Joe Gordon
Product Technician at Sydex Computing Systems
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
Hannah Patrick
Contracts Administrator for Integrated Health Partners
Maro Houhanisin
Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations
Amanda Fortino
Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary
Lyndsey Bates
Lyndsey Bates, Partner/Attorney at AsherKelly
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
ENS Winter 2026 Sustainability Showcase (March 30 - April 4)
April 4, 2026 All Day
You're invited to learn about the research projects, innovative designs, and assessments that students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) Program have been working on this semester. Starting...
Student Scholars Day 2026 (INT 100/201 approved)
April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) and the Student Scholars Day Faculty Planning Committee are thrilled to welcome you to the...
Tabling in Kirkhof Center on Student Scholars Day: Opportunities for Summer Internships and Post-Graduation Work and Service
April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Come join us on the 30th Annual Student Scholars Day in the Kirkhof Center Lobby to explore opportunities for summer internships and post-graduation work and service. Tabling in the main Kirkhof Center...
The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence
April 9, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Public debates about intelligence and surveillance have long reflected a tension between security and liberty in American democracy. Join us for a conversation with historian Jeff Rogg, who studies...
Erased Histories: Violence Against Mexican Americans
April 13, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This event explores the history of racialized violence against Mexican and Mexican American communities. Through a screening of Porvenir, Texas, and a guided discussion, we will examine...