The 4+1 BS in Architectural Studies and MS in Historic Preservation accelerated dual degree program provides the analytical, technical and ethical foundations needed to lead preservation efforts in the 21st century.

Coursework emphasizes collaborative practice, historical research, conservation methods and design strategies that integrate preservation with sustainability and community revitalization. This program offers motivated students a fast track to professional credentials by integrating undergraduate and graduate coursework.

Shaping Historic Preservationists of the Future

Historic preservationists play a vital role in connecting the past to the future, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to shape sustainable and vibrant communities. The profession requires in-depth knowledge of history, architecture and culture, paired with the ability to assess historical significance, advocate for protection and guide sensitive reuse. Today’s preservationists collaborate with design professionals, urban planners, community organizations and public agencies to safeguard historic sites while adapting them to meet contemporary needs.

Program Highlights 

Combining the BS in Architectural Studies and MS in Historic Preservation into a five-year program provides an efficient transition from undergraduate study to an advanced professional degree in Historic Preservation. It offers students a balance of technical expertise, creativity and stewardship, so that they can lead the future of preservation. 

In this program, students will:

  • Employ new and emerging digital technologies to manage, document, conserve and interpret historic culturally significant structures and places
  • Emerge ready to protect cultural assets, advance climate-conscious adaptive reuse and promote equitable, heritage-based development for future generations
  • Complete four undergraduate and four graduate courses in the field, earning 24 credits of foundational graduate coursework through sub-matriculation into the MS Historic Preservation program
  • Complete their MS in just one additional year of full-time study after earning their bachelor’s degree

Curriculum

Years 1-4

Undergraduate curriculum follows the BS in Architectural Studies curriculum.

Year 5

Year 5 includes the MS in Historic Preservation curriculum:

  • Issues In Contemporary Preservation
  • Uncovering the Past: Tools, Methods & Strategies
  • Architectural Forensics & Documentation
  • Building Conservation & Assessment
  • Restoration & Rehabilitation of Modernist Buildings
  • American Architecture
  • Vernacular Architecture
  • Principles & Methods of Sustainable Design
  • Architectural Studies Capstone

Plus 25 remaining credits from the MS in Historic Preservation curriculum. 

  • Conservation of Historic Building Interiors
  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Adaptive Reuse & Urban Revitalization
  • Graduate Elective
  • Graduate Elective
  • Graduate Elective
  • Thesis Preparation
  • Preservation Thesis

Elective Options:

  • Internship
  • Independent Study
  • Architectural Photography: Documentation
  • Preservation Economics
  • 9 credit graduate concentration: Sustainable Design, Urban Design, Interior Architecture, Real Estate Development, Geodesign
  • Study Away—Modernism focus at the iconic Bauhaus, Anhalt University, Dessau, 9 credits; Study international preservation methods at University of Arkansas Rome Center (UARC), housed in a Medieval palazzo in Rome’s historic center, 9 credits