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International Relations Minor

Minor (M)

Undergraduate Minor

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 21 Credits

International relations students examine interactions among states and peoples in an interdependent world. They study how governments, nongovernment organizations, and corporations resolve conflicts and foster cooperation. Graduates are well-informed citizens who are able to make meaningful contributions in a globalized environment.

Overview

The International Relations Minor closely examines political, economic, and cultural relationships on a global scale. Students learn about diplomacy, conflict and conflict resolution, international business and trade, human rights, and global governance. Students completing the program are well-informed citizens who make meaningful contributions in a globalized environment.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of global issues and perspectives, covering subjects such as modern history, U.S. foreign policy, world geography, international law, and comparative economic systems.

The program equips students with the skills to understand global and international trends and the interconnections between governance, economics, power, and identity. With a strong interdisciplinary core and flexible electives, you can tailor your studies to your interests. Study abroad programs offer unique experiences that significantly enrich your education, and the internship program allows you to gain real-world work experience.

Department of Political Science

gvsu.edu/polisci/ir
1121 AuSable Hall
(616) 331-2320

Dr. Polly Diven, International Relations Program Director
[email protected]

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 62,890.04 10%
$ 80,056.12 25%
$123,660.97 50%
$130,715.91 75%
$206,644.17 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 75,676.08 10%
$ 91,009.38 25%
$114,354.20 50%
$159,180.87 75%
$196,247.54 90%

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 56,293.34 10%
$ 79,527.31 25%
$119,251.36 50%
$175,504.10 75%
$277,948.34 90%

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 71,822.39 10%
$ 82,388.80 25%
$ 92,560.00 50%
$118,247.99 75%
$166,295.99 90%

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 61,337.58 10%
$ 76,350.39 25%
$ 97,402.17 50%
$138,494.59 75%
$243,842.69 90%

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 28,769.07 10%
$ 35,484.24 25%
$ 46,713.08 50%
$ 75,565.41 75%
$133,489.68 90%

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 73,316.78 10%
$101,622.71 25%
$137,859.48 50%
$171,385.77 75%
$194,090.86 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Top skills
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 78,109.66 10%
$101,494.16 25%
$137,854.69 50%
$197,867.02 75%
$302,211.23 90%

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 64,705.25 10%
$ 92,430.66 25%
$144,889.64 50%
$227,892.51 75%
$356,082.13 90%

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 54,163.19 10%
$ 68,390.40 25%
$ 93,579.19 50%
$120,078.40 75%
$159,411.19 90%

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Mathematics
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 60,601.58 10%
$ 81,479.62 25%
$116,969.01 50%
$172,560.49 75%
$222,824.22 90%

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 30,332.60 10%
$ 36,683.87 25%
$ 56,916.06 50%
$ 92,948.67 75%
$157,194.21 90%
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
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25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty
1000+
Employers Participate in GVSU Career Events

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified May 20, 2025