Berkeley Demography Program

The UC Berkeley demography program is widely regarded as one of the best and most creative in the world. We occupy a unique niche in the population studies landscape, with a strong focus on formal demography, population theory, and the relationship between demographic dynamics and social, cultural, and economic dynamics. Most population training programs focus on individual-level variation within populations; this program takes a more macro approach.

Our graduates occupy prominent academic positions at US and international universities and hold leadership roles in government, UN agencies, as well as at other research centers. Berkeley demography is unusual not only for its research and training foci, but also for its structure. Unlike most universities in the US, Berkeley has a free-standing department housed in a historic building. We provide students with a campus home, in which they feel a sense of community and camaraderie.

Graduate Program

UC Berkeley Demography offers three graduate degree tracks independently and in conjunction with the department of Sociology.

Admission Information

The Department of Demography offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Demography, a Ph.D. degree in Sociology and Demography, training with no degree goal under “coursework only” status, as well as training for postdoctoral students and professionals.

Undergraduate Minor

The undergraduate minor in Demography provides an opportunity to combine a traditional major, typically in one of the social sciences, with specialized training in population studies.

Berkeley Demography