Shaun Brodie
Senior Staff Attorney for the Benefits Review Board at the U.S. Department of Labor.
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
Andrea Haverdink
Digital Director at Americans For Tax Fairness and Creative Director for Unfiltered Media
Erion Veliaj
Mayor of Tirana, Albania
Dorothy Sewe
Aids Refugee Relocation Efforts
Chelsea Kendziorski
Student Summer Scholar 2014
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
Democracy 101: First Time Voter Workshop (INT 100/201 Approved)
September 9, 2026 6:00 PM
New to voting? Learn everything you need to know about registering, understanding the voting process, and casting your ballot with confidence. This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for first-time...
Non-Profit Volunteer & Internship Fair
September 10, 2026 1:00 PM
Looking to Make a Difference or Gain Real-World Experience? Explore dozens of meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities at the Non-Profit Volunteer and Internship Fair at KIRKHOF CENTER NORTH...
Work Reimagined: AI & Immersive Tech
September 10, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Gather with fellow alumni for a hands-on generative AI experience and discussion on emerging technologies like AI and Virtual Reality. At this free event, you'll learn more about how these innovations...
Astronauts for America: Vote for Freedom (INT 100/201 Approved)
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Astronauts for America, a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts, is coming to GVSU! Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by hearing astronaut John Herrington, PhD, Cdr. USN (ret)...
Coffee and Camaraderie
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join students, faculty, staff, and alumni for Coffee and Camaraderie! Connect with members of the Military and Veteran Faculty and Staff Association, Laker Vets, and the Military and Veterans Resource...