About the Robertson School of Government
The Robertson School of Government (RSG) prepares leaders to answer the call to public service. Our rigorous accredited programs include a strong foundation in the Judeo-Christian values which have made our nation great.
RSG’s mission is to train leaders who desire to strengthen the ethical and moral foundation of Judeo-Christian principles in government, and who are called to preserve individual freedom, representative democracy, and constitutional government.
RSG is an institutional member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and the American Political Science Association. We offer on-campus and online graduate degrees to students preparing for leadership in government, non-profit, military and corporate positions.
Regent challenges students to examine the institutions and mechanisms of government, and the ideas and theories that undergird social and political life.
Students learn from prominent faculty members and practitioners and participate in meaningful internships locally, in Washington, D.C., and across the country before going on to pursue their professional calling, challenging culture and changing lives.
The Robertson School of Government (RSG) seeks to fulfill the university mission through:
- Purposeful integration of faith and learning.
- Participation of faculty in student development through quality scholarly and professional mentorship.
- Practical assignments intended to further develop an understanding of course material.
It’s time for the next generation of leaders to answer the call of public service. Like others before them, from biblical figures like Joshua and Daniel to historical icons like Washington and Lincoln, this new breed of leaders must take a stand on behalf of what’s right and good. They must echo Isaiah’s cry, “Here I am. Send me.”
Through biblical integration, rigorous curriculum, career preparation and thoughtful faculty mentoring, RSG equips students for principled leadership in government, politics and non-profits.
As the nation’s premier Christian graduate school of government, we invite you to walk through the doorway of public service at the Regent’s Robertson School of Government.
Senator A. Willis Robertson was a national figure who spent a half-century serving his country, first as an Army officer in World War I, and later spending four decades representing Virginia as an elected Congressman and Senator.
Senator Robertson was a political conservative who typically voted against the expansion of federal power, from deficit spending to a burgeoning federal bureaucracy.
He was also a national leader in conservation, co-sponsoring the Pittman-Robertson Act (1937) that directed taxes from hunting rifles and ammunition to support state efforts at land and game preservation.
To date, this has directed $2 billion federal dollars to habitat preservation and an additional $500 million in matching state funds. He was named “Outstanding Sportsman of America” by Field and Stream magazine in 1926.
Deputy Treasurer, City of Suffolk
The whole concept at Regent was, if you are pursuing administration in the public interest, you aren't just doing it to be a bureaucrat, but to serve those around you. You have to be engaged and know what you believe when you go into it, to stand up for what you think is right.
Logistics Manager, U.S. Navy; Worship Pastor, Beach Beacon Baptist Church
What stuck out to me at Regent was the character and ethics — the commitment to glorifying God in all that we do. I am grateful to be part of a place impacting this world for eternity. By getting past our fallibilities, we can see what the power of God can do.
Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
Your time in school, and certainly at Regent, molds how you think, molds how you approach things … Regent offers a serious academic environment that provides for growth in those areas.
Owner, Alexandra Consulting, LLC
With core classes like American Political Thought in RSG, you realize these issues will come up again in your career. You gain a stance you can defend and confidence that you know what you’re talking about.
The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics
My online degree allowed me to incorporate my academics with my profession making my graduate experience at Regent incredibly relevant.
Nonprofit Organization Leader
Professors give real-life lessons and then connect them with God's purpose for your life in a relevant manner.
American Government
Regent’s online model provided an unparalleled combination of high-quality instruction, flexibility and specialization.
Workforce Service Representative, Virginia Employment Commission; Owner, Capture the Daye Photography
A Master of Public Administration with honors — I did that! A single mom, worked full time and a full-time grad student too.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston
I'm so glad Regent isn't afraid to engage with other viewpoints. It's a place where people are willing to debate their position honestly and without fear.
Scholarship Recipient
Your investment in my life is an investment in many people groups and the nations of Israel and Iran…I believe this journey is preparing me to be a modern-day Esther or Daniel for such a time as this.
Navy veteran; preparing to be a commissioned officer in the military
Regent’s Military Resource Center introduced me to a network of mentors and went the extra mile to support me.
