College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
at Florida State University
Join COSSPP for one or both of our upcoming tailgates on Legacy Walk just outside our Bellamy building!
Many great things happened across Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is home to many organizations that help connect students to opportunities both locally and nationally. ‘The Future is Made in Bellamy,’ and these organizations are vital to students’ success, helping them to ‘Get More Than a Degree’ during their time at FSU.
Here are just a few examples of the incredible experiences our students are gaining outside the classroom through their involvement with student organizations at FSU.
The Master of Applied Politics & Policy (MAAPP) program celebrated the graduation of its 10 students at the Florida Capitol on Thursday, August 1.
Established as the College of Social Sciences in the fall of 1973 as part of a university-wide academic reorganization, our college began with just five departments: economics, geography, government (now political science), sociology, and urban and regional planning.
There’s been much growth over the years, with 12 departments and interdisciplinary programs now housed within the college, along with 11 centers and institutes.
Engage Magazine is the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s annual magazine highlighting the successes of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
We invite you to read the newest issue, as well as previous editions, on our website here.
Natalie Gonzalez – second-year student majoring in Political Science – was hired as a Legal Intern for Zumpano Patricios, P.A. Law Firm in Miami, Florida, for the duration of this summer.
The Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS) program is one of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s (COSSPP) largest undergraduate majors, with over 600 students. ISS empowers students to study the world’s complex issues and problems holistically. The program was founded in 1974 within Florida State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, and the major was named social sciences. It was initially designed to provide training for public service and a practical background for citizenship within U.S. democracy with contributions from the Departments of Economics, Geography, History, Political Science and Sociology.
The Department of Political Science within the College of Social Science and Public Policy has a rich history dating back to Florida State University’s genesis. While courses exploring government, law, and politics can be found as far back as the very first university bulletin in 1851, the Department of Political Science was established in 1947, when the Florida State College for Women became Florida State University. Under the leadership of Marian D. Irish, Ph.D., the department began with only six faculty members. Dr. Irish would serve as the department chair until her retirement in 1966. The current Political Science Department Chair Brad Gomez, Ph.D., leads the department as it continues to ascend in prestige to this day.
Established in 2003, the Public Health Program at Florida State University is the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s newest interdisciplinary program. Under the leadership of Professor Emeritus of Political Science William Weissert, Ph.D., the program’s first director, the program had its first Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates matriculate in 2004.
