2025 Admission
For selected applicants, a virtual interview will be scheduled and take place in late January. An on-campus interview option is also available.
Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.
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 Resume
Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your professional experiences, but also any research or academic projects you have completed to regent.edu/items.
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: 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 6: 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. Please submit to regent.edu/items.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Faculty Interview
Interviews for the Ph.D. in Government are by invitation only after review of the completed application by the Robertson School of Government faculty. Interviews are held virtually with faculty. Additional details will be provided to those invited for an interview.
Applicants invited to the virtual interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. The Robertson School of Government reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion whether a candidate is suitable for admission to the Ph.D. in Government.
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
| 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 Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Incoming students in our Ph.D. in Government program are required to participate in residency to be held on campus. Residencies provide networking and mentoring opportunities for students; and facilitate discussions with faculty.
Residency for 2024 will be held on campus Monday, June 3, 2024 – Saturday, June 8, 2024.
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.