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: A New Campus Home and a New Chapter
The newest edition of THE EXCHANGE, The Murphy Institute's annual publication featuring news and highlights from Murphy events, programming, and new initiatives, is here!
Read about our continued efforts to expand our presence and impact on campus, in the broader community and across the globe.
Call for Applications: PhD Fellowship Opportunities
Two special funding opportunities are open to Tulane PhD students for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Center for Public Policy Research (CPPR) Dissertation Fellowship and the Center for Ethics (CE) Graduate Fellowship. These fellowships are designed to encourage a new generation of scholars from a wide range of disciplines to undertake research that aligns with political economy.
We welcome applications from candidates in any discipline who are likely to make significant contributions to scholarship in their respective fields. These fellowships support doctoral students conducting dissertation research and engaging in the intellectual life of The Murphy Institute.
The deadline to apply is February 1, 2026.
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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
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.
