To make change, understand power. 

Our lives are affected by politics every day, and political events are happening all around us. Political Science is the study of politics and power in its many forms, including protest movements and revolutions, law-making and criminal justice, war and international conflicts, human rights violations and efforts to stop them, campaigns and elections in the U.S. and around the world, and competing political ideas and ideologies.

Our courses provide the tools to analyze and understand all of these things and more, and they also help students develop skills in research, analysis, writing, and speaking that are necessary for success in a variety of professions. Our graduates work in nonprofit organizations, international affairs, law, business, education, advocacy groups, and in local, state, and national government.

The GVSU Political Science Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science. We also host an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.


Events

Virtual Gilman Writing Workshop - Brainstorming Content, Outlining and more - Taking Steps Toward a Successful Application

September 20, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Gilman Program Application Is Now Open!  You have started on your essays by opening an application account in the IIE Gilman portal - Congratulations! You will want to work closely with...

Cook Carillon Tower 30th Anniversary Concert Series - Family Weekend Concert

September 21, 2024 12:00 PM

This fall, GVSU will be hosting a Cook Carillon Tower 30th Anniversary Concert Series to celebrate the Carillon Tower’s 30th anniversary in Allendale, and the first one in the series takes...

Family Weekend Alumni Tailgate

September 21, 2024 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Celebrate Laker Family Weekend at the Alumni Tailgate. Prior to the GVSU Family Day football game kick off, Laker Legacy families (alumni who have children or grandchildren currently attending Grand...

Careers with a Cause - Student Philanthropy Week

September 23, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world and looking for a career that aligns with your values? Discover how to turn your purpose into a profession in this free, virtual session during...

Virtual Info Session: Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) & Inclusive Student Support

September 23, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Interested in intensive language study abroad? Join the CLS Director and Assistant Manager for Outreach and Selection to learn about inclusive student support with the CLS Program. The CLS Program...

The 2024 Election: Issues that Matter for College Students

September 23, 2024 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM

Join Political Science and International Relations faculty, students, and staff at our annual back-to-school open house for a discussion of key issues for college students to consider as we approach...

Identity Theft

September 24, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Join Sarah Bailey '18 and Jessie Smeltzer to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. We will identify the methods used by identity thieves to steal personal information. Learn what information...

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News

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS Alum Charlotte Doran is one of the GVSU Political Science and International Relations alumni starting law school this fall. Charlotte is attending the University of Michigan Law School.

Sep 18, 2024

Hoogwerf Presents Research at APSA Annual Conference

Hoogwerf Presents Research at APSA Annual Conference

GVSU student Nancy Hoogwerf attended this year's American Political Science Association conference to present climate policy research with Professor Schneider.

Sep 9, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad.

Jul 3, 2024

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Spotlights

Rebekah Bailey

Rebakah Bailey, Partner at Nichols Kaster in Minneapolis

Natalie Cleary

Natalie Cleary, Buyer for Meijer

Amanda Fortino

Amanda Fortino, Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary

Audrey Tappenden

Audrey Tappenden, Economic Development Assistant for Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Coldwater

Lindsay (Schachtner) Ryan

Lindsay Ryan, Chief of Staff, Congressman John Moolenaar

Toby Hutchins

Toby Hutchins, Vice President of Fennville Board of Education

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Page last modified October 31, 2023