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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!
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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.”
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
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. …
Join Us for the Inaugural Mark and Marianne Barnebey Leadership Lecture Featuring Joe Gonzalez
February 7, 2025
Join us for the inaugural Mark and Marianne Barnebey Leadership Lecture Series talk by Jorge Gonzalez on Friday, February 28, at 2 p.m. in the Starry Conference Room (RBB 214), followed by a reception at 3 p.m. The talk, "Lessons on Leadership with JOE President Jorge Gonzalez," will provide students and commun …
Head of Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization to visit FSU
February 4, 2025
Oleksandra Matviichuk, one of the most prominent human rights defenders in Ukraine and head of the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL), will be presenting at Florida State University. CCL is the first Ukrainian organization to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which it won in 2022. Matviichuk will present …