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

Political Science major (BA or BS)
Political Science minor
Political Science teachable minor
LEAP (Legal Education Admission Program). Dual degree:
BA or BS from GVSU political science. JD from Michigan State University College of Law.
International Relations major (BA)
International Relations minor

Student Learning Outcomes

Advising Resources

Jacob Simon

Lawyer and Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University College of Law

Kyle Huisman

Research Analyst at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

Patrick Miller

Teaching at United States Military Academy

Thomas Bell

Director of the Center for Educator Preparation and Director of the Urban Institute for Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice.

View More PLS Alumni Spotlights

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

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