COSSPP50th

COSSPP History Series: Department of Geography

Florida State University’s Department of Geography has been a long-standing institution at FSU, existing as a department since 1946 with roots going even further back. FSU was established in 1851, then called Seminary West of the Suwannee River. After the Civil War, the institution taught primary and secondary schoolers, and classes on descriptive geography and physical geography were made available in 1887. Seminary West became Florida State College in 1901, and geography was taught at the college level in the 1903-1904 school year. The Department of History and Geography at Florida State College for Women was officially established in 1924.  

COSSPP History Series: Urban and Regional Planning

Established in 1965, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) at Florida State University has a rich history of academic excellence and community impact. Under the leadership of Edward McClure, Ph.D., who served as the department’s first chairperson from 1965 to 1974, the Department welcomed its first student in 1965 and its first graduate in 1966. Under Dr. McClure’s tenure in 1970, the department was moved from the College of Arts and Sciences to the newly created College of Social Sciences. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the department was chaired by Chris Coutts, Ph.D., who succeeded Jeffrey Brown, Ph.D., in the role. Going into the 2024-2025 academic year, Michael Duncan, Ph.D., will assume the role of chair. Dr. Duncan has a doctorate in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley. 

COSSPP History Series: Department of Economics

Florida State University’s Department of Economics is the largest in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University. Economics has a long and impressive history at Florida State University. The first economics-related course, Political Economy, was taught in 1899 when FSU was known as the Seminary West of the Suwannee River. In 1926, the Department of Commerce and Economics was established at the Florida State College for Women, and in 1947, the department became two separate units. 

COSSPP Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence with Alumni in Washington, D.C.

Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) celebrated its first 50 years of excellence with alumni in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2024. More than 100 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered at the National Press Club in observance of the College’s 50th anniversary to reflect on our rich history and look to the future.

Recognizing the Pioneering Contributions of Raymond F. Bellamy

Every day, the Bellamy Building at Florida State University welcomes thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Constructed in 1967, this building is home to 16 departments and interdisciplinary programs from the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP).