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

Andrew Light Spotlight

Andrew Light

Clean Energy Associate at the World Resources Institute

Kendall Souders Spotlight

Kendall Souders

Senior Functional Analyst, Department of Health and Human Services for General Dynamics Information Technology.

Shingi Mavima Spotlight

Shingi Mavima

Ph.D. in African and African American Studies, Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies, University of Toledo

Sam Stephenson Spotlight

Sam Stephenson

Chargeback Analyst and Specialist at Super.com in Quebec, Canada

Amy Fuerstenau Spotlight

Amy Fuerstenau

1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation

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Events

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

June 3, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 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...

Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session

June 24, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 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...

Non-Profit Volunteer & Internship Fair

September 10, 2026 1:00 PM

Looking to Make a Difference or Gain Real-World Experience? Explore dozens of meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities at the Non-Profit Volunteer and Internship Fair at KIRKHOF CENTER NORTH...

Make a Difference Day

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...

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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