Scholarship Recipient
1 Peter 4:10 says “as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God:” and blessed am I to be another. Donors like yourself represent a light shining through all the darkness our society is currently facing.
Human Resources Administrative Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Hawaii
All the time, when people hear I am studying public administration, they say, ‘Oh, we need more Christian leaders in government!’ It’s a perfect fit for Regent’s mission. And if you’re a Christian, you have something anchoring you to the decisions you make that affect an entire country.
The Ph.D. Project
Through the MPA program at Regent, I was chosen to participate in the Ph.D. Project ― an award-winning program designed to create diversity in corporate management. I learned that the pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging, yet rewarding experience.Admissions FAQ
The RSG requires a 3.0 minimum GPA from your awarded undergraduate and/or graduate institution. In some cases files with below a 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Robertson School of Government does not require the submission of test scores as a part of the admissions process. Such a submission would be optional. To learn more, please contact the admissions manager at govadmissions@regent.edu.
Yes, students may transfer up to 25 percent of their credit hours (9 hrs.) from other accredited schools. These classes must comply with a Master of Arts in Government degree and may not have been used to earn another degree. The academic dean must approve all transfer hours.
In order to receive joint-degree status, applicants must first be granted admission to both schools. Students must also submit enrollment deposits and degree forms to both their primary and secondary schools.
A joint Government and Law applicant should indicate both ‘Law and Government’ on the law application when applying to the School of Law. By marking both programs, you are authorizing the Law School to release your admissions materials to the Robertson School of Government. The Law School has asked that all joint Government and Law applicants submit a written release (email is acceptable) specifying each admissions material the applicant is authorizing them to.
Regent University encourages diversity and appreciates the special contributions that international students bring to a graduate institution of learning. International students applying to RSG must complete a few additional application requirements. Those whose primary language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Please contact the admissions manager at govadmissions@regent.edu for more details.
Applicants who are admitted to the RSG but need to delay their enrollment can defer their admission for one term. If the applicant does not enroll within the year of deferment, they must reapply for admission.
Financial FAQ
Contact the business office at 757.352.4054 or studentaccounts@regent.edu
Academics FAQ
Students attending classes full-time can earn the degree in 18-24 months. Part time students typically complete the degree in 3-5 years.
A total of 30 hours are required to complete the M.A. in Government.
View the classes taught next semester.
Yes, many people desire to take a few select courses for professional development purposes. Applicants for this non-degree status should submit a Non-Degree Application form. Learn more about Non-Degree requirements.
Yes, the M.A. in Government degree can be completed entirely online or at our beautiful Virginia Beach Campus.
No, an on-campus residency is not required.
Students are allowed to take an elective from another one of Regent’s schools as long as those classes fit with a government degree – for example, from the Regent School of Law or the Regent School of Business. The Dean must approve any class taken outside of the School of Government which is used for credit toward one’s government degree.
No, the thesis course is only recommended for students who are planning on pursing a Ph.D or who will go on to heavy research positions after graduation.
Canvas is an online platform used to communicate via the internet in an educational environment. Each professor utilizes this tool in varying degrees. All students whether distance or on campus, may be asked to use it to participate in online discussions, view assignments/syllabi, post papers, communicate with peers, etc.
If you are having problems logging in or viewing Canvas please contact Information Technology at 757.352.4076 or helpdesk@regent.edu. Questions regarding the Canvas Tutorial may be directed to RSG Student Services by emailing rsgstudentservices@regent.edu.
Contact the registrar’s office at 757.352.4038 or registrar@regent.edu.
Contact the registrar’s office at 757.352.4038 or registrar@regent.edu.
Contact the Writing Lab at 757.352.4925 or writing@regent.edu.
Jobs & Internships FAQ
No. Robertson School of Government (RSG) students are not required to do an internship. However, for students who enter RSG with little or no background in government, an internship can be a wise move to help build one’s résumé and experience.
Upon graduation, most RSG students seek employment in four main areas: government, politics, nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations and academics. Some of the institutions where RSG students intern and find employment after graduation include: the Republican National Committee, the Democratic National Committee, the United States Senate and House of Representatives, various cabinet departments, public policy think tanks, issue advocacy groups and various municipal and state governments.
