“Since its founding in 1973, the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy has been educating students to be leaders and innovators in private, public, and nonprofit settings throughout Florida and around the globe.
This is a vital, diverse, and complex educational ecosystem, enriching the intellectual and cultural lives of those who study and work here.
Our college produces research that shapes public policy in areas as diverse as fiscal policy, environmental protection, economic literacy, disaster response, and election reform.
In the breadth and depth of our demographic, ideological, and academic reach, we are truly a reflection of contemporary society. I encourage you to explore this web site and get just a taste of the many great things happening here.”
Dean Tim Chapin
Dr. Tim Chapin is Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and a Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University.
Prior to his appointment as dean after a national search in 2017, he served a six-year term as Chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, two years as Associate Dean for Development for the college, and one year as Interim Dean from May 2016 to May 2017. Read the full article about his appointment here.
Since joining FSU in 1999, Dean Chapin has undertaken research on the effectiveness of Florida’s growth management system and the role of sports facilities in the promotion of urban redevelopment. He is a noted expert on land use and comprehensive planning, growth management, and urban redevelopment.
Dean Chapin’s current research interests revolve around how Florida’s demographic trends influence urban patterns and transportation systems in the state. Over his career he has secured more than $3 million in outside funding from federal, state, and local governments to support his research.
He also serves as the Senior Associate Editor and Review Editor for the Journal of the American Planning Association. He holds a B.A. in Sociology from Emory University, a Master’s in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington.