Historic Preservation, MS
Program Director: Steve Turner
Office: CU Denver Building, 2nd Floor
Telephone: 303-315-1000
E-mail: steve.turner@ucdenver.edu
Introduction
The Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MS HP) in the Dana Crawford Preservation Program is a 45 semester- hour program, usually completed in 15 or 18 months (three regular semesters and possibly part or all of one summer). The curriculum equips you to participate in the preservation of historic buildings and sites. It also presents opportunities for you to study large-scale landscape conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage and underrepresented communities, the impact of gentrification in cities and how preservation can be tied in with affordable housing. As our global climate changes, environmental sustainability and historic preservation are even more closely linked.
Graduates will be prepared to become the new leaders of the cultural heritage movement. The course of study is very broad to provide students skill in the political, economic, and legal aspects of historic preservation.
Throughout your time in the program, you will have the opportunity to carve a unique path and personalize your degree through independent study
Admissions
Application to the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program is open to all students holding the bachelor's (undergraduate) degree from an accredited college (or its equivalent from a foreign institution).
Materials Required
- A brief statement of interest (500 word max.)
- A compact sample of work (max. 15 pages 8.5" X 11") of writing samples, and optionally, graphic work and professional resume is recommended.
- Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores is optional. [There is an expedited application procedure for current CU Denver students in another CAP master's program. Please inquire to the MS in Historic Preservation program director.]
Transfer Credit
In accordance with the graduate education policies, coursework that has been applied towards an undergraduate degree or another graduate degree on the same level (e.g., MA to MS) cannot be accepted for transfer credit. Specifically, master’s courses applied to one completed master’s degree program may not be applied to another master’s degree. Credits earned in a Graduate Certificate Program, that have not also been applied to a graduate degree program may be applied to a graduate degree program with program consent. Please see the Graduate Education Policies and Procedures for more information.
Program Requirements
The course of study is designed to accommodate the background and needs of both those students with substantial experience, and those new to the field. The curriculum is flexible but rigorous, requiring:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation | 15 | |
| Design History | 6 | |
| Capstone | 9 | |
| Elective Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Students enrolling full-time in the 45 semester hour curriculum typically complete the program in three or four semesters, or 18 months. However, course work other than the completion of the capstone requirement may be accomplished in a period of residency as short as 15 months. Students receiving significant transfer credit and those with a related degree may further reduce the time required for the MS degree in Historic Preservation.
Our program is compliant with National Council of Preservation Education Standards.
Required Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PRESERVATION | 15 | |
| Historic Buildings in Context | ||
| Adaptive Reuse: Business and Practice | ||
| Cultural Resource Management and Preservation Law | ||
| The Politics of Preservation | ||
| Historic Preservation | ||
| DESIGN HISTORY | 6 | |
| Select two courses: | ||
| Regionalisms & the Vernacular | ||
| History of Landscape Architecture | ||
| City Design Fundamentals | ||
Several other CAP and History Department courses may also qualify | ||
| CAPSTONE | 9 | |
| Choose either Professional Project or Thesis: | ||
| Professional Project | ||
| Internship | ||
3 hours of HIPR elective | ||
| Or | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Research Tools & Methods | ||
| ELECTIVES | 15 | |
6 Hours of HIPR Electives | ||
9 Hours of Approved General Electives 1 | ||
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- 1
Electives outside the scope of Historic Preservation will need to be approved by the program Director.