Students are invited to join the www.RegentAlumni.org online community where they can network with all Regent alumni across the country and the world. Within the online community, students can request a list of Regent alumni in a particular metropolitan area who have agreed to assist Regent students in their job search. In addition, the RSG Career Services Manager routinely emails students employment and internship opportunities for students to pursue. Finally, Regent University’s Center for Student Development offers seminars throughout the year, and they provide a Web site devoted to assisting students in developing their professional and networking skills.
Some of our RSG alumni have represented Regent in the following government arenas:
| Title | Location |
|---|---|
| Vice President | Zambia |
| State Senator | Missouri |
| Advisor to the Attorney General & Deputy White House Liaison | U.S. Department of Justice |
| Director for Health Programs | U.S. State Department – Bureau of International Organization Affairs |
| Director of Public Relations | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Administrative Analyst | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
| Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
| Senior Advisor | U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
| White House Liaison | Office of Presidential Personnel |
| Communications Manager | Health Resources and Services Administration |
| Budget Director | DOD-Pentagon Force Protection Agency |
| Senior Counter-Terrorism Analyst | U.S. Joint Forces Command |
| Chief Clerk of Debates | United States Office of the Clerk |
| Health Care Policy Advisor | U.S. Senator Wayne Allard |
| Chief of Staff | U.S. Representative Jo Ann Davis |
| Legislative Assistant | U.S. Representative Scott Garrett |
| Legislative Assistant | U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte |
| Outreach Coordinator | U.S. Representative Heather Wilson |
| Chief of Staff | U.S. Representative Ed Schrock |
| Senior Legislative Assistant | U.S. Representative Roy Blunt |
| Deputy Chief of Staff | U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood |
| Office Manager | U.S. Representative Steve Chabot |
| Field Director/Treasurer, Re-election Campaign | U.S. Representative Chris Smith |
| Scheduler/Legislative Assistant | U.S. Representative Roscoe Bartlett |
| Deputy Project Director | U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond |
| Deputy Press Secretary | U.S. Representative Mike Pence |
| Legislative Assistant | U.S. Representative Richard Burr |
| Research Associate | Ohio State Legislature |
| Director of Family Policy/Health Advisor | Governor Huckabee, Arkansas |
| Associate Fiscal and Policy Analyst | Delaware Executive Budget Office |
| Planner | City of Suffolk, Va. |
| Head of Fireman’s Union | Norfolk, Va. |
| City Council Member | City of Virginia Beach, Va. |
| Research Director | Oklahoma Council of Policy Affairs |
| President | National Council for Adoption Board |
| Director of Development | Making a Difference Foundation |
| Regional Director | National Association of Government Communicators |
| Director | Just Law International |
| Director of Public Affairs | International Republican Institute |
| Legal Policy Director | Free Congress Foundation |
| Executive Director | South Dakota Family Policy Council |
| President | Direct Campaign Solutions |
| Director | Virginia Institute for Public Policy |
| Director of Development | National Fatherhood Initiative |
Student Life FAQ
Many Robertson School of Government students live in either the Regent Village, a university-owned apartment complex about a mile from the school, or the Regent Commons, apartments built on the Regent University campus. Space is limited, so apply as early as possible. A variety of nonuniversity- owned apartment complexes are also available near the school. View more Regent Housing information.
The most obvious answer is to go to the beach! However, students enjoy a variety of other opportunities, including music from the symphony to jazz to free concerts from local bands on the oceanfront; visiting museums or taking a road trip to nearby attractions. History buffs may enjoy a trip to Jamestown, Yorktown or Colonial Williamsburg. Sports fan can watch the Tides play baseball or the Admirals play hockey.
Also, students can get involved in intramural sports and on-campus organizations including the Council of Graduate Students (COGS). COGS plan events such as the Christmas Ball and the Welcome BBQ for all new students.
Regent University has many opportunities for fellowship and strengthening your faith. The university offers weekly chapels, Bible study groups and other spiritual emphases and celebrations throughout the year. Each school also elects its own chaplain from among its peers in the student body.