A cohort is a group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined time period. This term is often used in research and statistics to analyze trends and outcomes among specific populations. For example, a cohort might consist of all individuals born in the same year, known as a birth cohort, allowing researchers to study how their experiences differ over time. In education, cohorts can refer to groups of students who progress through a program together, fostering collaboration and support. This approach is common in graduate programs where students take classes and complete projects as a team, enhancing their learning experience and building lasting connections.