College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
at Florida State University
Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy had an expansive and productive 2024–2025 academic year.
Our 12 academic departments, 12 centers and institutes, and multiple interdisciplinary labs advanced scholarship, strengthened community engagement, and prepared students for leadership in a changing world.
FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) launched the Barnebey Leadership Lecture Series with the inaugural talk by Jorge Gonzalez on February 28, 2025.
Gonzalez (B.S. Political Science ’87; M.S. Urban and Regional Planning ’89) shared wisdom on leadership with FSU students, faculty, and staff. Currently serving as the chief executive officer of The St. Joe Company and as a member of FSU’s Board of Trustees, he spoke about principles of leadership and encouraging team growth that can be applied to any field.
At the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, we believe students should get more than a degree during their time at FSU. That’s why we encourage them to engage in experiences beyond the classroom: to discover their passions, build lasting connections, and prepare for meaningful careers after graduation.
The newest edition of Engage Magazine is out! Engage is the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s annual magazine highlighting the successes of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is celebrating Civility and Civic Engagement during the week of October 27-30. Join us for a great lineup of events! Careers in Politics Monday, October 275 – 7:30 p.m.Miller Hall, Room 3300, University Center CJoin us for Careers in Politics Networking Night on Monday, October […]
Graduate students and faculty from Florida State University’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) at the Mark and Marianne Barnebey Planning and Development Lab have been honored with the 2025 Award of Excellence in the Outstanding Student Project Group category by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
“The Barnebey Lab worked alongside Plan Hillsborough to deliver innovative, context-specific recommendations for updating Hillsborough County’s Future Land Use Map,” said Dennis Smith, Planner-in-Residence and Director of the Barnebey Lab. “Through research, engagement with planning practitioners, and scenario planning across four key urban areas, the Lab helped advance a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable vision for the County’s future growth.”
Join us in the DeVoe L. Moore Conference Room (BEL150E) at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, for an informational panel to learn more about the graduate programs offered by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP).
Political Rivals, Real Friends The COSSPP Friendly Disagreement Series will welcome Phil Neisser and Jacob Hess on Tuesday, October 28, for a 4 p.m. reception and a 5 – 6:30 p.m. event entitled, “A More Perfect Union is Always Debatable,” in the William Johnston Building (WJB 2004). Meet Phil (an atheist, Marxist professor), who introduced himself […]
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey visited Florida State University’s URP 4022: Collective Decision-Making class to discuss public health, city planning, and to answer students’ questions on urban issues.
“Mayor John Dailey, an alumnus of COSSPP, continues to be a dear friend of the college. My urban planning students are always captivated by his engaging, behind-the-scenes take on collective decision-making and how urban planning outcomes are achieved in practice,” said Chris Coutts, Ph.D., professor of urban and regional planning, who teaches URP 4022. “My students are often surprised to learn that Tallahassee is, in many ways, ahead of the curve in working towards sustainable development.”
The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy community gathered with friends and family in front of the Bellamy Building on Sept. 20, 2025, for the Family Weekend Tailgate.
