Programs Offered

The GVSU Political Science Department:

  • Offers a major (BA or BS), a minor and a teachable minor in Political Science.
  • Offers a dual degree: BA or BS in Political Science and a JD from Michigan State University School of Law.
  • Is the home department for the interdisciplinary International Relations major (BA) and minor. 

Major and Minor Requirements

Student Learning Outcomes

Advising Resources

PLS Alumni Spotlights

Abby Oliver McCarthy Spotlight

Abby Oliver McCarthy

Member Engagement Coordinator, Illinois Senate Republican Caucus

Erik Lazdins Spotlight

Erik Lazdins

Lobbyist for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Madelaine Cleghorn Spotlight

Madelaine Cleghorn

Senior Associate, Feldesman Leifer LLP, Washington DC

Alex Houseman Spotlight

Alex Houseman

Lobbyist, Obsidian Advocacy Group

Erion Veliaj Spotlight

Erion Veliaj

Mayor of Tirana, Albania

View More PLS Alumni Spotlights

News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.

Dec 3, 2025

Kilburn Publishes New Book

Kilburn Publishes New Book

This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Sep 12, 2025

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan

Sep 12, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

Diven Honored with Award

Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.

Jun 23, 2025

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.

May 13, 2025

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Events

GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 1 - RSVP

June 10, 2026 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science & Therapy department, we are hosting a Summer Speaker Series. Our first guest speaker will be Denise Hoffman, Michigan's Occupational...

GVSU Day at Kalamazoo Growlers and Bell's Brewery Tour

June 11, 2026 5:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of baseball, food, beverages, and Laker connections as the Kalamazoo Growlers take on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. It is also Military Appreciation Night, and you can enjoy a post-game...

From Skill to Business: Trades, Food, and Service Entrepreneurs

June 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

FROM SKILL TO BUSINESS: TRADES, FOOD, AND SERVICE ENTREPRENEURS Wednesday, June 17th | Northwest Activities Center | 4:00pm – 6:00pm  Facilitator: Vaughn Arrington, President of Human...

Alumni Webinar: Ask an Advisor with Katie Cwiakala and Meghan Veltri

June 23, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Join us for a virtual “Ask an Advisor” session designed specifically for alumni seeking general career support and guidance. This open Q&A format offers the opportunity to ask questions...

Laker Summer Social in Traverse City

June 23, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

President Philomena V. Mantella and Shannon Owen, director for the GVSU Northern Region, invite alumni, parents, and friends of Grand Valley State University to the Laker Summer Social.   Enjoy...

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Page last modified September 26, 2024