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, (divenp@gvsu.edu) for additional information.

Events

Piñata Making

April 2, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

During this event, students will gain hands-on experience in the traditional art of piñata making, a vibrant and culturally significant craft in Hispanic culture. They will explore the history...

African Ball Award Show Night

April 6, 2025 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The African Ball is a celebratory event that aims to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the African continent through music, dance, fashion, cuisine, and art. It's an opportunity to...

Tabling in Kirkhof Center on Student Scholars Day: Wonderful Opportunities for Summer Internships and Post-Graduation Work and Service

April 9, 2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Come join us on the 29th Annual Student Scholars Day in the Kirkhof Center Lobby to explore opportunities for summer internships and post-graduation work and service. Tabling in the main Kirkhof Center...

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News

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.

Feb 26, 2025

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR Alum Jessica Geisler is starting her JD studies this fall at Wayne Law.

Sep 18, 2024

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

McGhee wins 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Aaron McGhee is the winner of the 2024 Zeeb Scholarship for Study Abroad

Jul 3, 2024

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

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Spotlights

Kristina Bray Spotlight

Kristina Bray

2013 Graduate Working as Customs Compliance Officer

Joey Courtade Spotlight

Joey Courtade

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Alumni of the Year

Karissa Kresge Spotlight

Karissa Kresge

2013 IR Grad Works for UNICEF USA

Mario Amaya-Velazquez Spotlight

Mario Amaya-Velazquez

Amaya Appointed to Development Analyst Position with the Obama Foundation

Meghan Neuhaus Spotlight

Meghan Neuhaus

Meghan (Thatcher) Neuhaus, International Education Specialist

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Page last modified August 29, 2022