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Studies & Degrees in Population Studies

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AustraliaEthiopiaGuatemalaIndiaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesThailandThe United States

The field of Population Studies aims at analyzing the patterns of demographic change and the processes involved.  It attempts to explain the demographic trends, the factors inducing these trends, and the consequences such changes and processes lead to.

Earlier, Population Studies were not given much priority, and were considered in some way a small sub-group of anthropological studies. However, at present, various kinds of information and statistical knowledge about demographic patterns are necessary in all fields of study, research and even business. This need has gradually emphasized the importance of Population Studies. The contribution of this field to the other subjects of study is commendable. For example, sociologists, politicians, administrators, environmentalists, bio-scientists, and many others need detailed information about population trends.

What the Course Usually Includes

A major course on Population Studies will ideally include both sociological and analytical demographic studies. If we look at the detailed course structure, we will find some basic broad topic like theories of demographic behaviors, study of population policies, lessons on conducting quantitative and qualitative research, etc. These courses ought to reveal not only the factors which induce such behavioral patterns but also the effects these have on the society and the environment as a whole. It is in this respect that fields of economics, sociology, ecology, genetics and politics are highly dependent on Population Studies.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Most of the universities and educational institutions offer masters course in Population Studies. Therefore, the minimum qualification necessary for gaining admission to these courses is a Bachelors degree in science, social science or commerce subjects. The admission procedure differs from one university to another. The general duration of the course is two years within which the candidate is expected to present a thesis paper.

Those who are interested in academia can go into the research fields after completing masters. PhD programs on population studies are offered by most of the universities. There are also a wide range of career options available for those who study population Studies in government, non-government and business sectors. For those who have excellent analytical capabilities and knowledge of statistical tools and methods, jobs involving public policy making is a good option. Survey and research based jobs are also offered by major think tanks and institutions.

Interdisciplinary Study Option 

The study of Population Studies is not limited to study of any particular subject. Because human behavior is shaped by varied factors and these factors in turn are affected by demographic patterns. This requires a scholar of this subject to delve into considerable depths of various fields of study at the same time. One needs to study genetic evolution as much as migratory patterns, social practices as well as economic activities. Population study therefore offers a chance to experience different subjects within one unified whole. All one has to do in order to excel in this field of study is to keep their eyes and brains open for understanding to some extent all that is happening around them as everything involves human population in today’s world.