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.
THE EXCHANGE: Leading the Conversation, Shaping the Future
The 2026 edition of THE EXCHANGE is available!
The Murphy Institute is proud to highlight the many vital new and continuing initiatives taking place across our community. Our core mission remains steadfast: to advance the study of political economy for our students and scholars at Tulane and across our region, the nation, and the world. We invite you to explore the exceptional work Murphy does, detailed within this year’s issue.
CLE Public Colloquium: Jeffry Frieden
On October 29, 2026, The Murphy Institute’s Center for Law and the Economy (CLE) hosted Jeffry Frieden for the the 2026 CLE Public Colloquium, "The End of an Era: The US and the Shifting Global Economic Order." Frieden, a Professor of International and Public Affairs and Political Science at Columbia University and a leading authority in international political economy, examined how shifting international trade and financial policies impact domestic economies, exploring why policy decisions create winners and losers that spark political backlash. Full event recap coming soon.
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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
Undergraduate Program 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.
Master of Arts in Political Economy with Data Analytics
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.