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.
October 14, 2026 6:00 PM
Hear from GVSU political science faculty as they discuss key issues shaping today's elections. Gain nonpartisan insights, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the topics influencing...
October 17, 2026 8:00 AM
Make A Difference Day is an annual day of service where students are transported to local community non-profits to participate in service activities. Service activities range from cleaning up the properties...
October 21, 2026 12:30 PM - 1:30 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...
October 24, 2026 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Michigan Sociological Association is excited to announce its upcoming fall conference, taking place on October 23rd and 24th at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. This annual...
October 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cast your ballot right on campus with the Allendale Township Satellite Clerk's Office in the Kirkhof Center. Eligible voters can register to vote, update their voter registration, request an absentee...
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
Attorney for Freedom House Represents Asylum Seekers
Business Immigration Analyst and Paralegal for Fragomen
HR Transformation Senior Consultant at Deloitte Consulting.
LMI Project Manager for Consumers Energy.
Refugee Resettlement Worker with Bethany Christian Services, now working for the American Red Cross
