Applied Demography

The primary goal of the program is to provide an introduction to concepts, measures, data, software, and methods used in applied demography with an emphasis on applications in the public and private sectors. Professionals who complete this 12-credit program will be able to apply demographic analysis in their careers. This certificate will allow them to support organizations and better understand and anticipate the effects of population change. This program is ideal for those interested in careers as applied demographers, data analysts, market research analysts, marketing specialists, and local, state, and regional planners.

1. Students will be able apply basic technical competence in demographic methods, GIS applications to population questions, and demographic data sources and their use.
2. Students will be able to apply basic working knowledge of the theoretical and methodological processes of population change and recognize how the components of population change (fertility, mortality, and migration) interrelate with each other and other social processes.
3. Students will be able to recognize demographic principles and population trends that impact decision making regarding business, non-profit public sector, health and environmental issues.
4. Students will be able to identify demographic data sources and problem-solving examples of applied demographic knowledge and skills.
5. Students will be able to address questions and planning objectives of managers, administrators, and government officials by examining case studies of how to use demographic methods.
6. Students will be able to analyze and interpret aggregate data and used it to inform public policy decisions and investments.