Higher Institute for Demographic Studies and Research: Developing Cadres and Supporting Population Development

Established under Law No. 23 of 2003, the Higher Institute for Demographic Studies and Research is a leading academic institution in the field of population studies in Syria. The institute is directly affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and specializes in qualifying national cadres through educational programs that include diplomas, Master's, and doctoral degrees in population sciences.

Institute's Goals:

Dean of the Higher Institute for Demographic Studies and Research, Professor Dr. Jomaa Hejazi, stated to Damascus University website that the institute is part of the educational process of the Ministry of Higher Education. It works to prepare specialized cadres to conduct population studies and research and contribute to the formulation of integrated developmental and social policies.

Institute's Tasks:

Dr. Hejazi confirmed that the primary tasks of the institute include conducting population scientific studies and research, academic and professional specialized education (Master's + PhD), and preparing qualified national cadres with high academic degrees in population sciences that meet societal and labor market need

Fields of Study at the Institute:

The Dean explained that the institute includes four academic departments: Economic and Social Studies, Population Geography and Environment, Theoretical and Applied Population Studies, and Biostatistics and Information Systems.

Institute Outputs and Labor Market:

Hejazi emphasized that the institute, through its Master's programs, plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development in Syria by investing in human resources and contributing to reducing population problems and providing appropriate scientific solutions.

 New Specializations:

Hejazi also revealed that a new Master's program will be announced in the upcoming admission selection for the institute, focusing on strategies, policies, and operating systems of non-governmental organizations in countries experiencing wars.

Objectives of the New Master's Programs:

The Dean pointed out that the objectives of the Master's program in NGO strategies and institutions include analyzing population policies and their role in achieving community development, developing strategic planning and decision-making skills in the contexts of population and development, enhancing students' leadership and administrative abilities to lead and manage NGOs efficiently, preparing graduates to meet the internal and external labor market needs in the population and development sector during the reconstruction phase, enhancing students' skills in effective communication and interaction with different cultures and communities, focusing on building effective partnerships with international and local organizations, and preparing students to adapt to global changes and emerging challenges in the field of population and development.

Regarding the Master's program in integrating people with disabilities, the Dean explained that it was introduced in response to national and international legislation and in line with Decree No. 19 and international legislation. It aims to provide specialized support that contributes to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, in addition to specialized knowledge and skills about various types of disabilities and strategies and methods of educating learners with disabilities in inclusive schools, mechanisms for integrating them into educational institutions, and enhancing communication skills with people with disabilities and their families to provide appropriate psychological and social support.