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

Dorothy Sewe Spotlight

Dorothy Sewe

Aids Refugee Relocation Efforts

Erin (Meteer) Hendges Spotlight

Erin (Meteer) Hendges

Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm

Quinlyn Mork Spotlight

Quinlyn Mork

Studying Abroad in Ghana

Ryan Meyer Spotlight

Ryan Meyer

Program Manager for the American College of Cardiology.

Joe Gordon Spotlight

Joe Gordon

Product Technician at Sydex Computing Systems

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

View More News

Events

Alumni Webinar: Craft a Winning Resume with Abby Priebe

March 17, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Resume questions are one of the number one reasons Lakers reach out for career support. In the age of AI and ATS, how can you make your resume stand out? In this interactive workshop, we'll...

GVSU Night- Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons

March 17, 2026 7:00 PM

Join the D.C. Alumni Network to watch the Washington Wizards take on the Detroit Pistons! Enjoy a fun evening out and catch up with fellow Grand Valley alumni in the D.C. area. Tickets are $24 per...

Elect Her (INT 100 approved)

March 19, 2026 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Running Start, the non-profit organization that runs the Elect Her program, brings campaign training and real-world experiences from currently-elected officials to college campuses across the U.S....

See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People

March 19, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Women elected to public office not only shape policy but also influence young people’s ideas about leadership and democracy. Join us for an engaging conversation with political scientist Christina...

Mental Health Is a Business Strategy: Building Sustainable Success From the Inside Out

March 20, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Mental Health Is a Business Strategy: Building Sustainable Success From the Inside Out Building a business is exciting and demanding. Your mental health matters just as much as your bottom line. Join...

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Page last modified September 26, 2024