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

Travel Program Info Session

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

Join us March 20 at noon to learn more about GVSU’s new Alumni Travel Program and find out why our inaugural tour has been voted a #1 favorite for over 20 years! Also learn about our Spring...

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...

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...

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...

SUSTAINABILITY SHOWCASE (Apr 8-13)

April 10, 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

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

John T. Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

John T. Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.

Feb 13, 2024

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Spotlights

Jeanine Anderson

Senior Legal Counsel at Equinix

Toby Hutchins

Toby Hutchins, Vice President of Fennville Board of Education

Maro Houhanisin

Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations

Kara Cook

Policy Advisor, Executive Office of Governor Whitmer

Robert Monaghan

Corporate Executive and Nonprofit Leader

Ted Woodcock

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

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Page last modified October 31, 2023