Department of Urban & Regional Planning
The only Urban and Regional Planning program in Mississippi and one of four HBCUs in the nation offering accredited Urban Planning programs. Planning for our future, together.
Planning for our future, together
Welcome to the Department of Urban & Regional Planning (DURP) at Jackson State University, located in historic Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Jackson is known for true southern hospitality and nationally recognized institutions of higher learning.
DURP is the only Urban and Regional Planning program in the state of Mississippi and is one of four HBCUs in the nation offering accredited Urban Planning programs. DURP's premier, student-centered programs foster engagement and empowerment as we diversify the field of planning.
- Department
- Urban & Regional Planning (DURP)
- College
- CSET
- JSU Identity
- “Mississippi's Urban University”
- Distinction
- Only planning program in MS · 1 of 4 HBCUs nationally
- Degrees
- M.A. · Ph.D.
- Phone
- (601) 979-6863 · (601) 979-8732
- Location
- 101 W. Capitol Street, Jackson, MS 39201
A program defined by firsts
1
Planning Program in Mississippi
4
HBCUs Nationally w/ Accredited Planning
3
Specialization Areas
2
Degree Programs (M.A. & Ph.D.)
Our mission
The mission of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) at Jackson State University — “Mississippi's Urban University” and only planning degree-granting program in the State — is to specialize and train students to pursue exciting careers in community development and housing, environment and land use, and urban design; to create a diverse learning community in the field of planning; to provide students with the skills and knowledge to lead and contribute to the improvement of urban and regional environments; to prepare students to understand and serve a diverse and multicultural society; and to increase the number of members from under-represented groups in the professional ranks.
Three pillars of DURP's work
Student-Centered Teaching
Student-centered teaching and learning at the heart of every DURP program.
Empowerment
Empowerment of our people and the communities we serve.
Healthy & Resilient Societies
Building healthy, equitable, livable, and resilient societies for the future.
DURP students specialize in
Community Development & Housing
Planning for vibrant, equitable communities and quality housing for all residents.
Environment & Land Use
Sustainable land use planning that balances environmental quality with community needs.
Urban Design
Shaping the form, function, and character of urban environments and public spaces.
What DURP graduates become
Knowledgeable, skilled equity-conscious practitioners, researchers, scholars, and decision-makers.
Intellectually and technically equipped to confront sustainable development opportunities and challenges facing society.
Skilled, competent and innovative thinkers and leaders who can significantly contribute to society on the local, national and international levels.
Master's & Doctoral programs
Hands-on, community-connected learning
Hands-On Experiential Learning! · Skill Development! · Working With Community Partners!
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Jackson State University Urban & Regional PlanningWhat urban planners do
Urban Planners apply their knowledge and skills to shape vibrant and sustainable cities.
Urban Planners leverage data, information, and analyses to create plans that serve the community.
Urban Planners work to build community resilience, equipping cities and regions to prosper, advancing wealth creation, environmental quality, and social justice.
Eight career paths for DURP graduates
Urban and Regional Planning majors have a plethora of career options across municipal, regional, and consulting roles:
Project Planning Officer
Associate Planner
Deputy Director Planning
Senior Planner
Director of Community and Economic Development
Senior Transportation Planner
Planning Manager
City Planner
Embark on a journey of discovery
Explore the cutting-edge research happening within DURP and the department's strategic vision for 2025 and beyond:
DURP leadership team
Connect with the planning community
Help paying for your tenure at JSU
Looking for a way to pay for your tenure at Jackson State University? Fear not — we are here to help. Browse Scholarships in our Scholarship Portal to see what you qualify for today.
In addition to the scholarship programs offered by the University, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning has more financial resources that may be available to you. DURP's scholarships are based on faculty research projects. Students are given opportunities to apply for these and other funding.
Ready to join?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-6863. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
Contact DURP
Jackson State University
101 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39201