Program Overview

Master of Science, Historic Preservation

The Master of Science in Historic Preservation degree fuses passion for the past with innovative approaches, guiding students through hands-on, meaningful coursework and projects that engage a wide variety of concerns.

Quick Facts

• Delivery: On-campus
• Accreditation: National Council for Preservation Education
• Graduate Assistantships: Available

Program Overview

Expert faculty guide students through hands-on, meaningful coursework and projects that engage a wide variety of concerns, including community engagement, economic development, and urban policy that's culturally and ecologically responsible. The program considers questions of law, economics, landscape architecture, urban planning, and more.

Experience beyond the Classroom

The preservation laboratory and preservation design studio empower students to collaborate on meaningful projects with preservation agencies, nonprofit groups, and local communities. Students also have opportunities to attend conferences and symposia hosted and delivered by reputable historic preservationists and take advantage of quality field study programs.

Join a Diverse Community

The program requires no prerequisite courses, so students come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide variety of interests and points of view. This diversity is a valuable resource as students explore the many options within the field of historic preservation.

Two Distinct Paths to Earning a Historic Preservation Degree

• 30-Credit Option: For candidates with previous coursework in historic preservation.
• 36-Credit Option: Designed for students with less experience in historic preservation.

30-Credit Option

This option offers a streamlined path for candidates with previous coursework in historic preservation, such as an undergraduate historic preservation minor or a historic preservation major from another accredited institution, or at least two years of professional practice in historic preservation. Students work closely with nationally recognized faculty to customize their curriculum, select complementary electives from other disciplines, and engage in professional preservation projects.

36-Credit Option

This option is designed for students with less experience in historic preservation. It can be completed in one calendar year. Students expand their knowledge and skills in a wide range of core subjects, including architectural history, history of the preservation movement, research methods, preservation technology, preservation policy and economics, and current issues in historic preservation. They also participate in a professional preservation project during the summer semester with guidance from faculty and partners in community organizations.

Program Requirements

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in qualifying courses.
• Gain approval from the program director.

What You'll Learn

Students learn about:

• Architectural history
• History of the preservation movement
• Research methods
• Preservation technology
• Preservation policy and economics
• Current issues in historic preservation

Community Project

Students take part in a professional preservation project during the summer semester, with guidance from faculty and partners in community organizations. They also take electives in other disciplines, with an option to get a graduate certificate in an allied field.