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Pursue a government major online or on campus at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

B.A. in Government

Take Hold of Your Future with a Government Degree

The world of politics needs more influential voices like yours. Regent’s Bachelor of Arts in Government can help you prepare for a career in public service, government, teaching, and beyond. Choose from one of three concentrations or pursue a general government degree to customize to your interests and career goals. Explore the world’s political systems and philosophies and how they affect policies today — all from a Christian perspective.

On Campus, Online
120+
January 13, 2025
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PURSUE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our programs have also been ranked as the #1 Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Virginia 10 years in a row (2013-2022).

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

Strengthen your writing, critical thinking, analysis, and persuasive communication skills.

BUILD ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

Anchor your knowledge and skill on Christian principles and values.

ACCESS FACULTY EXPERTISE

Be mentored by faculty in Virginia Beach who hold the highest degrees in their field.

Explore Scholarships

Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships. Explore all scholarships.

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

On completing the B.A. in Government degree, you can:

  • Explore the foundations that drive systems of government.
  • Understand how governments develop policies to govern society.
  • Develop your skills in persuasive communication and professional writing.
  • Pursue a career in public service, government, or teaching.

Career Opportunities

  • Policy Analysis
  • Law
  • Advocacy
  • Government Agencies & Nonprofit Organizations
  • International Relations
$56Thousand
Approximate Average Annual Salary of Political Analysts, 2021 Glassdoor

Concentrations of Regent’s government degree:

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government – American Government & Politics can teach you about the mechanics of politics, how public policy is formed, and how to critically evaluate the social and political systems of the world.

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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government – International Relations & Foreign Policy can enable you to explore the ever-increasing global political landscape while you study topics on contemporary global problems, geopolitics and more.

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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government – Pre-Law can grow your knowledge of the federal judiciary and constitution, and develop your skills in persuasive communication and professional writing, as you prepare for law school or other careers in law and government.

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The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Government – Undeclared can align your studies with your career goals through courses in public policy and administration, state and local government, foreign policy, constitutional law, the legislative process, the judicial system and more.

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Featured Courses
GOVT 196Introduction to the Study of Government3
Explores some of the main fields within the discipline of government (e.g., comparative politics, political theory) as well as some of the main approaches to the study of government (e.g., interpretivism, behavioralism, institutionalism). Various theories of integration for the study and understanding of government are also introduced.
GOVT 204International Relations3
Evaluates the conduct of foreign affairs, policy, and relationships between nation-states in the international political community. Students are introduced to the history of the international order as well as to the leading international relations’ theories of realism, liberal internationalism, neo-conservatism, human rights, and Marxism.
GOVT 220Comparative Politics3
Offers a systematic exploration and comparison of the world’s political systems. Investigates key trends, patterns, and relationships that may offer explanations regarding the similarities and differences of those systems. As such, emphasis is placed on such topics as political economy, ethnic conflict, democratization, political corruption, and state and nation building.
GOVT 240American Government & Politics I3
Provides an analysis of the founding of the United States through an investigation of the important philosophical, constitutional, and political questions surrounding the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the creation and development of the U.S. Constitution. Attention is given to federalism, and the Constitutional institutions of the Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court.
GOVT 245American Government & Politics II3
Investigates such issues as political participation, public opinion and voting behavior, interest groups and political parties, and civil rights and liberties.
GOVT 327Ancient Political Philosophy3
Explores the political philosophy and political thought of important thinkers such as Sophocles, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, and Thomas Aquinas through the reading and analysis of their works. Emphasis is given to understanding the foundations of the ancient and medieval era and the political writings composed therein. Prerequisite: GOVT 196.
GOVT 329Modern Political Philosophy3
Investigates the political philosophy and political thought of such important thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, J.S. Mill, Rousseau, Kant, and Nietzsche through the reading and analysis of their works. Emphasis is given to understanding the foundations of modernity and the political writings composed therein. Prerequisite: GOVT 196.
GOVT 330Political Ideologies3
Considers the concepts of ideology (worldview or weltanschauung) and philosophy as applied to government and politics. Attention is given to such dominant political ideologies as communism, socialism, fascism, liberalism, and conservatism. Prerequisite: GOVT 196.
GOVT 457Research Methods3
This course equips students with methodological skills commensurate with their disciplines, such as clarifying concepts, developing theses, formulating hypotheses, measuring variables, and making controlled comparisons. Prerequisites: MATH 201 and senior standing. Cross-listed with CRJU 457.
GOVT 493Senior Seminar in Government3
Capstone course for the integration and synthesis of knowledge and principles concerning government, public policy, political philosophy, law, and all other acceptable and recognizable sub-disciplines in the field of government or political science. Students plan, design, and conduct a research project. Students orally present the results of their project in a seminar format. Prerequisites: GOVT 457 and senior standing.

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 high school or college 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.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.


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.

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,97512 - 18$19,950
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Under 12$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$665Over 18$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$665N/A$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Block Rate Per SemesterCredit Hours Per SemesterTuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$9,49312 - 18$18,986
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Under 12$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$630Over 18$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$630N/A$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)$4506$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)$39512$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

What will you learn with a government degree?

Through a B.A. in government, you can learn about organizations, policies, and procedures by studying law, public policy, history, and more. The training provided through a government degree can help hone your research, analytical thinking, and communication abilities.

What can you do with a B.A. in Government?

With a bachelor’s in government, you can become a policy analyst, international relations specialist, or even pursue a career as a politician. With the skills you will gain through an undergraduate government degree, you may be more prepared to enroll in law school and become a lawyer.

Because this degree is general, you can use it across industries and sectors, allowing more career flexibility.

“I have loved every minute of the Honor’s program. One thing that has continually surprised me has been the willingness of faculty members to take you under their wing and help you improve your skills.”

Luke Isbell, B.A. in International Studies, 2020 Full-time student; professional photographer

“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

“Regent prepared me for steps I needed to take to start a business, as well as to lead one.”

Hunter Davis, MBA - International Business, 2019; J.D., 2013; B.A. in Government - American Government & Politics, 2010 Director, The American Environment Foundation; Co-Owner, Duck Donuts

“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

“"At Regent, I was surrounded by people who exemplified servant leadership. These examples often come back to me, and I believe it’s what my industry needs now more than ever."”

Breanna Molloy, B.A., 2012