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Population Dynamics and Health

Rapid shifts in fertility, mortality, migration, and family structure have changed the structure of societies and the burden of ill health and caregiving. The 21st century has arrived with new challenges, including an aging society, the impact of HIV/AIDS, the largest-ever cohort of adolescents in history, links between population and environment, growing social disparities in health, and an evolving reproductive health and rights agenda.

A population-based approach combines the analysis of population and health using quantitative and qualitative methods, the investigation of policies affecting health, and concern with the political economy of health and social structure. Special regard is given to population dynamics internationally and to the health needs of vulnerable populations--including mothers and infants, families, adolescents, marginalized groups and the elderly.

Graduates from this focal area will gain skills needed to enrich the capacity of a broad range of organizations with programs in the US and abroad, including CDC, USAID, host government ministries, as well as domestic and international NGOs, or to work in population-based research units within private consulting firms, research and development groups, and market research organizations. Graduates are also well-positioned to pursue doctoral-level training and to hold positions at university population and family health departments, among others.

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