Morgan Taylor
Educational Policy Analyst
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
Jill Grifhorst
Event Coordinator for the U.S. Supreme Court
Joshua Lunger
Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
Mollie Smith
Sales account manager at Learning Care Group in Novi, Michigan
Maro Houhanisin
Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations
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
Reporting on Key Issues in China and Taiwan with Emily Feng (INT 100/201 approved)
February 3, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Join NPR correspondent Emily Feng for an exploration of identity and belonging in China, highlighting the intersection of politics, ideology, and everyday life under Xi Jinping, based on her on-the-ground...
Campus Conversation- IMPACTS OF CHANGE- How is Everyone Doing? (INT 100/201 Approved)
February 4, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharing our Perspectives and Experiences EVENT REGISTRATION At this moment in our country and world, change is happening at a rapid pace. Some are excited by what they see as positive movement...
Fellowships Information Session: Planning to apply for the Gilman? Exploring Fulbright? Interested in the NSF Goldwater for students planning on graduate research in STEM? Curious about fellowship opportunities generally?
February 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...
Real Talk: Social Sciences Edition
February 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Gain inside information on career paths, resumes, interviewing, networking, and other career-related concepts that you can start using TODAY as a student by rotating between stations led by GVSU alumni...
Alumni Webinar: Burnout Proof Your Career with Kali Wolken
February 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Every year, more employees report experiencing some form of burnout. Despite all the predictions of how technology would alleviate the stress we all feel, people are more overwhelmed than ever. So...