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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
Welcome to the Department of Political Science
We are nationally ranked with over 1,300 majors, offering courses in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Public Policy. Learn more about our undergraduate majors here!
Meet the FSU Political Science Job Candidates!
Learn more about our graduating Ph.D. Candidates and their future aspirations.
Study ranks Political Science Department a national research leader
A study published by the American Political Science Association drew on 30 years of research productivity in political science’s top scholarly journals. FSU’s faculty ranked 16th in per capita productivity and 30th in total publications.
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Learn more about our APPLE Program!
FSU undergraduate students in the Department's Applied Politics and Policy Learning Experience (APPLE) program concluded the program’s inaugural year by meeting with members of Florida’s congressional delegation and staffers on Capitol Hill.
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Interested in our Masters of Applied American Politics & Policy (MAAPP) program?
MAAPP is a top national master’s program providing practical career training in an intellectually challenging environment for those passionate about the political process. Established in 2001, MAAPP has over 500 graduates who hold prominent positions in Florida and national politics.
Give back to the department
Our department relies on the generous support of alumni and friends to provide the best learning and research environment for our students and faculty. Gifts to the Department of Political Science’s General Development Fund support a variety of student, faculty, and outreach activities and are crucial to our department’s teaching and research mission. Thank you for your generous and continued support!
Represent the Garnet and Gold at the Florida Capitol
Florida State University students can gain meaningful experience at the Capitol through the FSU Legislative Internship Program. Together, the Governmental Relations Office and the Political Science Department secure internship placements and conduct training workshops to ensure these students are prepared for their roles as legislative interns.
Join the Research Intensive Bachelor's Certificate Program
The Research Intensive Bachelor’s Certificate (RIBC) Program in Political Science is a small-group educational experience for students who wish to gain high-caliber research skills and practical experience working in an academic research environment. Students must complete 12 hours of research-oriented classes and internships to earn the Research Intensive Program Certificate.
Nationally Ranked | Award Winning Faculty | Experiential Learning
Our department offers baccalaureate and graduate instruction in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Public Policy. In addition, our Applied Master’s degree program in American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) allows for professional training towards careers in political campaigning, fundraising, lobbying, legislative affairs, and active participation within all levels of government.
The award-winning faculty of the Department of Political Science frequently publishes articles in the top journals of the discipline, and provides rigorous instruction in many fields of political expertise. Our graduate students undertaking doctoral research generally take positions at research universities, liberal arts teaching colleges, and research and policy organizations in the public and private sector.
Our Programs and Resources
President of U.N. General Assembly Ponders Climate, Human Rights, and Energy Resources in FSU Visit
October 9, 2024
His Excellency Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly at its 78th Session, visited Florida State University this week to engage with students, learn about the university’s groundbreaking research, and lecture about some of the world’s most pressing issues. …
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. …
COSSPP Welcomes New Eminent Scholar Chairs and Endowed Professors for Fall 2024
September 20, 2024
The College of Social Science and Public Policy has announced two eminent scholar chairs and six endowed professorships for Fall 2024. These faculty members were chosen for these positions across the College to support Florida State University’s mission to conduct innovative research and provide high-quality instruct …