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

Our Facebook Alumni Group

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

Aing-On Thammarattananon Spotlight

Aing-On Thammarattananon

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

Jordan Crandell Spotlight

Jordan Crandell

2014 IR graduate is teaching in Vietnam

Megan Murphy Spotlight

Megan Murphy

Project Manager at Community Research Institute

Kendall Minor Spotlight

Kendall Minor

2018 Graduate is Promoted from Intern to Program Coordinator

Brendan Sawyer Spotlight

Brendan Sawyer

Studying at Wayne State Law School

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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

UK: COMMUNICATION - STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION SESSION

November 30, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Interested in earning some academic credits in the UK this summer? Come learn more about this exciting program at this upcoming information session! We will go over classes, excursions, activities,...

Kpop Prom

December 1, 2023 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Come out and hang with us for a fun night of dancing, food, and of course, jamming to K-pop! Pizza will be provided and there will be a photo opportunity. This is a "prom" event, so feel...

Spanish Study Huddle & Craft Night

December 4, 2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us for a night of cultural crafts and studying help before final exams. Help is available from fellow Spanish students and tutors for studying, speaking, and writing for extra exam practice....

Understanding The Gaza Strip (Panel Discussion)

December 6, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- The NOTORIOUS Iota Epsilon Chapter, and GVSU�s African/African Studies Program Presents �Understanding The Gaza Strip� Faculty Panel Discussion! As...

Understanding The Gaza Strip (Panel Discussion)

December 6, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.- The NOTORIOUS Iota Epsilon Chapter, and GVSU�s African/African Studies Program Presents �Understanding The Gaza Strip� Faculty Panel Discussion! As...

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News

IR Alum to Receive GVSU Distinguished Alumni Award

IR Alum to Receive GVSU Distinguished Alumni Award

Shannon Cohen will be honored on October 27 as part of GVSU's Homecoming.

Oct 25, 2023

Professor Diven Discusses U.S. Foreign Policy & Global Citizenship on Expert Panel

Professor Diven Discusses U.S. Foreign Policy & Global Citizenship on Expert Panel

Professor Diven, the director of GVSU's International Relations program, spoke on a panel hosted by the Hausenstein Center for Presidential Studies. The panel addressed America's role in international relations and discussed current foreign policy issues.

Oct 18, 2023

Fleming Wins Zeeb Study Abroad Scholarship

Fleming Wins Zeeb Study Abroad Scholarship

The 2023 Zeeb International Relations Study Abroad Scholarship winner is sophomore Cloey Fleming.

Apr 26, 2023

Iacovone Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Iacovone Wins Outstanding Paper Award

Ryan Iacovone is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.

Apr 25, 2023

Koczak and Rusch Win Excellence-in-a-Discipline Awards

Koczak and Rusch Win Excellence-in-a-Discipline Awards

Katie Koczak (International Relations) and Aaron Rusch (Political Science) are the 2023 award winners.

Apr 11, 2023

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Page last modified September 19, 2018