“Assisting economics professors on real research has been an incredible opportunity to apply what I learn in my econ classes. Even as an undergrad, I am able to interact with faculty in a manner expected from a graduate economics program." -- Julian Gammon, Krannert Economics & Finance major and PURCE Undergraduate Research Assistant
An integral part of the Purdue University Research Center in Economics' mission is the training of students in empirical economic methodologies and in applying those methodologies to policy evaluation.
Historically, our center's support has focused on graduate students. While that support has not diminished, PURCE is excited to highlight new opportunities for undergraduates.
Undergraduate Student Programs
Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program
Undergraduates meeting strong criteria are employed as hourly researchers. They learn best practices and assist faculty with real-world research projects.
Are you a Krannert undergraduate student interested in a research assistantship? Learn more and start the application process today.
Economic Scholars Program
Undergraduate students from across Purdue University are being introduced to classical economic literature; best practices for small workshop-style discussions; and how economic theories of the past inform the present through our unique course called the Economic Scholars Program.
Krannert Magazine: Delving Deeper
Learn more about the Economic Scholars Program and see what students say about this unique course in a Krannert Magazine profile.
The Econ Scholars Program is made possible via generous funding from a PURCE donor.
Students who have completed a principles of economics course are invited to apply for the Econ Scholars Program, with a preference for students who are not economics majors. The selected students complete a one credit hour independent study course in which they complete readings and have a weekly discussion. They are each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Select students are invited to apply for Econ Scholars.
Economics Honors Courses
PURCE provides overload teaching payments to fund the teaching of honors courses in economics with a focus on attracting students from other majors. These courses use innovative teaching methods.
PhD Student Programs
Graduate Research Assistantship Program
Since our founding, approximately 20% of PURCE expenditures have supported Economics PhD students being advised by a PURCE faculty affiliate. This funding covers university tuition and fees as well as a teaching/research assistantship. PURCE-funded PhD students are trained in empirical methodologies and are pursuing a research agenda that is primarily focused on evaluating government regulations and programs.
Research Grants Program
Research grants are available to PURCE PhD students -- and also to PURCE faculty affiliates. Recipients produce policy-relevant research papers that are published in top academic journals.
Public Outreach Programs
PURCE offers programs that engage with the public in an effort to fulfill our mission of sharing our research so it has an impact on the well-being of people and society.
Economic Ideas Forum
This annual conference finds PURCE faculty affiliates sharing their insights about the effects of government policy with an audience of government, business, and community leaders, as well as the general public. A nationally recognized policy scholar is invited to provide a keynote address.
Economic Policy Luncheon/Webinar Series
This monthly lunch brings together PURCE supporters for a faculty presentation and a Q&A session. These luncheons have evolved into a live, monthly webinar series, expanding our audience.
Distinguished Lecture Program
World-renowned scholars come to Purdue to give public lectures on government policy topics. PURCE generally partners with the University President, the School of Management, or other university entity.
PURCE also hosts special workshops and information sessions for specific audiences, including academic workshops and conferences and discussions and Q&As at the Indiana Statehouse.
Visit our Events page to learn what programs are in the offing. Join our mailing list by emailing us at purce@purdue.edu to be invited to upcoming events.