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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 Sociology
The Department of Sociology at FSU is home to over 20 dedicated faculty members who explore a wide range of topics—from population trends, health, and aging to family dynamics, education, the workplace, and positive social change.
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.
COSSPP Professor Helps Unveil Tool to Measure Healthy Aging
An FSU COSSPP researcher is part of a pioneering team that has developed a new measure to understand and support healthy aging, with the potential to change how health care workers, employers, and policymakers assist older adults in remaining active and engaged.
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Research Spotlight: Anne Barrett, Ph.D.
Florida State University Professor of Sociology Anne Barrett, Ph.D., co-authored the article “Ready for the next storm? An analysis of Florida’s hurricane preparedness for its residents with disabilities,” published in the Journal of Elder Policy.
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Alumni Spotlight: Charles Parkins
Charles Parkins – an FSU graduate (B.S. Sociology ‘10) – was recently appointed as the division director of juvenile services for the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile DetentionExternal Link (DAJD) in Seattle.
Learn more about our accredited Graduate Programs!
Among public universities, we are ranked the 29th best sociology graduate program in the nation and the 2nd best in the 17 states that make up the Southern United States (U.S. News). Among 118 public and private sociology programs across the nation, we rank among the top 20% with regard to the number of publications and grants per faculty member (The National Research Council).
Learn more about our Undergraduate Program!
Our undergraduate program is built around five major areas: Social Organization; Personality and Society; Population and Human Ecology; Social Analysis; and the Family.
Enriched Studies | Accomplished Alumni | Rigorous Graduate Program
Our faculty and students are engaged in fascinating studies of the social issues that define our times. We are also committed to sharing sociology with non-academic audiences, because our discipline provides unique insights that can improve policy responses and inform collective action. We invite you to read more about our department’s history, current research, opportunities for enriched studies, accomplished alumni, and rigorous graduate program.
—Kathi Tillman, Department Chair
Our Programs and Resources
Alumni Spotlight: Charles Parkins
January 14, 2026
Charles Parkins – an FSU graduate (B.S. Sociology ‘10) – was recently appointed as the division director of juvenile services for the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) in Seattle. …
COSSPP Community Explores Civility and Civic Engagement with Series of Impactful Events
December 15, 2025
Florida State University's College of Social Sciences and Public Policy recognized civility and civic engagement during the week of October 27-30, bringing students, alumni, faculty, and friends together for a lineup of enriching events focused on civil discourse and political leadership. …
Research Spotlight: Ready for the Next Storm? An Analysis of Florida's Hurricane Preparedness for its Residents with Disabilities
December 5, 2025
Anne Barrett, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, Mildred and Claude Pepper Eminent Scholar, co-authored “Ready for the next storm? An analysis of Florida's hurricane preparedness for its residents with disabilities,” alongside fellow FSU researchers: sociology doctoral candidate Hope Mimbs, sociology doctoral student B …