Careers

A master’s degree in Historic Preservation offers many career opportunities. Jefferson graduates work for private firms, for State Historic Preservation Offices, and non-profits. Professional positions held by graduates in the public and private sectors include preservation architect, architectural conservator, architectural historian, preservation planner.

The number of job postings requiring skill in Historic Preservation increased by approximately 20% per year, amounting to 164% increase in just five years. Employment is in a wide variety of professions and firms, including federal, state, and city preservation agencies, university teaching and architecture/design firms. Over 50% of employers are seeking individuals with graduate credentials.

Recently, our graduates have started their careers at Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, Heritage Design Collaborative, Philadelphia Historical Commission, CIS Architects, Whitman, Requardt and Associates, the Westmoreland Township Historical Commission and Richard Grubb Associates.

Real-world, hands-on experience is a key part of a Jefferson education. Our college partners with major corporations, local communities and nonprofit organizations, supplying a broad range of real-world projects and networking opportunities.  The Career Services center on campus offers internship preparation activities including search strategy sessions and advising appointments.

As the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia is a living laboratory of architectural styles and periods, offering a wealth of real-world projects and internship opportunities utilizing buildings and technologies, dating from 18th century Georgian through mid-20th century Modern. 

In this program you won’t just be sitting in a classroom. You’ll be working closely with faculty – all of whom are professionals in the field – working on real world projects, learning historic preservation by doing it.