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.
April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Come join us on the 30th Annual Student Scholars Day in the Kirkhof Center Lobby to explore opportunities for summer internships and post-graduation work and service. Tabling in the main Kirkhof Center...
April 15, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Join us for a presentation and training from members of Wedgwood's Manasseh Project and learn about how they fight against the sexual exploitation of young men and women in West...
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
Program Manager for Jobs for the Future (JFF).
Operation & Policy Analyst/Risk Communications Analyst, Oregon Health Authority
Graduate of Harvard Law School, Attorney at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Washington, DC
Graduate of Georgetown Law School, General Counsel and Strategic Advisor for Shift4
Program Manager, Chemonics International
