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  • Bellamy Building Legacy Walk Entrance on a beautiful Spring day

    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!

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  • The Bellamy building

    Meet the FSU Political Science Job Candidates!

    Learn more about our graduating Ph.D. Candidates and their future aspirations.

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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.

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  • 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!

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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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.

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Our Programs and Resources

FSU's Ukraine Task Force and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy will hose Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Nobel Peace Prize recipient Center for Civil Liberties in Ukraine: Monday February 10 - Presentation 8:00 a.m. FSU's Miller Hall and Fireside Chat 2:00 p.m. Longmire Building, Beth Moor Longe

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  …

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John ‘JD’ Doughney IV to Deliver Keynote at FSU’s 2025 Seminole 100 Celebration

January 29, 2025

Florida State University alumnus and Kennesaw State University lecturer John “JD” Doughney IV will deliver the keynote address at FSU’s 2025 Seminole 100 Celebration on Saturday, February 22, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. …

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FSU Students to Develop Innovative Solutions in ‘Rapid Relocation’ 24-Hour Design Sprint

January 8, 2025

Florida State University’s Innovation Hub and College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) will host a 24-Hour Design Sprint for all FSU students focused on “Rapid Relocation: Enhancing Emergency Evacuation in Florida” starting Friday, January 31. …

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