Certificate of Graduate Studies in National Security Studies
The Certificate in National Security Studies, offered online and on campus, is designed for students who want to be more grounded in U.S. national security and how to forecast future issues. 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, you explore how you can grow as a principled leader in government for the health and prosperity of our nation and our world. You will learn to interpret the history of national security affairs through a global and biblical lens. You will also learn to predict emerging issues and recommend resolutions.
- Examine U.S. foreign policy and America’s role in the world today.
- Study national security law and cybersecurity policy, including language and technical specifications of cyber weapons, critical infrastructure, cyberattack and cyberconflict.
- Strengthen your understanding of terrorism, homeland security and crisis management to mitigate, prevent and respond to disaster.
This certificate may help advance your career in foreign service or national security 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 640 | National Security Law | Credits: 3 | This seminar provides students an analysis of national security topics. Among the topics which may be covered are national security and the role of the law, theoretical approaches to national security and world order, development of the international law of conflict management, the use of force in international relations, the laws of wars and neutrality, war crimes, the international law of intelligence collection, the control of international terrorism, American security doctrine and nuclear weapons. Cross-listed with MLAW 640. |
| Code: GOV 677 | Terrorism & Homeland Defense | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 678 | Crisis & Disaster Consequence Management | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| Code: GOV 632 | International Security | Credits: 3 | 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. |
| 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.