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College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
Celebrating 50 years of COSSPP
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy was established in the fall of 1973 as part of a University-wide academic reorganization and consisted of just five departments: Economics, Geography, Government, Sociology, and Urban and Regional Planning.
There’s been much growth over the years, with 16 departments and interdisciplinary programs now housed within the College, along with 11 centers and institutes. As the third-largest, most demographically diverse, and politically engaged College on campus, COSSPP is a microcosm of campus, the state, and the nation.
COSSPP History Series
Since its creation in 1973, COSSPP has grown into the third-largest, most demographically
diverse and politically engaged college on FSU’s campus.
Learn more about what our programs, departments, and the college has accomplished over 50 years.
Alumni Spotlights
More Alumni SpotlightsWe’re proud of the successes of our 50,000+ alumni worldwide working to address
the world’s challenges and better their communities.
Research Spotlight: “The Costs of Voting and Voter Confidence”
March 21, 2025
LeRoy Collins Eminent Scholar in Civic Education and Political Science and Director of the LeRoy Collins Institute Lonna Atkeson, Ph.D., co-authored “The Costs of Voting and Voter Confidence” with Florida State University alumnus Eli McKown-Dawson (B.S. Political Science ’24) and Rice University Professor of Poli …
FSU launches new graduate certificate to equip students with advanced digital tools and ethical frameworks
March 10, 2025
FSU's College of Social Sciences & Public Policy and College of Communication & Information have teamed up to offer a new innovative graduate certificate program that prepares students with the cutting-edge digital tools at the intersection of data science and social science. …
FSU Students Develop Innovative Solutions at COSSPP’s First “Rapid Relocation” 24-Hour Design Sprint
March 5, 2025
Florida State University’s Innovation Hub and College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) hosted a 24-hour Design Sprint for all FSU students focused on “Rapid Relocation: Enhancing Emergency Evacuation in Florida” starting Friday, January 31, and ending Monday, February 1. “The College was excited to …
Give Back to the College
Your philanthropy makes it possible for us to provide opportunities for students that cannot be covered by State of Florida funds. The College uses private contributions to deliver programming under the College’s Get More Than a Degree initiative that supports student intellectual growth and professional development.
We are grateful to each of our donors for their interest and investments in our students and work. Thanks to you, we are not just turning out graduates; we are producing leaders ready to take on the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Our Senior Director of Development Katherine Cline Ashler would love to connect with you to identify how to make a meaningful impact in your area of interest. Please email her at kcline@foundation.fsu.edu or call 850-294-3343.