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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
Student Spotlight: Lauryn Klostreich
September 18, 2024
Lauryn Klostreich – a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science and International Affairs – was selected as an intern for the Law Offices of Jessica J. Yeary, Public Defender for the 2nd Judicial Court of Florida in the Capital Division. The Law Office of Jessica J. Yeary provides three types of s …
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Lecture Series Announces Fall 2024 Speakers
September 16, 2024
The Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Program will host four speakers in Fall 2024 for the PPE Lecture Series. The PPE Lecture Series allows faculty and students to hear about pressing issues from leading academics with an interdisciplinary approach. This Fall 2024 series is a collaboration between the Col …
Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Griffin
September 11, 2024
Alexandra Griffin – an FSU alumna (B.S. Political Science ’21 & Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program) and current Master of Public Administration student – was recognized twice by the Department of Defense for her outstanding work at the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). …