Kara Cook
Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Governor, State of Michigan
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
Jacob Johnston
Grant Writer and Case Manager
Ted Woodcock
City Planner/Zoning Administrator for the City of Norton Shores, Michigan
Richard Damstra
Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO
Derrick Mathis
Manager, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications
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
Events
Rowing Alumni Homecoming Celebration
October 3, 2026 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Join GVSU Rowing alumni for the 2026 Homecoming Celebration at the Boathouse on Saturday, October 3!Enjoy coffee and donuts, reconnect with teammates, and hear an updates on the team. Weather...
Laker Store Alumni Celebration
October 3, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Kick off Homecoming weekend with the Laker Store! Join us Saturday, October 3rd anytime from 10am–2pm at the Allendale Laker Store for fresh doughnuts and cider from Farmhaus Farms. Show your...
Military & Veterans Resource Center Open House
October 3, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Alumni Relations and the Peter Secchia Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) invite you to explore the resource center's newly renovated space and gather with fellow military and veteran...
Alumni Homecoming Tailgate
October 3, 2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Enjoy grab-and-go snacks, yard games, Laker-themed family activities, and more! Bring your own beverages or grab a drink in the Alumni Tailgate Tent from Farmhaus Cider, Long Road Distillers, and Trail...
Alumni House & Visitor Center Open House
October 3, 2026 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
During Homecoming, stop by the Alumni House for cider and donuts, relax in the Arend D. Lubbers Emeritus Study, and tour the Alumni House. You don't need to RSVP. Just drop by!