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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!
Read Engage Magazine online now!
Engage is the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s annual magazine celebrating the impact of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The 2024–2025 edition highlights stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership — from student organizations and research breakthroughs to alumni achievements and new initiatives shaping communities in Florida and beyond.
MAAPP Students Earn Spot in Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program
Eight Florida State University students, including three MAAPP students, have been named to the highly competitive Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Class XXI.
Student Spotlight: Allan Shakhinovich Nabiev
Allan Shakhinovich Nabiev – fourth-year student majoring in political science with a minor in law enforcement intelligence – recently began an internship with the Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) Security Threat Intelligence Unit (STIU).
Meet the FSU Political Science Job Candidates!
Learn more about our graduating Ph.D. Candidates and their future aspirations.
Learn About Our Master's in Applied American Politics & Policy (MAAPP)
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 600 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
COSSPP Hosts Mark and Marianne Barnebey Leadership Lecture Featuring Jean Accius
November 21, 2025
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy hosted a Mark and Marianne Barnebey Leadership Lecture with Jean Accius, Ph.D., on Friday, November 14. The event was followed by a reception at 3 p.m. The talk, "Forged by Fire, Strengthened by Purpose: Why Collaboration Is the New Currency," with Dr. Accius …
FSU Honors Five COSSPP Students in its Largest Cohort of Tyler Fellows
November 19, 2025
Florida State University has named its largest cohort of Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellows, awarding nine students for their academic ambition and global curiosity. …
FSU Claude Pepper Center, AARP Florida Unite Caregivers, Leaders Through Inaugural Florida Caregiving Summit
November 10, 2025
https://youtu.be/06NZl8X4N4s More than 4.4 million adults in Florida are family caregivers who primarily provide unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and other relatives. As Florida’s population ages, with one in five residents expected to be 65 or older by 2030, caregivers …