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

Build Feminist Futures Symposium 2025

March 13, 2025 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This Two day Symposium will feature Keynote Speaker Jocelyn Olcott, "The World will not be the same" with dinner to follow. Fridays speakers include: Dr. Jallicia Jolly “Black Feminist...

Build Feminist Futures Symposium 2025

March 14, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

This Two day Symposium will feature Keynote Speaker Jocelyn Olcott, "The World will not be the same" with dinner to follow. Fridays speakers include: Dr. Jallicia Jolly “Black Feminist...

Asian Night Market

March 14, 2025 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Interested in trying different types of Asian street-style food? Come out to our Asian Night Market event! Everyone is welcome to try something new! .*Main items are priced individually by...

Celebrate the Festival of Colors � Holi 2025!

March 15, 2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Holi, the vibrant festival of colors! Experience the joy and excitement as we come together to celebrate this ancient Indian tradition with music,...

(Virtual) Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session (with IIE Fulbright program presenters)

March 19, 2025 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Interested in teaching English abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)? Curious about the Fulbright Study/Research (S/R) grants for US students seeking support for independent research...

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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 Wallace Spotlight

Kristina Wallace

2004 Graduate Now Program Manager at Pardee RAND Graduate School

Jessica Soto Smith Spotlight

Jessica Soto Smith

2011 Graduate at the Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University

Anne Marie Carson Spotlight

Anne Marie Carson

Graduate of the Georgetown Law, Co-Chair of Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions at Miller Johnson in Grand Rapids

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell Spotlight

Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell

2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago

Elena Szost Spotlight

Elena Szost

Program Manager, Chemonics International

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Page last modified August 29, 2022