Richard Damstra
Senior Advisor at the NATO Office of Strategic Communications in Brussels.
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
Kristina Wallace
2004 Graduate Now Program Manager at Pardee RAND Graduate School
Elena Szost
Program Manager, Chemonics International
Kristina Bray
Specialist in Pre-Series Steering at Scout Motors.
Amy Bush
Senior Program Assistant for the Committee on Human Rights
Events
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...
News
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
IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western
Sep 16, 2025
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
Diven Honored with Award
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025