Grand Valley State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends core international relations theory with focused study in national security, offering both broad and specialised perspectives on global affairs. Typical modules include:

• Foundations of International Relations: key theories, history of the international system, and approaches to global governance.
• Comparative Politics and Political Institutions: comparative methods, state structures and political behaviour across regions.
• National Security Policy and Strategy: formulation of security policy, civil–military relations, and strategic studies.
• Intelligence and Security Analysis: intelligence cycle, threat assessment techniques and ethical considerations.
• International Law and Human Rights: legal frameworks governing state behaviour and protections for individuals.
• Conflict, Peacebuilding and Crisis Management: causes of conflict, mediation strategies and post‑conflict reconstruction.
• Cybersecurity Policy and Emerging Threats: policy responses to cyber risks, asymmetric warfare and transnational crime.
• Research Methods for Social Science: qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis and policy research skills.
• Regional Studies and Foreign Languages: focused study on regions such as the Middle East, Europe, Asia or Latin America, alongside opportunities to study a modern language.
• Capstone Project or Internship: a practical research project or supervised internship with government agencies, non‑profits, think tanks or private sector organisations.

The curriculum typically includes a combination of lectures, seminars, simulation exercises, policy briefs and an applied capstone. Students are encouraged to take elective courses across political science, economics, computer science and law to tailor their specialism.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions expectations include a competitive high school GPA and a record of coursework in social studies, history, mathematics and a foreign language. Applicants are usually asked to submit a personal statement and academic transcripts; letters of recommendation may strengthen an application.

Standardised tests are considered according to the university's current admissions policy; check the university for the most current test‑optional or test‑required guidance. Transfer applicants need to provide college transcripts and usually meet a minimum transferable credit GPA. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted language tests or equivalent qualifications if their prior education was not in English.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public, private and non‑profit sectors. Common pathways include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service roles at national governments and consulates.
• Intelligence and security positions in national agencies, defence organisations and law enforcement.
• Policy analysis and advisory roles in think tanks, research institutes and legislative bodies.
• International development and humanitarian work with NGOs and multilateral organisations.
• Corporate roles in risk analysis, government affairs, compliance and global security for private companies.
• Legal careers following further study, or graduate research in international relations, security studies or public policy.

Internships completed during the degree, language skills and quantitative research experience substantially increase employability in competitive fields such as intelligence analysis, cybersecurity policy and international policy advising.

Why study at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University offers a liberal arts framework combined with opportunities for practical experience. Students benefit from small seminar classes, access to faculty with research and policy experience, and an emphasis on applied skills such as research methods, writing and critical analysis.

The university supports study abroad exchanges and organised internship placements with regional government offices, NGOs and private sector partners, helping students build professional networks. On‑campus resources such as career services, language programmes and research supervision help students prepare for both employment and postgraduate study. The programme’s location in Michigan also provides access to a range of regional internships and public affairs organisations while maintaining connections with national internship opportunities.