Jackson State University (JSU) is a public historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi. It was founded in 1877 as Natchez Seminary and was later renamed as Jackson College in 1924. In 1974, it became Jackson State University. JSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in various fields such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, liberal arts, and social sciences. The university is known for its research programs in environmental science, urban and regional planning, and telecommunications. JSU is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.