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.
PURSUE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). Our programs have also been ranked as the #1 Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Virginia 13 years in a row (2013-2025).
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.
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
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.
Learn MoreThe 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.
Learn MoreThe 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.
Learn MoreThe 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.
Learn More| GOVT 196 | Introduction to the Study of Government | 3 | 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 204 | International Relations | 3 | 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 220 | Comparative Politics | 3 | 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 240 | American Government & Politics I | 3 | 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 245 | American Government & Politics II | 3 | Investigates such issues as political participation, public opinion and voting behavior, interest groups and political parties, and civil rights and liberties. |
| GOVT 327 | Ancient Political Philosophy | 3 | 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 329 | Modern Political Philosophy | 3 | 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 330 | Political Ideologies | 3 | 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 457 | Research Methods | 3 | 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 493 | Senior Seminar in Government | 3 | 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.
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,975 | 12 - 18 | $19,950 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $665 | Under 12 | $7,980 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $665 | Over 18 | $11,970 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $665 | N/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 »
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
|---|
| Degree | Tuition Block Rate Per Semester | Credit Hours Per Semester | Tuition Rate Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $9,493 | 12 - 18 | $18,986 |
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Under 12 | $7,560 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters) | $630 | Over 18 | $11,340 |
| Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester) | $630 | N/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 »
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester) | $450 | 6 | $2,700 |
| Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester) | $395 | 12 | $4,740 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
|---|
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.
- B.A. in Communication Studies – Journalism
- B.A. in English – Government
- B.A. in Leadership Studies – Government & Public Policy
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Corrections
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
- B.S. in Professional Studies – Government
- M.A. in Government
- M.A. in Government – American Government
- M.A. in Government – Law & Public Policy
- MPA – Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations