Abby Oliver McCarthy
Member Engagement Coordinator, Illinois Senate Republican Caucus
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
Erik Lazdins
Lobbyist for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Madelaine Cleghorn
Senior Associate, Feldesman Leifer LLP, Washington DC
Alex Houseman
Lobbyist, Obsidian Advocacy Group
Erion Veliaj
Mayor of Tirana, Albania
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
GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 1 - RSVP
June 10, 2026 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science & Therapy department, we are hosting a Summer Speaker Series. Our first guest speaker will be Denise Hoffman, Michigan's Occupational...
GVSU Day at Kalamazoo Growlers and Bell's Brewery Tour
June 11, 2026 5:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of baseball, food, beverages, and Laker connections as the Kalamazoo Growlers take on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. It is also Military Appreciation Night, and you can enjoy a post-game...
From Skill to Business: Trades, Food, and Service Entrepreneurs
June 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FROM SKILL TO BUSINESS: TRADES, FOOD, AND SERVICE ENTREPRENEURS Wednesday, June 17th | Northwest Activities Center | 4:00pm – 6:00pm Facilitator: Vaughn Arrington, President of Human...
Alumni Webinar: Ask an Advisor with Katie Cwiakala and Meghan Veltri
June 23, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a virtual “Ask an Advisor” session designed specifically for alumni seeking general career support and guidance. This open Q&A format offers the opportunity to ask questions...
Laker Summer Social in Traverse City
June 23, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
President Philomena V. Mantella and Shannon Owen, director for the GVSU Northern Region, invite alumni, parents, and friends of Grand Valley State University to the Laker Summer Social. Enjoy...