The Master of Science in Historic Preservation trains students to become leaders in the field of historic preservation and its allied disciplines. A comprehensive four-semester program provides students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this dynamic and interdisciplinary field. The first two semesters provide training in the foundational elements of preservation practice in the 21^st century, including coursework in the history and theory of the discipline, regional and national architecture, architectural conservation, archival studies, and historic building investigation and documentation. Year two provides students with further education in architectural conservation and an introduction to preservation law. It also provides an opportunity to specialize in various areas of historic preservation including: digital technology, heritage resilience and sustainability, and architectural conservation. The program culminates in a thesis or practicum. Ultimately the program exposes students to the breadth of historic preservation in the United States and International contexts. Using New Orleans as a laboratory, one that is linked to the wider Gulf Coast and Caribbean region, students are trained in an incomparable context for challenges that cross-cut historic preservation from issues in climate change, to issues in heritage justice, and housing affordability. In addition to the MS in Historic Preservation, students may apply to and concurrently complete a master's degree in Architecture (M.Arch). Students can also specialize through the certificate program in Sustainable Real Estate Development (SRED).

The MS in Historic Preservation requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and a cumulative grade point average of 3.000. Details about program requirements can be found in the table below.

See Recommended Plan of Study below.

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 Curriculum Requirements

Course List

Course ID	Title	Credits
PRES 6100	Introduction to Historic Preservation	3
PRES 6120	History American Architecture	3
PRES 6130	Archival and Historical Research Methods	3
PRES 6041	Documentation Studio	6
PRES 6042	Preservation Planning Studio	6
PRES 6210	Architectural Conservation Lab	6
PRES 6220	Conservation Technology	3
PRES 6151	New Orleans Architecture	3
PRES 6510	Preservation Professional Development	1
PRES 6550	Preservation Policy and Planning in the United States	3
PRES 6560	Preservation Internship 1	2
PRES 6580	World Heritage	3
PRES 6980	Preservation Research Seminar	3
Three 6000-level PRES Electives 2		9
Thesis/Practicum 3
PRES 6720	Thesis/Practicum Editing Lab	3
PRES 6700	Thesis/Practicum Writing Lab	3
Total Credit Hours		60

¹

PRES 6560 Historic Preservation Internship can be completed over the summer between years 1 and 2. Credit will be applied in the 2^nd year fall term.

²

Select ARCH (Architecture), SRED (Sustainable Real Estate Development), and SISE (Social Innovation/Social Entrepreneurship) courses may count as electives. Consult with the program director for approval.

³

The completion of a thesis or practicum is a requirement for graduation. 

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Recommended Plan of Study

This is an example of plan of study for the MS in Historic Preservation encompassing all requirements for the program. Students are responsible for reviewing university, school, and program requirements, along with prerequisites and the sequencing of courses in coordination with their program advisor.

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Fall		Credit Hours
PRES 6041	Documentation Studio	6
PRES 6100	Introduction to Historic Preservation	3
PRES 6550	Preservation Policy and Planning in the United States	3
PRES 6580	World Heritage	3
	Credit Hours	15
Spring
PRES 6042	Preservation Planning Studio	6
PRES 6120	History American Architecture	3
PRES 6130	Archival and Historical Research Methods	3
PRES 6980	Preservation Research Seminar	3
	Credit Hours	15
Year 2
Fall
PRES 6220	Conservation Technology	3
PRES 6151	New Orleans Architecture	3
PRES 6510	Preservation Professional Development	1
PRES 6700	Thesis/Practicum Writing Lab	3
PRES Elective		3
	Credit Hours	13
Spring
PRES 6210	Architectural Conservation Lab	6
PRES 6720	Thesis/Practicum Editing Lab	3
PRES Elective		3
PRES Elective		3
PRES 6560	Preservation Internship *	2
	Credit Hours	17
	Total Credit Hours	60

*

Students can complete their required Preservation Internship hours over the course of their final summer, final fall and/or final spring semester, and credits will be applied in their final spring semester.

^{Program String and Field of Study: ARMS_GR, PRES}

For more information, contact the School of Architecture and Built Environment.