Online American Government Degree :: Accredited Universities

The purpose of the American Government concentration is to educate students who have a passion for government and public policy, so that they are equipped with the competencies necessary to think biblically and to perform skillfully in the public vocation to which God has called them. Specific competencies include learning and understanding our government's legal foundation and the major branches of government. Optional competencies include national security affairs and campaign management.

M.A. in American Government graduates will be able to:

- Study the impact of Judeo-Christian values in U.S. political history, structures of the U.S. Government and the influential thinkers who guided the U.S. experiment.

- Study the components of a Christian worldview, and compare these components to the philosophical underpinnings of competing worldviews.

- Explore the Constitution and other dynamics of the political history of the U.S., including the leadership provided by the presidency and Congress.

- Explore the inner workings of political campaigns and elections and engage in practical experiences in the political domain.

- Explore contemporary and classical economic theory and the interplay of government and markets in developed and less developed nations.

- Analyze, from a theoretical and practical viewpoint, local, state and national legislative processes and the role of the Executive Branch at these levels in implementing policies and laws.

- Examine key policies germane to national security and terrorism issues.

- Study global politics, and specifically the history, politics, and religions in the Middle East.

- Develop and enhance key analytical and critical reasoning skills, tools and techniques in governmental and nonprofit leadership, policy and management.

- Cultivate servant leadership principles in a broad range of governmental settings.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Government must possess an earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university.

International applicants
------------------------

For international students in which English is not the primary language of their country, either the TOEFL®, PTE Academic® or the IELTS® exam must be taken to demonstrate one's effectiveness with the English language.

TOEFL

Computer-based - 233
Internet-based - 90
Paper-based - 577

PTE - 61
IELTS - 7

Other Fees

Technology Fee - $250 per semester

Library Course - $50 one-time fee

Academic Writing Course - $530 one-time fee

Show Less

From the founding of Jamestown and the struggles for freedom during the American Revolution, to the Civil War and the rise of the United States to a position of world leadership in the twentieth century, courses in the American History degree online program explore the evolution of America. Tracing the expansion and growth of the country provides an compelling perspective on how the United States fits into the dynamic global environment.

During course work for your American History degree online, gain liberal arts skills that apply to many careers. Acquire a valuable understanding of the world by reading, evaluating and discussing events that have influenced society. Develop your critical-thinking and analysis skills of various viewpoints during American History degree online discussions and writing assignments. Learn how to develop, craft, and present ideas and arguments that help you convince, persuade and educate. Use your American History degree online studies to practice your research skills as you learn proven techniques for pinpointing and analyzing information that helps you build support for your ideas and opinions.

Earning an American History degree online gives you skills that are valued in a variety of careers. You could teach or conduct research for the government, military or private sector. You could pursue graduate studies in education, history, law, business and other fields. After earning your American History degree online you could work as an analyst, campaign worker, communications specialist, consultant, editor, intelligence agent, journalist, lobbyist, political scientist or researcher. Graduates with a history degree, online or on campus, are qualified for careers that are growing at a faster rate than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed a diploma from a U.S. high school or equivalent program.

International applicants
-----------------------------------

Undergraduate applications will be considered for admission to the upcoming term start on a rolling basis. Eligibility for admission is based upon the following:

- Applicants need to have completed the equivalent of a US Secondary School

- Applicants will require the equivalent of a 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale for admission consideration

- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as evidenced by:

TOEFL score of 71 and greater, IELTS score of 6.5 and greater, PTE score of 49 and greater, ELS score of 111 and greater, EF score of 107 and greater, and Michigan score of 85 and greater. The TOIEC examination is not accepted.

Other Fees

Show Less

The Master of Arts in Government gives students the tools to examine governmental and social institutions in our society, explore areas of reform, and most importantly, bring about change. The program combines the theory and practice of government, politics, and policy-making for those who hope to make a significant difference in Washington, D.C.–and beyond.

The Johns Hopkins MA in Government was designed for working adults with specialized skills in a particular field but who want a broader perspective of government to position them for leadership in politics and administration. In class, you’ll contribute to lively discussions, build analytical skills, and learn strategies for engaging in original research. While our courses are designed around the latest scholarly and scientific knowledge, their true focus is to provide you with the practical skills necessary for solving governmental, political, and policymaking problems of today.
For students looking to focus on a particular field of study, the MA in Government program also offers three optional concentrations:

- Legal Studies focuses on the intersection of law and politics, as well as law enforcement issues.

