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

Lyndsey Bates Spotlight

Lyndsey Bates

Lyndsey Bates, Partner/Attorney at AsherKelly

Landon Hughes Spotlight

Landon Hughes

Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School

Joshua Lunger Spotlight

Joshua Lunger

Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Audrey Tappenden Spotlight

Audrey Tappenden

Economic Development Director, City of Coldwater

Kyle Huisman Spotlight

Kyle Huisman

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

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

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Events

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

June 24, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...

GVSU Alumni Day at Michigan's Adventure

June 26, 2026 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Join us for a relaxed summer day at Michigan’s Adventure! Enjoy the park at your own pace, then gather for an early dinner in the pavilion to connect and create shared memories with...

Tabling at Holland Pride!

June 27, 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Stop by GVSU's booth at Holland Pride this summer! Our booth number will be confirmed soon. Holland Pride WebsiteSponsored by the Division of People, Equity, and Culture and our Rainbow Resource...

Summer Concert Series at Cook Carillon Tower

June 30, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for a live outdoor concert in the heart of Grand Valley's beautiful Allendale campus! Enjoy tranquil lake views and inspiring performances...

GVSU Alumni at the Whitecaps

July 1, 2026 6:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of baseball and Laker connection as the West Michigan Whitecaps take on the Lake County Captains. Your registration includes buffet access for two hours, unlimited soda and water...

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Page last modified September 26, 2024