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

JCPenney Suit Up - Winter 2024

March 24, 2024 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

All Grand Valley students and alumni are invited to attend a GVSU/JCPenney Suit-Up Event! This event will include options to participate virtually or in-person. In-person: Come to JCPenney at RiverTown...

Adam Sturdivant, Partner at Drew Cooper & Anding

March 26, 2024 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The Political Science Department invites you to hear from attorney Adam Sturdivent. After graduating from GVSU, Adam began practicing law in Ohio but returned to Grand Rapids in 2008. Come hear about...

Careers in Communication and the Arts

March 26, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Careers in Communication & The Arts allows students to learn more about career opportunities in communications, journalism, writing, film and video, and related sectors. Students will network with...

This is a work for the mothers: Strategic Maternalism Against the Far Right featuring Lorna Bracewell

April 4, 2024 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Recent debates over public school curricula, including “anti-CRT” initiatives and attacks on “gender ideology,” have led to a reinvigoration of maternalist politics in the United...

Kpop Unleashed 2024

April 7, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

K-Pop Unleashed is K-Pop Group Evolution's annual dance and cultural showcase. This event features performances and discussions from both Grand Valley clubs and other organizations in the Grand...

SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE (Apr 8-13)

April 8, 2024 All Day

You're invited to come learn about the research projects, innovative designs, and assessments that students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) Program have been working on this...

SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE (Apr 8-13)

April 9, 2024 All Day

You're invited to come learn about the research projects, innovative designs, and assessments that students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) Program have been working on this...

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News

Student named as Truman Scholarship Finalist

Student named as Truman Scholarship Finalist

Junior Nancy Hoogwerf becomes fifth Laker to receive honor.

Mar 20, 2024

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award

Feb 19, 2024

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.

Feb 13, 2024

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Spotlights

Thomas Bell

Director of the Center for Educator Preparation and Director of the Urban Institute for Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice.

Amanda Fortino

Amanda Fortino, Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary

Landon Hughes

Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School

Kyle McMillen

Senior Project Manager at Parker Philips, Inc.

Shaun Brodie

Shaun Brodie, Senior Staff Attorney for the Benefits Review Board at the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Jay Fleming

Jay Fleming, Attorney

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Page last modified October 31, 2023