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

Jillian Zirnhelt Spotlight

Jillian Zirnhelt

Peace Corps Fiji, IMF Researcher, now Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of Pittsburgh

Madeline Vander Velde Spotlight

Madeline Vander Velde

2016 Graduate Working and Living in Brussels

David Johnson Spotlight

David Johnson

Graduate of Georgetown Law School, General Counsel and Strategic Advisor for Shift4

Karissa Kresge Spotlight

Karissa Kresge

Executive Policy Analyst for the Public Health Administration at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Meghan (Thatcher) Neuhaus Spotlight

Meghan (Thatcher) Neuhaus

LMI Project Manager for Consumers Energy.

View More Spotlights

Events

Tabling in Kirkhof Center on Student Scholars Day: Opportunities for Summer Internships and Post-Graduation Work and Service

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...

Combatting Human Trafficking

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...

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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