Historic Preservation Curriculum

The UMass Historic Preservation Program offers three degree options:

1. A two-year Master of Design in Historic Preservation;
2. A one-year (plus summer) Master of Design in Historic Preservation (for students entering with extensive background in preservation);
3. Master of Design in Historic Preservation and Master of Architecture Dual Degree, taking an additional semester or year following the Master of Architecture degree.

Master of Design in Historic Preservation, Two-Year Degree

History (6 credits/2 courses)

1. ARCH 597D — History and Theory of Historic Preservation - Eldra-Dominique Walker - 3 credits
2. ARCH XXX — American Urban History - Max Page - 3 credits OR
   
   • HIST 662 — Museum and Historic Site Interpretation - Marla Miller - 3 credits OR
   • HIST 661 — American Material Culture - Marla Miller - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 642 — 19th-Century Architecture: Reform, History, and Technology - Rohan - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 643 — 20th-Century Architecture: Modernism, Capitalism, and Globalism - Rohan - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 644 — Vernacular Architecture - 3 credits

Technology (9 credits/3 courses)

1. ARCH 597C — Building Conservation I * - Michael Devonshire - 3 credits
2. ARCH 697K — Green Building and Historic Preservation * - Carl Fiocchi - 3 credits
3. ARCH 597G — Building Conservation II * -- Michael Devonshire - 3 credits - OR
   
   • ARCH 697M — Architectural Materials Testing * - James Duggan - 3 credits (held at Hancock Shaker Village)
   • ECO 697 — Building Energy and Environmental System

Community Engagement at Public Policy (6 credits/2 courses)

1. ARCH 697N — Cultural Resource Management/Preservation Law * - Chris Skelly - 3 credits
2. ARCH 591D — Design Engagement - Joseph Krupczynski - 3 credits OR
   
   • Labor 597W — Organizing - Rand Wilson - 3 credits OR
   • RP 630 — Public Participation - 3 credits

Design Studio or Field School (6 credits/1 course)

1. ARCH 602 — Community Engagement Studio - Joseph Krupczynski - 6 credits OR
   
   • LA 603 — Cultural Landscape Studio - Ethan Carr - 6 credits OR
   • Preservation Field School * - Myron Stachiw - 6 credits

Capstone Project (9 credits)

1. ARCH 630 — Research Forum - Ray Mann - 3 credits
2. ARCH 697R — Capstone Project - Eldra Dominique-Walker - 6 credits OR
   
   • ARCH 699 — Master of Architecture Thesis - 6 credits

Master of Design in Historic Preservation and Master of Architecture Dual Degree

Beginning in the spring of the second year of the Master of Architecture program, students will begin to use elective slots to take required preservation courses. Depending on level of background, students may complete the preservation program requirements with one or two additional semesters. Please contact Max Page (mpage@umass.edu) to discuss the particulars of the dual degree option.

* Indicates courses taken through Continuing and Professional Education