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College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
Engaging Today's World, Producing Tomorrow's Leaders, Since 1973
Learn more about how the Future is Made in Bellamy
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
We want to look back on your commencement and say congratulations! Check out the cosspp Commencement Celebration photos below!
Welcome to Spring 2025
Welcome to all our new and returning students to a semester with FSU Interdisciplinary Social Science! Here’s to fresh opportunities, new connections, and exciting adventures ahead.
![FSU Interdisciplinary Social Science Why ISS? Watch our video and learn why you should become an ISS major! [picture of phone viewing YouTube video about ISS program]](https://cosspp.fsu.edu/iss/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/2024-ISS-Home-Page-Sliders-1800-x-1200-px-1200x800.jpg)
Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Social Science Program!
Hear from student, professor, and faculty perspectives within the ISS program.
Have Questions about the ISS Program?
Meet with an advisor for guidance when learning more about the Interdisciplinary Social Science program, or declaring your major!
COSSPP Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is celebrating its 50th anniversary during the 2023-2024 academic year. A number of events honoring the College's golden anniversary will be held throughout the school year.
Alumni Spotlight
Meet Joe O'Shea, PhD., an Interdisciplinary Social Science program alumni. His education in ISS and philosophy has shaped his career, empowering him to think deeply about complex challenges.
Follow ISS on Social Media
Follow us to see student spotlights, our "Why ISS" video series, and more to learn more about the degree program!
Subscribe to our new quarterly alumni newsletter!
We will be sending newsletters to all of our Alumni & Friends with quarterly updates. If you would like to receive our summer edition, please use the link below to subscribe!
Interdisciplinary | Individualized | Holistic
Our world is highly complex. An interdisciplinary orientation to the social sciences allows students to pursue a holistic study of the complex issues and problems facing the social world. Our students are encouraged to apply a spectrum of perspectives to specific public policies and social issues. They are guided to identify an interdisciplinary “discipline” that draws on various fields of research and scholarship as they choose from several flexible options to pursue their individual interests.
Our Programs and Resources
Student Spotlights
Kayla Mathai
Majoring in Interdisciplinary Social Science with a concentration in Law and Society, Mathai is also receiving her public policy and US Intelligence Certificate; she was initially a political science major.
“I wanted to learn more about the social sciences instead of focusing on just one aspect. So, I decided to change my major in a way that would allow me to gain knowledge on the social sciences but also prepare me with an interdisciplinary skill set for the real world. In this major, I am also able to choose a primary and secondary concentration.”
Rodney Wells
Majoring in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Wells is a part of a cohort of eight scholars selected from colleges across the country for the John Robert Lewis Scholars & Fellows Program. The Program was founded by the Faith and Politics Institute in honor of former congressman, civil rights and voting rights icon John Lewis.
“In studying the principles that guided John Lewis, these principles of nonviolence serve as the north star in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice. I’m not only grateful, but very hopeful that this makes me a better leader at FSU and in my home community in Jacksonville.”
Designing Your Major
The Interdisciplinary Social Science degree can be attained through several optional academic plans. Academic plans can be focused in flexible multidisciplinary academic paths, or through structured specializations.
The ISS major consists of 43 credits that can be organized in various ways. Students are encouraged to work with academic and faculty advisors to plan the best options for pursuing a cohesive, multidisciplinary path toward their learning goals.
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Multidisciplinary Academic Plans
Students will use at least two social science disciplines in pursuit of their academic goals. The major coursework can be organized to include primary and secondary departments, and the integration of departmental perspectives as a successful academic path.
Specialized areas of study support a structured multidisciplinary plan of study related to specific interest areas. The specialized areas of study include pre-organized multidisciplinary options to advance student interests and learning within a specific area of study.
Learn More
COSSPP Celebrates its First 50 Years in Tallahassee, FL
October 4, 2024
Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) celebrated its first 50 years of excellence with alumni and friends in Tallahassee, FL, on September 13, 2024. …
Apply to COSSPP’s prestigious Social Science Scholar program's 2025 cohort
August 30, 2024
Apply for the College’s prestigious Social Science Scholars program online by Friday, October 4 at bit.ly/2025sssp. The Social Science Scholars Program provides career-accelerating leadership training and experiences to 18 outstanding COSSPP undergraduate students with a major in the College, cumulative GPA of 3 …
COSSPP Honors 2024 Distinguished Alumni
August 22, 2024
Each year, the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy presents its Distinguished Alumni Awards to accomplished individuals to recognize their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the college and university. We are pleased to honor our newest Distinguished Alumni — John E. Dailey, …