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

Emily Brown

Master's Student Working for State Department

Tyler Nickerson

First Vice President of Commercial Banking, Amalgamated Bank

Landon Hughes

Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School

View More Spotlights

Victor Cardenas '00 2024 Alumni Service Award Recipient

Victor Cardenas' life has been characterized by service to the public and Grand Valley. Cardenas graduated from GVSU in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He earned a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University and executive

Sep 30, 2024

Professor Zinman Publishes New Book

Professor Zinman's new book, America's First Wartime Election, is set to release this November. This will be his second book published with the University Press of Kansas.

Sep 25, 2024

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

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

Sep 9, 2024