Master of Science in Historic Preservation
UO’s Historic Preservation Program, founded in 1980, is one of the premier preservation programs in the US.
Our graduate program focuses on research and instruction in both the theory and practice of historic preservation in the US and the world, with a focus on both the physical and social aspects of cultural resources.
Core courses include the basics of identification and designation of properties for official listing, legal aspects of protection and regulation of the treatment of historic properties, and the history of buildings and intangible traditions that make up our cultural heritage. You’ll augment your core courses by doing fieldwork in both urban and rural contexts and work with professionals and public officials concerned with preserving historic resources. Each student participates in a robust engaged community project or chooses to carries out an in-depth capstone project (thesis or client-oriented report called a ‘terminal project’). Through any of the three capstone paths, students apply the skills they have gained on an independent research effort that advances our collective knowledge in the discipline of historic preservation.
The Historic Preservation Program has an interdisciplinary focus within the School of Architecture & Environment in the College of Design. Some students have chosen to develop specialties and concurrent master’s degrees in related fields such as architecture; landscape architecture; and planning, public policy and management. Others have created more unique combinations with studies in museums, economic development, and Russian and East European studies.
Funding
The Historic Preservation Program is a participating member of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP, formerly WICHE). This program allows students from participating states to receive in-state tuition while completing their master of science degree in historic preservation at the University of Oregon. Additional opportunities for fellowships and travel awards are also available.
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