- Political Communication provides you with the opportunity to study with practitioners in the field: reporters, political operatives, journalists, and campaign and news and media professionals.

- Security Studies covers the fundamentals of administering and preserving American security.

But the MA in Government is more than just a dynamic program taught in the most politically connected city in the world. It’s an opportunity to study under internationally renowned faculty: Johns Hopkins professors, scholar-practitioners and experts at the highest levels of government and industry. Our permanent faculty members hold doctorates in political science, history, and international relations. For example, Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution, a leading expert on defense strategy and the use of force, teaches a course that assesses the prospects for American power projection. Dr. Michael Siegel, a Senior Training Specialist at the Federal Judicial Center, teaches a wildly popular course on developing negotiating skills.

The program gives you the power and the permission to make a difference in policy and politics.

Entry Requirements

A grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the latter half of undergraduate studies. A minimum GPA of 3.0 does not guarantee admission. Particular interests and work experience will also be considered.

Other Fees

Show Less

Regent's online Government degree programs prepare Christian men and women to critically evaluate the social and political systems of the world with confidence and discernment. The integration of the Christian faith into your online government classes will be a central component of the education you achieve. Upon graduating with your online government degree, you will be in a position to put your knowledge and skills to work in service to Christ and government.

Students in the online Government degree program may select an emphasis of study from one of the following:

- American Government & Political Science Degree
- Foreign Policy & International Relations Degree
- Pre-Law Degree

With Regent's Government degree programs, you will study the classic and contemporary moral and philosophical foundations that have long driven past and present government systems. You will learn how governments make rules governing society and the reasoning behind them. Furthermore, your Regent undergraduate professors will offer you their own academic and professional experiences in government and political science to support and challenge you in the development of your own ideas about governance and society.

Entry Requirements

Current high school seniors or students age 22 or younger with less than 15 transferable college credits are eligible for this program.

International applicants
------------------------

For international students in which English is not the primary language of their country, either the TOEFL®, PTE Academic® or the IELTS® exam must be taken to demonstrate one's effectiveness with the English language.

TOEFL

Computer-based - 233
Internet-based - 90
Paper-based - 577

PTE - 61
IELTS - 7

Other Fees

Show Less

The fascinating and expansive arena of law represents diversity among academic backgrounds. From the paralegal professions to the demanding rigor of law school, the legal domain shares a common set of interdisciplinary themes that are essential for success in these disciplines.

Rooted in the study of politics, policy and law, GCU's government degree in legal studies blends an interdisciplinary curriculum with communication, philosophy and business. It serves as a pre-law degree that offers a foundation in ethical leadership and the knowledge to excel in law school.

Legal Studies Education
--------------------------------

With a focus on law school concepts and the legal database research and writing skills that exceed the scope of a two-year paralegal program, the legal studies degree offers the analytical techniques to resolve legal concerns.

It introduces the topics of legal philosophy and the foundations of the law. With an overview of morality in relation to law and ethics, the program examines contemporary topics, such as capital punishment and the legalization of drugs.

It provides the analytical tools within the fields of both criminal and civil law using a contemporary and practical approach. Through an overview of legal practice, civil and criminal law, the legal studies degree has the exposure of a law school curriculum.

Government Core
------------------------

At the heart of the traditional, evening or online BA in government is a classical liberal arts education that inspires critical reasoning, effective communication and a strong foundation in research and writing. The program offers an introduction into American politics and government. It provides a deep understanding of the constitutional foundations and the governing institutions in the federal government.

With the classics as well as the more contemporary expressions of political thought, the core of the government degree surveys the development of the American Constitution from its colonial origins to the present day. In the broader framework of political philosophy, the program examines constitutional law and the impact Supreme Court decisions have had on society.

Entry Requirements

Applicants interested in earning their bachelor's degree online must meet the following requirement:

High School Transcripts - Applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts with a cumulative, unweighted grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above.
Applicants holding their GED should refer to the University Policy Handbook for separate requirements.

Transferring from Another College, University or Program
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applicants with 25 or more transferable credits from an accredited, GCU-approved college, university or program may be accepted to the university if they have an unweighted GPA of 2.25 or above. For more information about our transfer policies, visit GCU's online Transfer Center.

Second Bachelor's Degree
-------------------------------------

Applicants who have already earned a bachelor's degree from GCU or another institution but are interested in pursuing a second bachelor's degree may be accepted to the university if they meet the minimum admission standard of an unweighted GPA of 2.0 or above.

Other Fees

Show Less