Population Research Institute

PRI is a multidisciplinary center that delivers resources that support innovative population research. We are NICHD supported and promote a dynamic, talented, and collaborative research community. Our research associates have a clear and demonstrated interest in demographic research topics. They hold Penn State academic appointments that are based on the ability to conduct population-related research and success in obtaining external research funding.

PRI faculty conduct research on a variety of topics, including:

  • Communities, neighborhoods, and spatial processes
  • Families in changing contexts
  • Health and Inequality
  • Cumulative Disadvantage Across the Life Course
  • Immigration and immigrant integration

Professor and demographer Stephen Matthews gives a brief overview of graduate opportunities in demography at Penn State University during the PIPS Graduate Programs in the Population Sciences webinar in November, 2017.

Areas of Specialization

Families, Fertility, and Children

Pathways into Program

Pennsylvania State University offers a Dual-Degree Demography Program. All students must apply to and be admitted through one of the seven participating dual-degree programs: Sociology; Anthropology; Economics; Health Policy and Administration; Rural Sociology; Human Development and Family Studies; or Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics, all of which offer both Master and Ph.D. level dual degrees. Upon admission to one of the above department programs, you will then be admitted to the dual-degree program in Demography upon recommendation of a Demography Program faculty member in that department. Students not in a participating department have the option of a Ph.D. minor in Demography.