Director’s Message

Demography is the scientific study of human populations, essential for understanding trends, forecasting demand for services, and guiding sound public policy. At Florida State University, the Center for Demography and Population Health (CDPH) advances this mission through research and graduate education.

Our Master of Science in Demography (MSD) program is the only program of its kind offered by a public university in the Southeast. It provides rigorous training in demographic methods and versatile quantitative techniques that prepare students for careers in diverse fields, from public health and government to private industry and research. Graduates of our one-year program benefit from close faculty mentorship, applied research opportunities, and a collaborative academic environment.

What sets our graduate program apart is its strong methodological focus, affordability compared to many applied master’s degrees (such as public health), and its proven outcomes: our graduates achieve nearly 100% employment across a wide range of professional sectors or pursue advanced doctoral study. Employers consistently recognize the value of the skills our students bring—skills that make this degree stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

We invite you to consider FSU’s MSD program as a strong investment in your future. At CDPH, you will gain the tools, training, and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based policy and population research.

Sincerely,

John Reynolds, Ph.D.
Interim Director, FSU Center for Demography and Population Health
& Professor of Sociology holding the Fraternal Order of Eagles Memorial Professorship in the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy