About Us

Contact

GVSU International Relations 

[email protected]

Phone: (616) 331-2320

1121 AuSable Hall
1 Campus Dr
Allendale, MI 49401-9403

International Relations and Political Science on Facebook

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Why GVSU International Relations?

Students in the international relations program examine the sources of tension that create conflict among nations, interdependence among nations, and ways in which international management and diplomacy can promote cooperation.

Program Offerings at Grand Valley

International relations graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. We also offer a minor in international relations. In addition to the general international relations curriculum, students may select emphases in:

  • Area studies such as Latin American studies, Middle East studies, African studies, and East Asian studies
  • Economics and business
  • History and geography
  • Political science

Coursework

The curriculum is designed to give students a broad base of knowledge. Some of the subjects included are:

  • Emerging markets issues
  • Geography
  • International law
  • Macro and microeconomics
  • U.S. foreign policy

Career Options

Students may work in fields such as:

  • Government service
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Public policy
  • Teaching

Why Study International Relations at Grand Valley?

  • A broad curriculum that prepares students for a wide variety of careers.
  • An excellent study abroad program that gives students the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that significantly enrich their educations.
  • An active internship program where students get credits for internship experience.

Spotlights

Autumn Modena Spotlight

Autumn Modena

2015 Graduate Founder of RefuTea

Paul Bratt Spotlight

Paul Bratt

2013 Graduate Now Judicial Clerk in U.S. District Court

Jamie Bash Spotlight

Jamie Bash

Operatrion and Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority

Aisha Espey Spotlight

Aisha Espey

Aisha Espey lands a position with Meridian International Center in Washington D.C.

Aing-On Thammarattananon Spotlight

Aing-On Thammarattananon

Assistant to Political Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy in D.C.

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Mission and Vision

Mission – International Relations Program

The mission of the International Relations Program, an interdisciplinary program housed in the Department of Political Science, is to prepare students for citizenship, post-baccalaureate education, and professional careers through interdisciplinary coursework in international relations, advising, and participation in internships, with an emphasis on study abroad and other international experiences.

Vision – International Relations Program

We are committed to setting a standard of excellence in the interdisciplinary undergraduate study of International Relations, including the geography, history, economics, languages and politics of global interactions. International Relations students gain comprehensive knowledge of the complex economic, social, cultural and political relationships among citizens, societies, states and international institutions. Students attain both theoretical and experiential knowledge of International Relations and critical analytic skills through study on campus and, in most cases, study abroad. We prepare students to be well-informed citizens and to make meaningful contributions to the increasingly globalized world. We foster a diverse international community engaged in inquiry, expression, and rigorous scholarship.

Values

Values – Political Science and International Relations

In the Department of Political Science and the International Relations Program at Grand Valley State University, we strive toward acquiring and utilizing knowledge of Political Science and International Relations in a setting of academic freedom, methodological and theoretical pluralism, while encouraging disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • We value excellence in education facilitated through
    • Active student-teacher engagement and academic achievement in a rigorous and challenging course of study that emphasizes the development of critical and analytical thinking and writing.
    • Student exposure to a variety of theoretical and political perspectives for the purpose of enhancing critical and analytical thinking and writing skills.
    • A comprehensive coverage of the disciplines and access to a wide variety of upper-level courses.
    • Emphasis on internships, co-curricular and civic education opportunities in our local, state, national and global communities.
  • Excellence in faculty scholarship.
  • Service to the discipline, unit, college, university and community.
  • Student development as well-informed, global citizens in a democratic society.

CLAS

The International Relations Program is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Events

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News

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.

May 13, 2025

Noah Boggs Awarded the Paul B. Henry Congressional Internship

Noah Boggs Awarded the Paul B. Henry Congressional Internship

Noah Boggs, who has a double major in Political Science and International Relations, was awarded this years Paul B. Henry Congressional Internship and will be working in Representative John Moolenaars office in Washington, DC this summer.

May 6, 2025

PLS Major wins the Thomas M. Seykora Award

PLS Major wins the Thomas M. Seykora Award

Political Science major, Nancy Boyd, won the Thomas M. Seykora Award for Outstanding Contribution for 2024-25. The Seykora Award recognizes seniors who, through their involvement, have made significant contributions to the GVSU campus community.

May 6, 2025

Retirement of Professor John Constantelos

Retirement of Professor John Constantelos

The Department of Political Science announces the retirement of Professor John Constantelos, who taught European and EU politics, international political economy and a variety of world politics and research methods courses for thirty years at GVSU.

Apr 22, 2025

Outstanding Paper Award

Outstanding Paper Award

Nancy Boyd wins the PLS/IR Outstanding Paper Award.

Apr 16, 2025

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Page last modified September 19, 2018