The Master of Science graduate degree in historic preservation prepares graduate students for broad-based careers in the field of historic preservation. Our primary educational goal is the development of long-term professional practitioners with knowledge and training in the appropriate skills to support their careers. Students are offered an intensive, practical, community-oriented, professional experience. Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on, community-based projects through linkages with local, state, and federal groups, organizations and agencies, heritage organizations, museums, and historic sites.
Students may choose either of two dual tracks leading toward completion of the MS degree, one incorporating traditional on-campus instruction available to those who choose to experience the Vermont context firsthand and attend classes in-person, and the other offering remote instruction for those who enroll in our program from a distance. These two enrollment options have been crafted with the goal of melding the curricular requirements of a program steeped in tactile awareness of history visible in our surroundings, with new opportunities for offering such experiences through advancing technology.
Each course will be divided into lecture and symposia components, and each course will be offered in a manner that establishes clear, identical, educational expectations for in-person and distance learners. Lecture components will be offered in-person and synchronously during each semester. Symposia for each course will be offered during intensive, four or five-day conferences during which students and faculty will meet in person during full, eight-hour days and engage with one another on campus or in field settings. Two symposia will take place during fall semesters and two symposia will occur during spring semesters.
Graduate Admissions
Graduate students are admitted to the UVM Historic Preservation Program from a wide variety of academic backgrounds ranging from history, architectural history, architecture, and business administration, to engineering, art history, planning, law, and other fields of undergraduate study. Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution prior to enrollment.
Because historic preservation is a field of many skills and interests, the admissions review policy maintains flexibility about applicants' previous academic studies and experience, placing emphasis upon their stated motivations and capacity to do independent, self-directed work.
Those interested should apply directly to UVM Graduate Admissions using the online application form.
The policy of the University of Vermont is to not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, color, religion, age, or national origin in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.
Questions? Discuss career plans? Schedule an appointment or visit?
Contact us at histpres@uvm.edu
Tuition and Financial Aid
All students accepted to the UVM Historic Preservation Program receive a discounted graduate tuition rate, regardless of merit or need. This non-resident alternate pricing tuition rate is $1,200 per credit. Vermont residents may apply for the in-state tuition rate, which is $678 per credit.
Students who satisfy a financial need requirement are also eligible for federal work-study support. The UVM Historic Preservation Program typically has work-study positions available for all pre-qualified students. Applications for work-study funding must be made through the UVM Financial Aid. Read more about the information and application procedures.
Questions? Schedule an appointment or visit? Request an information package? Contact at histpres@uvm.edu
For Undergraduates
The UVM Historic Preservation Program offers a Master of Science degree in historic preservation, as well as an Accelerated Masters Program.
Undergraduate students may wish to consider an individually designed minor in historic preservation. An IDM in historic preservation might include courses to learn about observations about architectural history, landscape heritage, architectural conservation, adaptive reuse, and other topics.