Regent University is a private Christian university in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The university was founded by Pat Robertson in 1977 as Christian Broadcasting Network University, and changed its name to Regent University in 1990. Regent offers traditional on-campus programs as well as distance education. Through its eight academic schools, Regent offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in over 70 courses of study. The university is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with specific programs accredited by other professional or national accreditors.