Prospective Students

Welcome to GVSU International Relations

Are you ready to:

  • Study how terrorist networks are created and how they attract new members?
  • Examine the impact of climate change and how nations are cooperating to slow global warming?
  • Learn why so many of Michigan’s manufacturing jobs have been lost to China, Mexico, and other countries?
  • Read books by famous world leaders and diplomats?
  • Specialize in a region and learn intensely about its language, history, and culture?
  • Travel abroad and learn about international cultures and organizations first hand?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you should consider majoring in International Relations at GVSU. Our program will provide you with the education and skills you need to be successful in a variety of international fields!

The GVSU IR program is Interdisciplinary; to fulfill the major students need to earn credits in:

  • Political Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Economics and Business
  • Foreign Language

Read more about us, or consult the popular pages below. 

Spotlights

Haley Gerlofs Spotlight

Haley Gerlofs

Refugee Resettlement Worker with Bethany Christian Services, now working for the American Red Cross

Dorothy Sewe Spotlight

Dorothy Sewe

International Refugee Work in Grand Rapids

Amanda Miralrio Spotlight

Amanda Miralrio

Compliance Office for U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control

Megan Murphy Spotlight

Megan Murphy

Project Manager at Community Research Institute

Madeline Vander Velde Spotlight

Madeline Vander Velde

2016 Graduate Working and Living in Brussels

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Events

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

January 15, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...

Philippine Culture Night

January 31, 2026 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Philippine Culture Night 2026: Tide by Tides

Real Talk: Social Sciences Edition

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...

GVSU Faculty Fulbright Scholar Panel and Information Session (Friday, Feb. 13, 2026)

February 13, 2026 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Are you preparing for an upcoming sabbatical or other form of leave? Intrigued by the idea of a Fulbright Scholar or Fulbright Specialist award and eager to learn more? Join this Fulbright Scholar...

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

February 19, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...

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News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

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

Ozinga Starting Law School at Case Western

Ozinga Starting Law School at Case Western

IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western

Sep 16, 2025

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law

Sep 12, 2025

Salam Attending Harvard Law

Salam Attending Harvard Law

IR alum Shireen Salam is attending Harvard Law School.

Sep 9, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

Diven Honored with Award

Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.

Jun 23, 2025

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Page last modified June 2, 2016