Program Overview

Demography, PhD

The Demography, PhD program at the University of Pennsylvania trains independent researchers who are prepared to fill leading roles in social demography and population analysis at a variety of organizations. Graduates have a firm grasp of both the substance and methods of study in the core areas of demography and population sciences (mortality, fertility, migration, population aging, and demographic-economic interrelations) from both a domestic and international perspective.

Program Overview

The Graduate Group in Demography is responsible for training students through coursework and supervised research. The Graduate Group in Demography is composed of faculty members with backgrounds in demography, sociology, economics, anthropology, nursing, and medicine.

Required Courses

A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 6070
  • Title: Introduction to Demography
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 6090
  • Title: Basic Demographic Methods
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 5350
  • Title: Quantitative Methods I
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 5351
  • Title: Quantitative Methods II
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 6040
  • Title: Methodology of Social Research
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG 7070
  • Title: Second Year Research Seminar I (Part I of a two-part course)
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG 7071
  • Title: Second Year Research Seminar II (Part II of a two-part course)
  • Course Units: 1
• Course List Code: DEMG/SOCI 7960
  • Title: Demographic, Economic, and Social Interrelations
  • Course Units: 1
• Demography Electives:
  • Select four independent study or other demography courses
  • Course Units: 4
• Electives:
  • Select eight course units
  • Course Units: 8
• Additional Requirements:
  • First and Second Year Papers
• Total Course Units: 20

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

• Qualifying Evaluation
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
• Dissertation Deposit

Degree and Major Requirements

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.