Helms School of Government Study under faculty with real-world experience in criminal justice and government.
Find Your Purpose at the Helms School of Government
Choosing where to study government isn’t just about picking a major – it’s about deciding what kind of impact you want to make. At Liberty University’s Helms School of Government, that decision is taken seriously. This is a place where your interest in politics, public service, law, or national security can be shaped into something purposeful, rooted in both knowledge and conviction.
Named after Senator Jesse Helms, the school reflects a legacy of conviction, civic engagement, and commitment to truth and freedom – values that continue to influence its mission today.
This space is designed for you if you are exploring purpose and impact through fields like:
- politics and public policy
- law and legal studies
- national security and intelligence
- public administration and leadership
Whether you’re just starting your college journey or thinking about advancing your education, you can find a range of options – from associate degrees to doctoral programs, as well as certificates and minors that allow you to focus your interests. Each path is designed to help you study the systems that shape society while considering how your own values and beliefs can guide your future role.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Online Government Degrees Designed for You
If you’re considering a degree in government, flexibility is likely one of your biggest concerns. Can you balance school with work? Will an online program still feel meaningful? At the Helms School of Government, online government degrees are structured with those concerns in mind, offering a format that can fit into your life while still challenging you academically.
Through online study, you can explore topics like:
- Public policy
- Political systems
- National security
- Leadership
Courses are designed to encourage:
- Critical thinking and discussion
- Helping you examine real-world issues
- Consider how decisions are made at local, national, and global levels
You may also be wondering if an online degree will hold value. The same commitment to academic quality, ethical reflection, and values-driven leadership is woven throughout Liberty’s online government programs. Faculty who teach in residential settings are often involved in online instruction as well, helping maintain consistency across formats.
For many students, the question isn’t just can I study government online? – it’s can I do it in a way that feels purposeful and connected to my goals? The Helms School of Government aims to provide that balance, giving you the space to grow academically while considering how your education could be applied in service to others.
What Degrees Does the Helms School of Government Offer?
Associate
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Doctoral
Undergraduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates
Executive Certificates
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
The Faculty Behind Online Government Degrees at the Helms School of Government
At the Helms School of Government, your education is shaped not only by what you study but also by who guides you along the way. The faculty and staff bring a range of academic knowledge and real-world experience in areas like public policy, law, national security, and public administration. In your courses, you may have opportunities to engage with instructors who have studied complex issues, contributed to professional fields, and remained active in conversations that impact today’s political and civic landscape. With a focus on thoughtful discussion and values-driven leadership, the Helms School of Government faculty and staff aim to create an environment where your questions are taken seriously and your goals can be explored with clarity and purpose.
What Can You Do with an Online Government Degree?
Your background, interests, and goals can help shape your next step in studying government. Whether you’re exploring how public policy works, preparing for a role in public service, strengthening your leadership skills, or considering advanced research in government and law, the options below can help you identify a path that aligns with your direction.
I want to build foundational knowledge in government
I want to grow in leadership or public service
I want to focus on policy and decision-making
I want to study national security or intelligence
I want to contribute to research or academic work
I want to develop skills in a focused area without committing to a full degree
I want to combine government with another area of study
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate, $290 per credit hour for graduate, and $375 per credit hour for doctoral courses*
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder**
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*For eligible current and former service members and their spouses. Learn more!
**Not applicable to certificates. Cannot be combined with the $375/credit hour doctoral military rate.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our School of Government
What’s special about Helms School of Government?
Is the Helms School of Government accredited?
Is tuition going up with inflation?
What fields can I go into with a degree from Helms School of Government?
Are Liberty University’s government programs available part-time?
How does Liberty University integrate a Christian worldview into its government programs?
Inner Navigation
Have questions?
