Certificate of Graduate Studies in American Government
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.
| Code | Name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code: GOV 619 | Constitutional Law & Policy I | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 634 | Public Budgeting & Taxation Policy | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 635 | Presidency | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 636 | Congress | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 689 | US Foreign Policy | Credits: 3 | 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. |
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
2026-27 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 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 6 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
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 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) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
*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.