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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Requirements for a Major in International Relations

The international relations major leads to a B.A. degree. Students must demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency in a foreign language and are strongly encouraged to undertake additional language study.

Students majoring in international relations are required to complete at least 39 credit hours, including the major requirements (21 hours) listed as follows. Fifteen of the remaining 18 hours should be selected from the list of international relations course electives as follows and must include a minimum of three hours at the 300-level or above in each of the first three categories: economics and business, geography and history, and political science. Students must also fulfill at least three hours in Experiential Learning. Students should not regard this list of elective courses as definitive. With the permission of the program coordinator, study abroad courses, internship credits, and upper-level GVSU courses not included in this list can be used as electives for the international relations major. These choices should be made in consultation with an advisor and approved by the program coordinator.

  • Core requirements (21 hours)
  • Elective requirements (15 hours)
  • Experiential learning (3 hours)

Core Requirements

International Relations Course Electives

A total of 15 hours must be completed.

Business and Economics Electives

Choose a minimum of one course at the 300-level or above.

Geography and History Electives

Choose a minimum of one course at the 300-level or above.

Political Science Electives

Choose a minimum of one course at the 300-level or above.

Experiential Learning

Complete at least three credits through a combination of the following:

Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate fourth-semester proficiency (202-level or higher) in a foreign language.

Special Topics and Independent Study - Optional

Suggested Order of Coursework

The flexibility in course selection makes it important for students to seek the advice of an international relations faculty advisor when choosing courses to fit their specific needs and interests. No sample curriculum will be appropriate for everyone, although these general guidelines should be helpful to nearly everyone. It is also assumed that some counseling will take place to match the curriculum with career plans. We strongly recommend study abroad and an internship.

Year One

Fall Semester:

Winter Semester:

Year Two

Fall Semester:

Winter Semester:

Year Three

Fall and Winter Semesters -- study abroad or on campus:

  • IR electives (15 credits total)
  • Two general education Issues courses with two different course prefixes. Several Issues courses also qualify as IR electives. It is recommended to compare the Issues course list with the IR electives list when selecting Issues courses.
  • Complete Experiential Learning component (2-3 credits)
  • Completion of general education courses
  • Continue language study
  • Pursue minor, if desired

Year Four

Fall and Winter Semesters:

Click here for the program description.


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