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

Maro Houhanisin Spotlight

Maro Houhanisin

Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations

Erik Lazdins Spotlight

Erik Lazdins

Lobbyist for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Joe Gordon Spotlight

Joe Gordon

Product Technician at Sydex Computing Systems

Rebekah Bakker Spotlight

Rebekah Bakker

Business Development Manager at Custer, Inc.

Toby Hutchins Spotlight

Toby Hutchins

Assistant Director, TRIO Upward Bound, Hope College, and President, Fennville School Board

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

Asian Block-Printing Workshop!

February 23, 2026 3:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Join the Asian Student Achievement Program (ASAP) in a brief history of block-printing throughout Asia, see popular examples of artwork, and have free time to carve your own rubber stamps! Everyone...

Alumni Travel Program Info Session: Iceland

February 24, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thinking about your next adventure? Join us for an inside look at the Alumni Travel Program and our upcoming trip to Iceland in September 2026! Our partners from Premier World Discovery will walk...

Democracy 101: "Opposing Tyranny with Nonviolent Civil Resistance" (INT 100/201 approved)

February 25, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for a deep dive on Nonviolent Civil Resistance: what it is, studies by multiple scholars, and examples of different types of Protest, Noncooperation, and Intervention. Blending some lessons...

GVSU Grand Rapids Sports Week

February 26, 2026 All Day

Join fellow Lakers to cheer on two of your favorite Grand Rapids Sports teams! Come support the Grand Rapids Rise and Griffins, and score limited-edition, co-branded merch! Get a special GVSU discount...

Maximizing Social Security

February 26, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Confused about Social Security? This session will go beyond the basics of retirement benefits to explore often-overlooked filing strategies, including options for spouses and divorced spouses. You’ll...

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Page last modified September 26, 2024