Certificate of Graduate Studies in Law & Public Policy

Locations: On Campus, Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: June 23, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate in Law & Public Policy, offered online and on campus, is designed to benefit those students who want to expand their knowledge and credentials in legal and political issues. You may earn a 12-credit (4 course) certificate of graduate studies in a targeted discipline, either to expand your degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Through this program, explore how you can grow as a principled leader in government for the health and prosperity of our nation and our world. You will gain an in-depth analysis of Congress, which makes laws, and the judiciary, which interprets them — all through the lens of a biblical worldview.

Explore the constitutional foundation of the branches of government and the roots of our constitutional rights in England.
Examine the innovations explored during the colonial period, the writings of the Founders, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Choose coursework, from economic policy and contracts to constitutional law and religion and politics, based on your goals and interests.

This certificate may help advance your career in public service and politics, policymaking and paralegal service, by equipping you as an expert in your field.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
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 631	Negotiations	3	Develop legal negotiation skills through participation in simulated negotiations. Negotiation exercises are video-taped for review and faculty critique and evaluation. Classroom discussion is devoted to examining and applying theoretical and practical strategies of negotiation. Cross-listed with MLAW 655.
GOV 640	National Security Law	3	This seminar provides students an analysis of national security topics. Among the topics which may be covered are national security and the role of the law, theoretical approaches to national security and world order, development of the international law of conflict management, the use of force in international relations, the laws of wars and neutrality, war crimes, the international law of intelligence collection, the control of international terrorism, American security doctrine and nuclear weapons. Cross-listed with MLAW 640.

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

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

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

The Certificate of Graduate Studies offers an excellent opportunity for those not requiring a master’s degree. This option is often used by those needing continuing education credits or for those who wish to complement their existing degree with additional training for career advancement. Upon completing the certificate, students have the option of applying to the master’s program, and if accepted, all courses taken toward the certificate transfer in.

Application 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.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate of Graduate Studies	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
American Government	$695	12	$8,340
Cyber Practitioner Preparation	$695	9	$6,255
Cybersecurity Policy	$695	12	$8,340
International Relations	$695	12	$8,340
Law & Public Policy	$695	12	$8,340
Middle East Politics	$695	12	$8,340
National Security Studies	$695	12	$8,340
Political Campaign Strategies & Management	$695	12	$8,340
Public Administration	$695	12	$8,340
Terrorism & Homeland Defense	$695	12	$8,340

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 »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

FAQ

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.

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“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.”

Chris Connelly, M.A. in Public Policy, 1998; Ph.D. in Communication, 2020 Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

“The Robertson School of Government was the perfect fit in obtaining a master's degree while serving active-duty. The online program gave me the flexibility I needed. This track of study will truly prepare and position you at the forefront of a rapidly expanding skillset within the federal government.”

Jonathan Tillman, M.A., 2010

“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.”

Bill Dudley, MPA, 2014 Logistics Manager, U.S. Navy; Worship Pastor, Beach Beacon Baptist Church

“All of my professors have such a passion for what they are teaching and it is contagious. RSG professors have first-hand knowledge about the subjects they teach. They emphasize that we can make moral arguments in the public sphere.”

Keelyn Geoghean, M.A., 2014