To make change, understand power. 

Our lives are affected by politics every day, and political events are happening all around us. Political Science is the study of politics and power in its many forms, including protest movements and revolutions, law-making and criminal justice, war and international conflicts, human rights violations and efforts to stop them, campaigns and elections in the U.S. and around the world, and competing political ideas and ideologies.

Our courses provide the tools to analyze and understand all of these things and more, and they also help students develop skills in research, analysis, writing, and speaking that are necessary for success in a variety of professions. Our graduates work in nonprofit organizations, international affairs, law, business, education, advocacy groups, and in local, state, and national government.

The GVSU Political Science Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science. We also host an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.


Events

Digital Transformation and the Future of Computing

September 19, 2024 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

An engaging panel discussion with industry executives Grand Valley State University’s College of Computing is hosting a distinguished speaker and a panel of executives, who will share their...

Trump, Kamala, and the Cuban Revolution

September 19, 2024 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Please see the attached flyer for a joint Human Rights/Latin American Studies event on Thursday, September 19th. Dr. Stuart Schussler is visiting to discuss with us the United States’ foreign...

The Blue Dot Experience

September 19, 2024 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

An Innovative Response to West Michigan's Tech Talent Shortage Join us for an exclusive event showcasing Blue Dot - Grand Valley State University's innovative response to West Michigan’s...

Virtual Gilman Writing Workshop - Brainstorming Content, Outlining and more - Taking Steps Toward a Successful Application

September 20, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Gilman Program Application Is Now Open!  You have started on your essays by opening an application account in the IIE Gilman portal - Congratulations! You will want to work closely with...

Cook Carillon Tower 30th Anniversary Concert Series - Family Weekend Concert

September 21, 2024 12:00 PM

This fall, GVSU will be hosting a Cook Carillon Tower 30th Anniversary Concert Series to celebrate the Carillon Tower’s 30th anniversary in Allendale, and the first one in the series takes...

Family Weekend Alumni Tailgate

September 21, 2024 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Celebrate Laker Family Weekend at the Alumni Tailgate. Prior to the GVSU Family Day football game kick off, Laker Legacy families (alumni who have children or grandchildren currently attending Grand...

Careers with a Cause - Student Philanthropy Week

September 23, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world and looking for a career that aligns with your values? Discover how to turn your purpose into a profession in this free, virtual session during...

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News

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS Alum Charlotte Doran is one of the GVSU Political Science and International Relations alumni starting law school this fall. Charlotte is attending the University of Michigan Law School.

Sep 18, 2024

Hoogwerf Presents Research at APSA Annual Conference

Hoogwerf Presents Research at APSA Annual Conference

GVSU student Nancy Hoogwerf attended this year's American Political Science Association conference to present climate policy research with Professor Schneider.

Sep 9, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad.

Jul 3, 2024

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Spotlights

Lindsay (Schachtner) Ryan

Lindsay Ryan, Chief of Staff, Congressman John Moolenaar

Maro Houhanisin

Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations

Erin (Meteer) Hendges

Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm

Jordan Meagher

Parks Planner for Metro Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee

Hannah Patrick

Contracts Administrator for Integrated Health Partners

Andrea Haverdink

Andrea Haverdink, Digital Director at Americans For Tax Fairness and Creative Director for Unfiltered Media

View More Spotlights




Page last modified October 31, 2023