Grand Valley International Relations

Welcome to International Relations (IR) at GVSU!

Are you interested in international events and trends? Can you envision a career in global affairs, international business, or law? Have you imagined working for a multinational corporation or an international non-profit institution? The IR program is a good place for you to start.

IR equips majors and minors with the tools they need to understand global and international trends. Our students seek to understand issues of global importance, including development, the environment, security, human rights, migration, and the interconnections between  governance, economics, power, and identity.

Our curriculum includes a strong interdisciplinary core, enhanced by a flexible set of electives that allow you to configure your studies to meet your own interests. 

Please explore our website and contact our Program Director, Professor Polly Diven, ([email protected]) for additional information.

Events

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...

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...

2024 Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

April 13, 2024 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A Traditional Powwow is a gathering and celebration of Native American culture through ceremony, song, dance, feasting, and socializing. Traditional pow wows include dancers, drum groups,...

2024 Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow

April 14, 2024 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

A Traditional Powwow is a gathering and celebration of Native American culture through ceremony, song, dance, feasting, and socializing. Traditional pow wows include dancers, drum groups,...

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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

GV in DC Scholarship

GV in DC Scholarship

The GV in DC Endowed Scholarship helps Grand Valley students study and intern in Washington, D.C.

Feb 13, 2024

PLS/IR Department Hosts Lecture on China by Kaiser Kuo

PLS/IR Department Hosts Lecture on China by Kaiser Kuo

Kuo lectured on what we get right and wrong about China.

Feb 6, 2024

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Spotlights

Sam Stephenson Spotlight

Sam Stephenson

Member of U.S. Air Force, Graduate of the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California

Kaylin Klein Spotlight

Kaylin Klein

Kaylin Klein now working for Fidelity Investments

Lizzie Heyboer Spotlight

Lizzie Heyboer

National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Fellowship

Jillian Zirnhelt Spotlight

Jillian Zirnhelt

Jillian Zirnhelt is a Research Officer at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell

2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago

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Page last modified August 29, 2022