The Master of Science in Architecture (MS ARCH) with a concentration in historic preservation is a post-professional degree focusing on issues of design and planning related to cultural sustainability.

The Concentration in Historic Preservation is for those passionate about protecting and celebrating the values of cultural heritage. It focuses on long-term cultural sustainability and resilience—preserving the identity and history of communities. Students will gain advanced training and experience that can be collaboratively applied in fields like architecture, engineering, city planning, public policy, and heritage management. The curriculum covers core principles of historic preservation, including the legal, economic, and regulatory aspects that define the field. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the program emphasizes methods to preserve cultural identity and heritage in a way that is sustainable as well as respectful of diverse communities. Our faculty bring expertise in areas such as architectural design, preservation master planning, history, urban planning, adaptive use, sustainable retrofits, disaster resilience mitigations, World Heritage management, and conservation of mid-century modern designs.

Degree Plans

The program concentration is centered on design and planning for students already possessing a professional degree in architecture, urban studies, landscape architecture, or a related design field. It integrates historic preservation, history, planning, environmental design and the sustainability of cultural heritage to advance actionable strategies for the future health, safety and welfare of people. The two-semester MS ARCH program consists of 36 academic credits in consecutive fall and spring semesters including design studio classes.