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An alumnus: Pursue a government degree online or on campus at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.

B.A. in Government

Lead the Way Forward 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+
June 23, 2025
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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 with a B.A. in government

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
$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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Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
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 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 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.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

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)
$10,47012 - 18$20,940
DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$698Under 12$8,376
Students taking on-campus classes
(fall & spring semesters)
$698Over 18$12,564
Students taking on-campus classes
(summer semester)
$698N/A$2,094+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$900 (Fall & Spring)
$750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$750

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 (On-Campus Students)$900 (Fall & Spring)
$750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$750

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)
$9,97512 - 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 »

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.

“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, they encourage you as an individual and want you to succeed. Don’t sell yourself short. You can do it.”
Robert Coward, B.A. in History, 2019
“Regent gave me the skills I needed and prepared me for the work I’m doing now.”
Stryker Watts, B.S. in Business - Marketing, 2013 Senior Manager, Deposit & Regional Marketing, First Republic Bank
“My friends and I feel like Regent chose us. It was clear that we were meant to be here, and we're better for it. I tell others, 'If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, something authentic, that gives evidence to God, I suggest Regent University.' Our community and the pursuit of God are unparalleled.”
Kristin Smith, B.A. in History, 2020 Next Generation Coordinator, Strong Tower Church
“With 30+ years of nursing experience, I saw myself as a leader, but I felt this nudging from God to go back to school. I’ve discovered my new calling: to serve as a life coach.”
Ellyn Jett, B.A. in Communication Studies, 2020 Nurse