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 Heather Tafel, (tafelh@gvsu.edu) for additional information.
January 19, 2026 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...
January 31, 2026 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Filipinx American Student Association at Grand Valley State would like to formally invite you to celebrate our 3rd Annual Philippine Culture Night! It'll be in the Grand River Room at the Kirkhof...
February 3, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
Join NPR correspondent Emily Feng for an exploration of identity and belonging in China, highlighting the intersection of politics, ideology, and everyday life under Xi Jinping, based on her on-the-ground...
February 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...
February 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Gain inside information on career paths, resumes, interviewing, networking, and other career-related concepts that you can start using TODAY as a student by rotating between stations led by GVSU alumni...
Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.
Dec 3, 2025
IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western
Sep 16, 2025
PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law
Sep 12, 2025
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025
Operatrion and Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority
2018 Graduate is Promoted from Intern to Program Coordinator
Peace Corps Bangladesh, US State Department, Inclusive Leadership Specialist
Entrepreneur Founds Copywriting Business
Assistant General Counsel, Microsoft
