M.A. in Government – Law & Public Policy
Write Policy. Lead Transformation.
Ready to make a lasting, transformational impact? Regent’s online and on-campus Master of Arts in Government—Law & Public Policy expands your knowledge of policy, competitive politics, and law so you can become a transformational leader. From America’s historical foundations to the present, you’ll learn the history and inner-workings of government to help your organization shape policy, navigate regulations, and initiate change.
Become a Change Agent
Expand your knowledge of how policy, competitive politics, and law intersect to affect leadership, governance, and your organization.
Access Faculty Experts
Be mentored by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to national service – and to your success.
Advance Your Influence
Join our global alumni network of experts who engage communities and influence policy.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). We have also been recognized as a Military Friendly Top 5 School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges: Online & Nontraditional by Military Times, 2020.
Presented from a Christian perspective, this degree is supported by our respected faculty in Virginia Beach.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the M.A. in Government – Law & Public Policy degree, you can:
- Develop strategic policies relating to legal issues and regulations affecting various industries.
- Apply expert knowledge of the U.S. Constitution when creating policies.
- Provide in-depth analysis on new and existing regulations.
Career Opportunities
- Public Policy Advocate
- Writer/Researcher
- Lobbyist
- Nonprofit Management
| COM 614 | Issues in Media Law & Ethics | 3 | Current issues in media law and ethics governing the creation, production, distribution and ownership of media content, focusing on new communication technologies and services. Issues addressed include intellectual property, freedom of the press, privacy, obscenity, libel, licensing and contracts, guilds and unions, and consumer rights and protections. Cross-listed with JRN 614. |
| GOV 618 | Contracts | 3 | Common law of contracts, and the principles controlling the formation, performance and termination of contracts (offer, acceptance, consideration, conditions, material breach, damages, third party beneficiaries, assignment, statute of frauds and statutory variances from the common law). Cross-listed with MLAW 521 and EHEA 506. |
| GOV 619 | Constitutional Law & Policy I | 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. |
| GOV 620 | Constitutional Law & Policy II | 3 | Considers the Bill of Rights (including the delicate relationship between church & state, freedom of speech and freedom of worship), the rights of liberty, equal protection and due process arising from the 14th Amendment, and the subsequent rise and effects of judicial policy-making (including the “right to privacy,” the “right to intimate sexual choice,” and the “right to die”). Cross-listed with EHEA 508, and MLAW 620. |
| GOV 628 | The Law & Governance of Higher Education | 3 | Provides historical and contemporary legal issues that have and will continue to shape colleges and universities today. Discusses legal issues regarding the college and trustees, administrators and staff. Investigates the legal basis of higher education in the United States to include constitutional provisions and federal statutes that influence higher education policy. Prepares emergent administrators for preventative law measures in an increasing litigious environment. Cross-listed with EHEA 503 and 803. |
| GOV 635 | Presidency | 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. |
| GOV 636 | Congress | 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. |
| GOV 662 | Cybersecurity Policy & Affairs | 3 | Introduces basic concepts and vocabulary for pursuing additional training in cybersecurity policy and affairs. Examines issues such as: how does encryption work? What is code? What is a blockchain and what is critical infrastructure? Also, suitable for students not wishing to pursue a concentration or certificate but wishing to acquire familiarity with these issues. Cross-listed with GOV 762. |
| GOV 689 | US Foreign Policy | 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. |
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 A | Friday, August 9 | Monday, August 19 |
| Session B | Friday, October 11 | Monday, October 21 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 8 | Monday, January 13 |
| Session D | Friday, March 7 | Monday, March 17 |
| Session E | Friday, May 2 | Monday, May 12 |
| Session F | Friday, June 13 | Monday, June 23 |
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 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.
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 t2-atpsSemester |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.