Contact

GVSU International Relations 

irdept@gvsu.edu

Phone: (616) 331-2320

1121 AuSable Hall
1 Campus Dr
Allendale, MI 49401-9403

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Students in the international relations program examine the sources of tension that create conflict among nations, interdependence among nations, and ways in which international management and diplomacy can promote cooperation.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

International relations graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. We also offer a minor in international relations. In addition to the general international relations curriculum, students may select emphases in:

• Area studies such as Latin American studies, Middle East studies, African studies, and East Asian studies
• Economics and business
• History and geography
• Political science

Coursework

The curriculum is designed to give students a broad base of knowledge. Some of the subjects included are:

• Emerging markets issues
• Geography
• International law
• Macro and microeconomics
• U.S. foreign policy

Career Options

Students may work in fields such as:

• Government service
• Nonprofit organizations
• Journalism
• Marketing
• Public policy
• Teaching

Why Study International Relations at Grand Valley?

• A broad curriculum that prepares students for a wide variety of careers.
• An excellent study abroad program that gives students the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that significantly enrich their educations.
• An active internship program where students get credits for internship experience.

Mission – International Relations Program

The mission of the International Relations Program, an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Political Science, is to prepare students for citizenship, post-baccalaureate education, and professional careers through interdisciplinary coursework in international relations, advising, and participation in internships, with an emphasis on study abroad and other international experiences.

Vision – International Relations Program

We are committed to setting a standard of excellence in the interdisciplinary undergraduate study of International Relations, including the geography, history, economics, languages and politics of global interactions. International Relations students gain comprehensive knowledge of the complex economic, social, cultural and political relationships among citizens, societies, states and international institutions. Students attain both theoretical and experiential knowledge of International Relations and critical analytic skills through study on campus and, in most cases, study abroad. We prepare students to be well-informed citizens and to make meaningful contributions to the increasingly globalized world. We foster a diverse international community engaged in inquiry, expression, and rigorous scholarship.

Values – Political Science and International Relations

In the Department of Political Science and the International Relations Program at Grand Valley State University, we strive toward acquiring and utilizing knowledge of Political Science and International Relations in a setting of academic freedom, methodological and theoretical pluralism, while encouraging disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• We value excellence in education facilitated through
  • Active student-teacher engagement and academic achievement in a rigorous and challenging course of study that emphasizes the development of critical and analytical thinking and writing.
  • Student exposure to a variety of theoretical and political perspectives for the purpose of enhancing critical and analytical thinking and writing skills.
  • A comprehensive coverage of the disciplines and access to a wide variety of upper-level courses.
  • Emphasis on internships, co-curricular and civic education opportunities in our local, state, national and global communities.
• Excellence in faculty scholarship.
• Service to the discipline, unit, college, university and community.
• Student development as well-informed, global citizens in a democratic society.

CLAS

The International Relations Program is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.