Master of Science in Historic Preservation - Documentation and Research

Today, Historic Preservation is a major force in maintaining our cultural heritage and in shaping the neighborhoods and cities of tomorrow. Jefferson’s MS in Historic Preservation (MSHP) prepares graduates to preserve historic buildings and sites, re-envisioning and repurposing the past to serve present and future needs. Because Historic Preservation is a multi-disciplinary field, students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students select one of two tracks: Research & Documentation or Preservation Design, and may choose to specialize in a field compatible with their track drawn from the College of Architecture and the Built Environment’s graduate offerings, including Sustainable Design, Geographic Information Systems, Architectural History, Real Estate Development, and Urban Design, among others. The curriculum affords students the freedom to explore topics that suit their interests and further their professional goals
A master’s degree in Historic Preservation offers many career opportunities. Jefferson graduates hold positions such as preservation architect, architectural conservator, architectural historian and preservation planner, working in private firms, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Graduates of the MS in Historic Preservation program who are interested in subsequently pursuing further studies receive advanced placement of up to 18 credits in Jefferson’s PhD in Architecture & Design Research program, which allows students to complete their PhD studies in three academic years instead of the typical four-year timeframe.