Kirsten Zeiter
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
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
Madelaine Cleghorn
Senior Associate, Feldesman Leifer LLP, Washington DC
Ryan Meyer
Program Manager for the American College of Cardiology.
Megan Koops Fisher
Community Outreach Program Manager for Ready for School
Rebekah Bailey
Rebakah Bailey, Partner at Nichols Kaster in Minneapolis
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
Pride by the Pond
June 3, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Please Join the Division of People, Equity, and Culture, the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Association, and the Rainbow Resource Center for Pride by the Pond on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00...
GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 1 - RSVP
June 10, 2026 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science & Therapy department, we are hosting a Summer Speaker Series. Our first guest speaker will be Denise Hoffman, Michigan's Occupational...
GVSU Day at Kalamazoo Growlers and Bell's Brewery Tour
June 11, 2026 5:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of baseball, food, beverages, and Laker connections as the Kalamazoo Growlers take on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. It is also Military Appreciation Night, and you can enjoy a post-game...
From Skill to Business: Trades, Food, and Service Entrepreneurs
June 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FROM SKILL TO BUSINESS: TRADES, FOOD, AND SERVICE ENTREPRENEURS Wednesday, June 17th | Northwest Activities Center | 4:00pm – 6:00pm Facilitator: Vaughn Arrington, President of Human...
Alumni Webinar: Ask an Advisor with Katie Cwiakala and Meghan Veltri
June 23, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a virtual “Ask an Advisor” session designed specifically for alumni seeking general career support and guidance. This open Q&A format offers the opportunity to ask questions...