Erik Lazdins
Lobbyist for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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
PLS Alumni Spotlights
Marc Plooster
Former Accounting Supervisor for the Holland Public Schools and current Ph.D. student in PhD student
Nick Girimont
1L at MSU College of Law
Chelsea Kendziorski
Student Summer Scholar 2014
Morgan Taylor
Educational Policy Analyst
News
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
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
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
The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.
May 13, 2025
Events
Don Williams Celebration of Life - Ceremony & Lucheon
May 16, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The man who mentored countless students and was largely responsible for establishing Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs died in late March, leaving behind a legacy worthy of a "Giant." Donald...
GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2026
May 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for the 6th Annual GVSU Cornhole Tournament! Registration is free — just pick a teammate and a team name. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate. The first...
From Idea to Action: Conversations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs- Care to Career: Care Based and Community Centered Ventures
May 19, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
A conversation for people interested in care based and community centered ventures. This includes home based childcare providers, early learning centers, youth programs, family support organizations,...
Sales Lab Showcase
May 19, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Join fellow alumni for a tour of the Seidman College of Business' Experiential Learning and Sales Lab. This innovative space gives students the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom...
GVSU Athletics Fund Golf Outing 2026!
May 28, 2026 8:30 AM
Join us on the green at the 54th Annual GVSU Athletics Fund Golf Outing, presented by United Commercial Services (UCS), to be held on Thursday, May 28 at The Meadows Golf Club...