Program Description
- STEM Designated Program
Jefferson’s MS in Historic Preservation not only prepares graduates to preserve historic buildings and sites, but also to re-envision and re-purpose the past to serve present and future needs. The curriculum foregrounds adaptive reuse of historic structures as well as in-depth analysis through historical research and graphic documentation. Students develop skills fundamental to assess the condition and evolution of buildings and promote the ways historic structures order the urban fabric, contribute to healthy communities, and facilitate “place-making” as a catalyst for community revitalization. Students apply new and rapidly evolving digital technologies for managing, documenting and interpreting culturally significant structures and places.
Philadelphia, the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the US, is a living laboratory of architectural styles and periods, offering a wealth of real-world projects and internships. Study Away Options include—Spring semester studying preservation of Modernism at the Bauhaus, Anhalt University, Dessau, Germany and research at Terragni Archives, Como Italy.
Customize study by selecting one of two tracks:
- Research and Documentation
- Preservation Design
Learning Goals/Outcomes
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The Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) builds the essential skills that preservationists need to meet the challenges facing our cities and planet.
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The MSHP program supports the adaptive reuse of historic structures as a sustainable solution to the environmental crisis and as a means to regenerate communities.
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A faculty of scholars and practicing professionals share their unique perspectives, experiences and expertise, providing insight and instruction in current preservation theory and practice.
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Foundational coursework in archival research, documentation, forensics, conservation and condition assessment of heritage architecture and sites lays the groundwork for advanced study.
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MSHP students learn analog and digital techniques and software, particularly LIDAR, Photogrammetry, and GIS to document and assess heritage buildings and sites.
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An internship provides hands-on, real-world experience and networking opportunities to further your career.
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MSHP students customize their education by selecting one of two tracks: Preservation Design or Documentation and Research and may choose a concentration from graduate programs within the college—including Sustainable Design, Geographic Information Systems, Urban Design, among others.
Curriculum: 2 Year, 49 Credits
| First Year | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MHP 602 | Uncovering the Past: Tools, Methods & Strategies | 3 |
| MHP 626 | Building Conservation | 3 |
| MHP 624 | Architectural Forensic and Documentation | 3 |
| MHP 621 | Issues in Contemporary Preservation | 3 |
| MHP 603 | Restoration & Rehabilitation of Modernist Buildings | 3 |
| ARCH 672 | American Architecture | 3 |
| GEOD 610 | Introduction to GIS | 3 |
| MHP 604 | Conservation of Historic Building Interiors | 3 |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Second Year | ||
| MHP 605 | Preservation Thesis | 4 |
| MHP 620 | Thesis Preparation | 3 |
| MHP 622 | Adaptive Reuse & Urban Revitalization | 3 |
| ARCH 671 | Vernacular Architecture | 3 |
| SDN 601 | Principles & Methods of Sustainable Design | 3 |
| Three Designated Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Total Credits | 49 | |