Masters and Certificate Program in Historic Preservation

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Historic Preservation prepares professionals for the successful practice of historic preservation in public, private, and non-profit venues.  Students are prepared in the theory and practice of historic preservation.  The specific skills that will be developed are: analysis and documentation of historic resources, practice of preservation planning, contextual research design, and advocacy.

The program is designed to meet the needs of both traditional graduate students and working professionals, with graduates having the skills and knowledge to work with a wide variety of populations and in diverse settings.  The program provides opportunity to pursue specific areas of emphasis within historic preservation, including (but not limited to): planning, museum studies, material culture, documentation and analysis, non-profit leadership, vernacular architecture and landscapes, geographic information systems, and design.

Four of the courses in the program are offered on line as marked in the plan of study.

Drawing on courses from the HPMA as indicated on the program of study, a twelve-credit hour Certificate Program in Historic Preservation is also offered.  Most courses can be taken online, with a concentrated field experience available either as a summer field school or as a Saturday field course.

Click here to download a PDF file of the Master of Arts in Historic Preservation brochure.

Center for Historic Architecture and Design

Degrees are awarded by the School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA) and the program is administered jointly by SPPA and the Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD).  Students are affiliated with the Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD), a research and public service unit in the School of Public Policy and Administration. Students gain knowledge and employable skills both through academic coursework and through applied experience in research and preservation obtained by working with the Center. CHAD has a strong record of external funding to support its research and public service goals, including student support. CHAD's history is presented in Halfway to Historic Architecture and Design - 1984 - 2010.