Expert Faculty | Community Focused | Student Centered
The Department of Political Science, Public Administration, & History offers academic and community programs that serve our students and the larger community through the study of governance, policy, leadership, and the historical forces that shape the modern world. Undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History, as well as specialized minors and certificates, equip students with the knowledge and skills to lead, serve, and make meaningful contributions in both public and private sectors. Graduate programs in History (M.A.) and Public Administration (MPA) give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and enhance skills acquired through previous study or work experience. The Dr. Erich Liebert World Affairs Lecture Series serves the South-west Florida community by bringing distinguished speakers to campus each Spring semester.
Tiled wall in Gernika reminds of the bombing during the Spanish Civil War. Guernica, Spain (after Pablo Picasso's Guernica) Photo credit: Mike Dotta, August 2018, asset 2174773901
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Through course work and internships, undergraduate degrees in History and Political Science foster transferable analytical and communication skills that are vital for employment as productive members of the society and provide students with tools that are essential for understanding, explaining, and addressing challenges faced by communities in the modern world.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Our graduate programs in History and Public Administration build on knowledge and skills acquired previously through undergraduate studies or work experience to prepare students for further academic work or employment and advancement in the public and private sectors.
Program Contacts
| Department Chair |
Chair, Department of Political Science, Public Administration, and History MERWIN 0136
|
| Administrative Assistant | TBA |
| Undergraduate History Program Coordinator |
Associate Professor, History
MERWIN 0195 |
| Undergraduate Political Science Program Coordinator |
Professor, Political Science & Government
MERWIN 0150 |
| Graduate History Program Coordinator |
Associate Professor, History
MERWIN 0194
|
| Public Administration Program Coordinator |
Associate Professor
MERWIN 0138
|
In addition to enrolling in one our undergraduate degree programs (majors and minors),
students at FGCU can enhance their knowledge of history and political science by taking
advantage of the courses the Department offers as part of the University’s GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM or by taking one of our upper-level courses as “free electives.” In addition, most
students take at least one of our courses (AMH 2010, AMH 2020, or POS 2041) to satisfy
FLORIDA CIVIC LITERACY REQUIREMENT.
Please consult your academic advisor for more information.
Dr. Erich Liebert World affairs Lectures
Supported by a generous endowment in honor of the late Dr. Erich Liebert, a noted neuropsychologist, the department provides free lectures for the community by hosting prominent speakers.
Based on seat availability and instructor approval, members of community can audit most of our courses through FGCU’s program for Senior Citizens
Southwest Florida Model United Nations
Florida Gulf Coast University continued its long-standing partnership in 2025 with the NAPLES COUNCIL ON WORLD AFFAIRS by hosting the 32nd annual Southwest Florida Model United Nations (read more on FGCU 360 Magazine) More than 200 high school students from 20 schools across Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Orange counties gather on the FGCU campus to debate global issues, hone their diplomatic skills and compete for scholarships.
