Regent University Adds AI, Education, Pastoral Counseling, and Accounting Degrees for Spring 2027
Regent University Adds AI, Education, Pastoral Counseling, and Accounting Degrees for Spring 2027
Regent University has announced it will expand its academic catalog with new degree offerings beginning in Spring 2027, spanning four distinct fields: artificial intelligence, education, pastoral counseling, and accounting. The move positions the Virginia Beach-based Christian university to meet rising workforce demand in both emerging technology and long-established professional disciplines.
The university, which states it offers more than 150 degrees online and on campus, framed the additions as part of a broader effort to equip students for rapidly evolving career landscapes while maintaining its faith-based educational mission. By pairing a forward-looking field like artificial intelligence with service-oriented programs in education and pastoral counseling, Regent is signaling an intent to remain competitive across multiple segments of higher education.
Mixing Emerging Technology with Traditional Professions
The inclusion of artificial intelligence among the new offerings reflects a wider higher-education trend in which universities are racing to launch AI-related credentials. At the same time, the addition of accounting and education degrees highlights steady demand for practical, licensure-aligned career pathways. Pastoral counseling further distinguishes the expansion by addressing the specialized training needs of ministry and faith-based community settings.
The announcement did not specify whether the new programs will be delivered online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Regent has historically emphasized flexible delivery models, with a significant portion of its catalog available through online learning. Prospective students are advised to consult the university’s academic program pages for details on modality, credit requirements, and admission criteria.
The Spring 2027 rollout gives Regent a runway to develop curriculum, secure any necessary approvals, and recruit faculty with expertise in these growing fields.
What Still Needs Verification
Several details remain to be clarified in follow-up reporting. The university has not yet published exact degree titles for the new programs, nor has it confirmed whether they are undergraduate, graduate, or offered at both levels. Accreditation implications for any new degrees — particularly in accounting and counseling, where professional licensure requirements vary by state — will be important for prospective students to understand.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. New programs in fields like pastoral counseling may also require alignment with specialized accrediting bodies depending on the specific degree level and intended career outcomes.
Institutional Context
Regent University has long positioned itself as a leader in Christian higher education with a strong online presence. The expansion into artificial intelligence represents a notable addition to a catalog that has traditionally emphasized areas such as law, divinity, business, and government — though the university has increasingly diversified its offerings to reflect shifts in the broader economy.
The four new fields also track with national labor market data indicating sustained demand for accountants, educators, mental health and counseling professionals, and AI specialists. For a Christian university, the combination of technology and people-centered disciplines may appeal to students seeking both professional advancement and a values-based educational environment.
As Spring 2027 approaches, additional announcements are expected to clarify program structures, tuition, and enrollment timelines. Until then, the announcement serves as an early signal of how faith-based institutions are adapting their academic portfolios to a changing job market.
Students and families interested in learning more can monitor Regent University’s official communications and academic catalog updates as details are finalized.
