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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.
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
Attend our Summer 2025 COSSPP Faculty & Staff Photo Day on July 9
June 12, 2025
Join us for the next COSSPP Faculty and Staff Photo Day in Summer 2025 on Wednesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Communications Ground Floor Studio (Bellamy 042). …
Alumni Spotlight: Sahari Walker
June 11, 2025
Sahari Walker – recent Master of Science in Planning (MSP) graduate – just accepted a job offer to become the State Disaster Housing Coordinator at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM). “My time at Florida State University has been instrumental in preparing me for the next step in my career with t …
COSSPP’s Experimental Laboratory Hosts Interdisciplinary AI Conference
June 10, 2025
Florida State University’s XS/FS Experimental Laboratory hosted the 2025 NBER/CEME Decentralization Conference at Florida State University on April 24 – 26, 2025, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Mechanism Design and Human Behavior: Experiments and Theory.” …