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

Virtual Info Session: Gilman International Scholarship and other undergraduate fellowships that help with costs of study abroad - Interested in applying? Join me to learn more!

August 6, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join me to learn more about the Gilman International Scholarship and other fellowships (external, competitive, high-impact opportunities) that help to defray the cost of undergraduate study abroad! The...

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News

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.

May 3, 2024

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE

Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Apr 5, 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

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

Jillian Zirnhelt Spotlight

Jillian Zirnhelt

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

Amy Fuerstenau Spotlight

Amy Fuerstenau

1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation

Quinlyn Mork Spotlight

Quinlyn Mork

Grand Rapids Paralegal Volunteers with Iraqi Refugee Community

Jasmine Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine Caldwell

Social Security Administration

Austin Saycocie Spotlight

Austin Saycocie

Austin Saycocie on JET Program in Japan

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Page last modified August 29, 2022