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JSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning has earned reaccreditation for its Master of Arts program through December 2025. It is the only Urban and Regional Planning graduate program in Mississippi.
DURP’s chair Dr. Berneece Herbert said, “Even though the program is small, it plays an important role in advancing urban and regional planning in the state and minority representation in the profession.”
The site-visit team noted many areas of excellence, including strong connections with the community, multiple opportunities for students to engage with alumni and earning internships.
Graduates of the program can pursue careers in environmental planning, economic development planning, transportation planning, housing and community-development planning.
“We are proud to boast about our illustrious alumni working in planning positions locally, statewide and throughout the country,” Herbert said.
DURP’s vision for the MA program is to provide a diversified, premier, student-centered program that prepares students to become highly knowledgeable, skilled and innovative leaders.
“The vision for our 2021 strategic plan focuses on student recruitment and retention in an environment built on teamwork and collegiality,” Herbert said. “It is also built upon the three pillars of engagement, excitement and empowerment. The goal is to produce graduates who will utilize and leverage their knowledge to build healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities.”