Drawing on anthropology, demography, ecology, economics, epidemiology, ethics, medicine, political science, reproductive biology, and sociology, department faculty members apply their disciplinary expertise to population and international health issues. The department has a special concern with questions of health equity and human rights, particularly in relation to health and population issues in developing countries. Students in the department come with various backgrounds. Some have had advanced training in the biological or social sciences or extensive experience in applied fields related to population sciences. Others begin with bachelor's-level training.
Many students are from developing countries.
All have an interest in the health of disadvantaged populations worldwide. In addition to these programs, the department hosts research fellows and mid-career leaders in population and health research and undertakes cooperative technical projects overseas. The department's SM program offers two tracks, each comprising 80 course credits, geared toward preparing individuals for academic and public service careers, respectively. Students on the academic track generally continue with doctoral work at the end of the master's program. Graduates of the professional track pursue a variety of careers in national and international agencies and institutions.