We offer three areas of concentration: Demography, Health and Aging, and Social Analysis. Although there is some overlap in broad topics covered in these areas and some faculty are affiliated with more than one area, these concentrations offer distinct courses. After completing your master’s thesis and required coursework, you will take a comprehensive exam in your area of concentration. Faculty in each area create an exam reading list and write exam questions based on listed readings.
Demography
Our Demography area offers courses on demographic techniques, fertility, health and mortality, migration, family demography, international population dynamics, and population data.
Health and Aging
Our Health and Aging area offers courses focusing on caregiving in later life, health over the life course, successful aging, medical sociology, social epidemiology, health differences across groups, stress and mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
Social Analysis
Our Social Analysis area offers courses that explore how social values, personal initiative, and community engagement shape our society. Courses focus on families, education, work, organizational leadership, civic life, and the impact of media on individuals and society.