The Murphy Institute
Understanding and analyzing the economic, moral, and political problems of our time
Established in memory of Charles H. Murphy, Sr. (1870-1954), and inspired by the vision of Charles H. Murphy, Jr. (1920-2002), The Murphy Institute exists to help Tulane faculty and students understand economic, moral, and political problems we all face and think about. More importantly, it exists to help us understand how these problems have come to be so closely interconnected.
State of the Nation: A National Progress Report
The State of the Nation Project, a collaboration of leading experts from the past five presidential administrations and a cross-section of everyday Americans from across the political spectrum, released its first comprehensive "State of the Nation" report on February 3, 2025. The report, funded by The Murphy Institute, provides a comprehensive and objective national report card that assesses how we are excelling - and falling behind - as a country.
The Murphy Institute invites Tulane researchers to access restricted U.S. Census data free of charge from the Atlanta Research Data Center (ARDC)
In partnership with the Center for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Tulane has joined with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and other Southeastern universities to provide access to confidential, otherwise unavailable data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, the Social Security Administration and other federal agencies. CPPR covers the cost for Tulane researchers to access the ARDC.
Featured News
Why does the government have 6 unemployment rates? Economist Gary Hoover sees the U-6 unemployment rate as a 'canary in the coal mine'.
The Murphy Institute Events
Centers & Academic Programs
The Murphy Institute is a one-of-a-kind intellectual center – not just for Tulane, but for the nation. No other institution in the country provides an undergraduate education focused on political and economic dynamics, fosters ethical reflection on social values, promotes research and outreach on public policy, and supports pathbreaking legal scholarship.
Coordinates research and discussion of ethics and public affairs for faculty and graduate students
A multi-disciplinary research center that balances academic research with applied work
Promotes research and collaboration on issues in developed and developing economies
BA in Political Economy
This major promotes reflection on the connections between political and economic activities and institutions. Our approach develops complementary strengths in multiple areas.
MA in Political Economy
This program provides a multidisciplinary education around political economy themes and the data analytics tools and approaches necessary to apply that knowledge in academic work, government, and industry.
THE EXCHANGE: Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
Published each fall, THE EXCHANGE is The Murphy Institute's annual newsletter, featuring news and highlights from Murphy events, programming, and new initiatives as we continue to expand our presence and impact on campus, in the broader community and across the globe. Click the buttons below to see the latest issue.
