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

Kara Cook

Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Governor, State of Michigan

Ted Woodcock

City Planner/Zoning Administrator for the City of Norton Shores, Michigan

Derrick Mathis

Manager, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications

Selma Tucker

Principal, GSO Solutions

View More PLS Alumni Spotlights

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