June 29, 2026
If you’re a creative thinker who wants to travel the world and solve complex challenges, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has a pathway designed for you.
“If you want an interesting life, consider global and international studies,” said Dr. Mike DeVivo, geography professor and program director at GRCC. “The core philosophy of this program is studying the world so we can make it a better place.”
Interdisciplinary Coursework Builds Practical Knowledge
Coursework for Pre-Global and International Studies A.A. bridges multiple disciplines, incorporating knowledge from across the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. Students look closely at modern concerns like cultural globalization, climate change, immigration, energy, global health, world commerce and human rights.
The recommended course schedule balances foundational educational classes alongside practical, real-world integration. Students also have room to explore their personal interests across fields such as history, economics, anthropology, geography, and environmental and sustainability studies.
Required courses include:
- GE 225 - Global Environmental Issues
- GE 132 - Physical Geography
- GE 135 - World Regional Geography
- PS 202 - International Relations
- GE 235 - Globalization and Inequality
- GLO 222 - Geopolitical Brinkmanship: Great Decisions in Foreign Policy and Global Affairs
Practical, real-world integration is a core focus of the curriculum. Through a partnership with the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, students in the GLO 222 course can attend the "Great Decisions" lecture series for free. This unique opportunity allows students to engage directly with global scholars, diplomats and giants of industry, attending local lectures and synthesizing these perspectives through analytical essays and discussions.
Endless Horizons for Career Opportunities
Completing this program and earning an associate degree at GRCC strategically positions students for achievement of the baccalaureate at institutions that share strong transfer pathways with GRCC and subsequent entry into a variety of competitive fields, including:
- Diplomacy
- International development
- Intelligence analysis
- International trade
- International marketing
- Journalism
- Political ecology
- Sustainable tourism
Additionally, the program provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies. Ample opportunities across the U.S. exist for students moving forward into geography master's programs that allow students to pursue their interests in global and international studies while also offering free tuition and stipends.
Department Expertise and International Perspectives
GRCC’s Social Sciences department is a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Faculty members bring years of international field experience and research to the classroom. Their research interests span Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Dr. DeVivo has engaged in fieldwork in Sub-Saharan Africa for more than 20 years, carrying out research devoted to wildlife conservation, transformational leadership and community development. His passion for conservation — such as studying ecosystems disrupted by the poaching of the white rhino — highlights the interconnected philosophy taught within the program. “Everything is connected,” said Dr. DeVivo. “If we can help people understand how ecological tourism practices boost local employment or teach children the value of local wildlife, we’re able to make a difference. Students in this program learn to see these connections and develop skills to solve problems and change the world for the better.”
Learn more about this pre-major on the Global and International Studies web page.