Sociology, Specialization in Applied Demography, M.A.

E-mail: socdept@bgsu.edu

A growing number of administrative, planning, and statistical agencies at all levels of government, public policy research organizations, and private industries are showing an interest in employing persons whose primary training and expertise is in the use and analysis of population statistics. In addition, an increasing number of students have shown an interest in acquiring specialized training in techniques of demographic analysis at an earlier stage in their graduate education than is common in more traditional graduate programs. Designed in response to these trends, the Graduate Program in Applied Demography prepares graduates for employment in a variety of service, government, or business settings upon the completion of the master’s degree. Students who intend to continue their education through the doctoral degree should also consider the Graduate Program in demography within the Department of Sociology. This program has different requirements for the master’s degree in demography and is generally designed to prepare students for entry into a doctoral level program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Sociology program are expected to be able to:

• Develop a project that investigates a sociological research question.
• Evaluate and defend the relevant theories and literature that inform the research question.
• Statistically analyze empirical data from large social survey datasets to investigate a research question.
• Assess the strengths and limitations of analytical methods and defend choices to use some methods over others.
• Argue effectively to technical and non-technical audiences orally and in writing.

Admission Requirements

Deadlines for Fall is January 15 for priority funding consideration.  Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.

You may start this program with or without a Masters. If you do not hold a Masters, you will complete in your program of study.

Documents required:

• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Professional Resume
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample

Please refer to your program’s webpage for specific details about the nature and content of the additional documents required.

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements