
M.A. in International Development – Comparative & Regional Studies
Understand Global Issues Through Regional Expertise Combined with Comparative Analysis
Addressing global challenges requires using a comparative lens and understanding different geographical regions. Gain regional expertise and study the comparative method through Regent’s M.A. in International Development–Comparative & Regional Studies. With this concentration, discover how comparative and regional context shapes global outcomes.
Think Strategically, Act Globally
Study international affairs from a strategic perspective designed for global action, combining regional knowledge with a comparative perspective.
Increase Your Global Knowledge
Become a more informed global thinker and leader through a quality curriculum applicable to a wide range of careers.
Gain Quality Mentors
Get mentored by expert faculty who are well-versed in international relations and global issues and are passionate about your success.
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 International Development—Comparative & Regional Studies, you can:
- Investigate a broad variety of geographical regions affecting the global stage, including South and Southeast Asia and the Middle East
- Become a more analytically informed, methodological global scholar
- Use your increased regional understanding to act as a regional expert on issues of global concern
Career Opportunities
- U.S. Diplomat/Ambassador
- U.S. Intelligence
- NGO/Nonprofit Leadership
- Development Consulting
GOV 597 | Directed Project | 3 | Students will participate in a practical development project or related opportunity, in conjunction with faculty and partner organizations, consistent with their eventual career goals and the mission of the international development degree and RSG. Prerequisite: Complete Core Curriculum (18 credits). |
GOV 603 | Research Methods | 3 | Qualitative and quantitative reasoning, the basic principles of the philosophy of science, and positivist and reflexivist approaches to knowledge creation. Cross listed with GOV 703. |
GOV 604 | Christian Foundations of Government | 3 | Offers a biblical perspective of the religious, philosophical, and cultural foundations of Western civilization. Cross-listed with GOV 704. |
GOV 626 | Religion & Global Politics | 3 | Covers basic aspects of religion and international politics, including religion’s relationship to state power, international religious freedom, inter-state and intra-state religious conflict, and religion’s relationship to international human rights and economic development. There are also strong connections with relevant scriptural principles. Cross-listed with GOV 726. |
GOV 644 | Politics of South & Southeast Asia | 3 | Surveys the history, politics, culture and geopolitical trends of South and Southeast Asia, with an eye toward the role these regions and countries play in the international relations of the Indo-Pacific region. Cross-listed with GOV 744. |
GOV 653 | Middle East Politics | 3 | Political change and ideological trends in the Middle East after WWII. Explores the politics of state and nation building, the legacies of colonialism, the impact of nationalism, the development of civil society, the complications of oil wealth, the challenges of democracy, and the place of political Islam. Cross-listed with GOV 753. |
GOV 663 | Political Parties & Institutions | 3 | Overview of development and role of political parties within political institutions, from an American and international perspective. Cross-listed with GOV 763. |
GOV 673 | Democracy & Development | 3 | Analyzes the nature and character of democracy and democratic institutions, compares theoretical approaches to democratization and political development, and analyzes practical case studies. Cross-listed with GOV 773. |
GOV 674 | International Political Economy | 3 | A multi-disciplinary study of international and multinational social, political, and economic problems from a Comparative and international perspective. Cross-listed with GOV 774. |
GOV 676 | Politics of East Asia | 3 | Deals with Asia’s wars and peace in the 20th century, and the dynamic political, economic, and religious developments in the 21st century. It will also discuss the division and desire for unification of Korea, and China’s rise as a regional and global power. Includes an analysis of ASEAN’s goal to move from economic cooperation to political integration and regional security, and the consideration of the role of APEC and Asia’s future relations with The United States and European Union. Cross-listed with GOV 776. |
GOV 678 | Crisis & Disaster Consequence Management | 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. |
GOV 680 | Comparative Politics | 3 | Presents an introduction to the systematic study of comparative politics. Examines political systems, processes in historical and current contexts in order to understand how they differ and why. Cross-listed with GOV 780. |
GOV 694 | NonProfit & Faith-Based Organizations Fundraising Development | 3 | Provides lectures, case studies, outside speakers, and class discussion of development and advancement issues in the management of nonprofit ministries. Explores fundraising, including determining sources of support, planning the campaign, and successful strategies; marketing ministries, including promotional campaigns and public relations; and management issues including recruiting and managing volunteers. |
GOV 696 | Nonprofit Start-Up | 3 | An in-depth and applied study of the principles and practices of starting a nonprofit organization or program through the development of a feasibility study and business plan. |
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.