PhD in Agricultural Economics - Space, Health and Population Economics in West Lafayette United States | Purdue University

Purdue's specialized Space, Health and Population Economics (SHaPE) program provides comprehensive education at the intersection of regional/urban economics, health economics, and spatial demography. This program addresses increasing demand for research on critical issues like income disparities, urban development, environmental factors, climate effects, public health, demographic shifts, migration patterns, and human capital distribution through a spatial lens. The SHaPE concentration combines core principles from urban/regional economics, health economics, demographic studies, and labor market analysis. Students gain expertise in cutting-edge analytical methods including geospatial data processing, geographic information systems, spatial statistical modeling, choice-based analysis, and longitudinal data techniques. Graduates are equipped for professional roles across NGOs, government institutions, academic settings, and corporate environments. Career opportunities span global organizations (IMF, World Bank, OECD, FAO), federal agencies (CDC, FDA, USDA, Census Bureau, HUD, Federal Reserve), higher education, research firms, development companies, consulting practices, market research organizations, and insurance providers. Instructors in the SHaPE curriculum bring diverse experience from Indiana-based, national, and international institutions across multiple continents. The program strongly recommends supplementary quantitative and economic coursework for students pursuing doctoral studies, along with enhanced proficiency in foreign languages for both verbal and written communication.