Historic Preservation (HISP)

Graduate Degree Program
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Abstract

Based in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, the Historic Preservation Program is a collaboration of faculty from across the University--from the departments of American Studies, Anthropology, Architecture, History, Landscape Architecture, Real Estate Development, and Urban Studies and Planning, as well as the National Trust Library. Our shared goal is educating professionals for work in a wide range of preservation organizations. Research on historic preservation issues is also a focus of the Program, pursued through faculty and student projects, in partnership with preservation organizations and University partners. With many preservation organizations and agencies in the DC area, you will learn from well-connected faculty and challenging internships that will allow you to expand and apply your knowledge and skills. You will experience two great laboratories in Baltimore and Washington; places and spaces where you can explore gentrification, sustainability, and other pressing issues. We also sit within a broad cultural landscape that extends from the Atlantic coast to the mountains of Appalachia.  

The Historic Preservation Program offers a Master of Historic Preservation (MHP) degree, a graduate Certificate, and several dual degrees (with Architecture, Planning, Real Estate Development, Landscape Architecture, Anthropology, American Studies, and History). The MHP is designed as a full-time, two-year curriculum leading to a professional degree. The 45-credit MHP curriculum includes core courses, an internship, an interdisciplinary studio course, a final project, and a large selection of electives to stimulate each student’s particular interests. Students will be admitted to the program with a variety of backgrounds but with a demonstrated prior interest in the preservation field. (In some exceptional cases, students may be admitted to the program on a part-time basis.)

Financial Assistance

HISP’s principal form of financial aid consists of graduate assistantships related to research and outreach activities. The assistantships consist of tuition assistance as well as a stipend. In addition, the Program awards--in conjunction with local non-profit Prince George’s Heritage--the Prince George’s Heritage Preservation Fellowship, an annual competitive award for a HISP student or students whose Prince George’s County related project is judged to be especially outstanding. Additionally, there are possibilities for paid internships and paid part-time work with a variety of national and local organizations and governmental agencies.

Contact 

Susan Kern, Ph.D.
Director
Historic Preservation Program
School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation

Delaney West
Program Coordinator
Historic Preservation Program
School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation

1200 Architecture Building
3835 Campus Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.8000
Fax: 301.314.9583
Email: hisp@umd.edu

Website: http://www.arch.umd.edu

Courses: HISP 

Relationships: Applied Anthropology and Historic Preservation (AAHP), Architecture and Historic Preservation (ARHP), Community Planning and Historic Preservation (CPHP), Historic Preservation and Real Estate Development (HPDV), History and Historic Preservation (HIHP), Historic Preservation and American Studies (HPAM), Historic Preservation and Landscape Architecture (HPLA)

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Writing Sample: A writing sample of at least 10-30 pages. This can be previous individual academic work or professional work. It does not necessarily have to be related to historic preservation, however, a related topic is preferred. Upload to the Writing Sample of the Uploads Requirements section of the application.
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
• Portfolio PDF Upload (optional)

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. There is no restriction on the applicants’ previous field of study, and indeed we encourage diversity in all senses.

Application Deadlines

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Program Website: arch.umd.edu
Application Process: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions

The University of Maryland’s Historic Preservation Program is privileged to be part of a dynamic, successful preservation community that has long thrived throughout the state and in the District of Columbia. Opportunities to study and work abound in the incredibly diverse cities, towns, and landscapes across Maryland. In addition, the Program enjoys close relationships with many local, state, national, and international government organizations working in historic preservation, as well as non-profit groups and private firms.

You will have the opportunity to combine your coursework with invaluable research and field-based professional training in documentation, policy and interpretation. Virtually every class gets you out in the field and connects you to preservation issues and practice in communities and neighborhoods. The program has an ongoing relationship with the Town of Bladensburg to use the Bostwick House property as a learning laboratory and classroom. This 1746 brick home and several farm outbuildings sit on a 10-acre parcel adjacent to the Anacostia River in the middle of suburban Bladensburg [www.bostwickhouse.weebly.com] and just 10 minutes from campus.  

The HISP program is directly related to and substantially enhanced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Library, housed on the College Park campus since 1986 [https://archives.lib.umd.edu/repositories/2/resources/1342]. This Library is one of the leading scholarly resources for preservation in the country.

The program is further strengthened by close working relationships with the Maryland Historical Trust, the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Historic Annapolis, Inc., Preservation Maryland, Prince George’s Heritage, the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, and others. Practical experience can be gained through a variety of internship opportunities with these organizations and many others across the country.