David W. Rasmussen, Dean, College of Social Sciences

Welcome to the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University.

This is a vibrant place. Our six academic departments and 17 Interdisciplinary Programs, Centers, and Institutes address virtually every economic, political, and social issue that society must face in the 21st century. Among our 110 faculty are nine Eminent Scholar Chairs and Eppes Professors and 12 named professors who are acclaimed by virtue of their outstanding research and excellence in teaching. Over 30 percent of our faculty are award winning teachers.

Over 1100 students received undergraduate degrees last year and another 250 gained a graduate degree from the College. Each year 60 freshman live in the College's Cawthon Hall Living-Learning Residence Hall that is organized around the themes of international affairs and public policy. All of our departments offer professional masters degrees that greatly enhance career opportunities. Ph.D degrees are offered in Economics, Geography, Political Science, the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Sociology, and Urban and Regional Planning.

One of the pleasures of serving as Dean is that I frequently visit with our alumni. Their loyalty to the College and FSU is an outstanding testament to the quality of the educational experience offered here. Our students receive an education that emphasizes writing skills, critical thinking, and analytical capacity. The result is success in all spheres of endeavor: our graduates are leaders in educational institutions, business, government, politics, and in non-profit organizations. Our students receive an education that reflects the College's mission to prepare them for meaningful careers, advanced professional training, and an active role in public life.

Come visit the College in person; in the meantime our website will provide a wealth of information about admissions, programs, degree requirements, students and faculty.