Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Program | Ursuline

Investigate. Protect. Inspire.

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The Historic Preservation Program prepares tomorrow’s leaders to make sustainable and unique contributions to their world by preserving cultural memory and its lessons. Students investigate the past and help community members manage their heritage resources responsibly, making decisions and inspiring others to esteem the created and natural environments that best represent our most valuable lessons to be preserved or adapted for future generations. Students in Ursuline's undergraduate Historic Preservation program get a jump on completing this master's degree through our bridge program.

Unique in Ohio

The Historic Preservation Program is one of only 37 master’s degree programs in Historic Preservation in the U.S. recognized by the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE) for fully providing the highest standard of education within this highly multi-disciplinary field of study. It is the only NCPE master’s degree program in Ohio.

Surrounded by History

The Northeast Ohio region features hundreds of years of architectural traditions and styles that we use liberally for field study, and they’re all within an hour of campus.

Careers: Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Program

Historic Preservation is one of the fastest growing fields within public/applied history today. Historic preservationists build a legacy for themselves and their community through a wide variety of career opportunities at:

Architecture firms
Building and house museums
Conservation organizations
Construction companies
Consulting agencies
Design firms
Development and revitalization companies and organizations
Engineering firms
Environmental firms and organizations
Heritage corridors
Historical societies
Historic sites (federal, tribal, state, regional, local)
Landmark Commissions
Main Street organizations
Museums
National Park Service (single largest employer of preservationists in the U.S.)
Parks (federal, tribal, state, regional, local)
Planning departments (federal, state, county, municipal)
Preservation organizations
Restoration companies
State and local preservation departments
Transportation departments (federal and state)

Admission Requirements: Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Program

Degree Program Prerequisites

At least one course or experience in Architectural History.
At least one course or experience in Drafting/AutoCad.

Students admitted without these two prerequisites are required to complete these independently of their degree program within their first year after entrance. These courses are offered at Ursuline but may also be taken at other accredited institutions.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission must meet the general requirements for graduate admission and the following program requirements:

Optional writing sample that is the sole work of the applicant. This may be an independent research paper from previous college experience, summary of a design or research project, or other evidence of professional-level writing ability.
An interview with the Director of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation.

While application materials are accepted continuously, admission packets should be completed and submitted for consideration at least 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the initial semester anticipated for attendance.

Application deadlines: Fall semester May 1st, Spring semester November 1st

Scholarships: Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Program

The Historic Preservation Master's Program at Ursuline College offers the following scholarship to prospective students:

Helen Dineen Scholarship
A scholarship awarded on an annual basis to graduate students exhibiting a high level of academic scholarship, financial need and a desire to work with children. Students must complete a FAFSA and Scholarship Application Form. For details on eligibility and how to apply, click here.