Program Overview

Population Studies (Z036)

Overview

The Certificate Program in Population Studies provides interdisciplinary training in demographic methods, theory, and research for graduate students in departments affiliated with the Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC), culminating in a Certificate in Population Studies for graduate students who complete the required coursework.

Abstract

The field of Population Sciences has evolved significantly since its inception in the discipline of Demography. Initially, demography was concerned with forecasting population growth and its components, such as mortality, fertility, and immigration. However, with the growing emphasis on understanding the causal relationships between economic, social, and ideational factors and their impact on population change, training across several fields of study has become necessary.

Program Details

• The Certificate Program is offered to students enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland College Park.
• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of population studies, including demographic methods, theory, and research.
• The Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC) is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the support and advancement of population research.

Faculty

• The program is led by Co-Directors Judith K. Hellerstein and Michael S. Rendall.
• Judith K. Hellerstein is a Professor of Economics with a Ph.D. from Harvard University.
• Michael S. Rendall is a Professor of Population Studies with a Ph.D. from Brown University.

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Applicants: Please visit the department website for application deadlines.
• International Applicants: Please visit the department website for application deadlines.

Research Areas

• The program focuses on understanding the economic, social, and ideational factors that affect population change.
• Research areas include demographic methods, theory, and research, as well as the consequences of population change on family choices.

Facilities and Special Resources

• The Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC) provides a research environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty associates and the development of young scholars.
• The center offers work and collaboration spaces, computers loaded with specialized software for statistical analysis, and administrative and financial support for associated graduate students.