Students

2023-2024 Engage Magazine Feature: Students Get More Than A Degree 

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.

COSSPP Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

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.

Looking Back with COSSPP: Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

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.  

Looking Back with COSSPP: Political Science

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. 

Looking Back with COSSPP: Public Health Program

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. 

Looking Back with COSSPP: International Affairs Program

Established in 1953, the International Affairs (IA) Program at Florida State University is one of the oldest international affairs programs in the South. IA strives to support its students through a holistic learning experience through internships, study abroad programs, and other professional development opportunities. The program is also recognized as one of the most demographically varied programs here at Florida State. According to the latest rankings by Niche, IA is ranked 35th among public university programs nationwide.