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 - 3 credits
2. ARCH XXX — American Urban History - 3 credits OR
   
   • HIST 662 — Museum and Historic Site Interpretation - 3 credits OR
   • HIST 661 — American Material Culture - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 642 — 19th-Century Architecture: Reform, History, and Technology - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 643 — 20th-Century Architecture: Modernism, Capitalism, and Globalism - 3 credits
   • ARTHIST 644 — Vernacular Architecture - 3 credits

Technology (9 credits/3 courses)

1. ARCH 597C — Building Conservation I * - 3 credits
2. ARCH 697K — Green Building and Historic Preservation * - 3 credits
3. ARCH 597G — Building Conservation II * - 3 credits - OR
   
   • ARCH 697M — Architectural Materials Testing * - 3 credits
   • ECO 697 — Building Energy and Environmental System

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

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

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

1. ARCH 602 — Community Engagement Studio - 6 credits OR
   
   • LA 603 — Cultural Landscape Studio - 6 credits OR
   • Preservation Field School * - 6 credits

Capstone Project (9 credits)

1. ARCH 670 — Research Forum - 3 credits
2. ARCH 697R — Capstone Project - 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 Eldra-Dominique Walker (eldrawalker@umass.edu) to discuss the particulars of the dual degree option.

* Indicates courses taken through Continuing and Professional Education