Master of Science in Historic Preservation
The Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) is for students seeking training in spatial, technical, and design aspects of the broader field; it encompasses architecture, cultural landscapes, preservation, planning, building technology, project management, documentation, interpretation, and representation.
Program Information
The CU Denver Dana Crawford Preservation Program offers a Master of Science in Historic Preservation that prepares students for a true, 21st-century career in preservation. The curriculum equips you to participate in preserving historic buildings
and sites. It presents opportunities for you to study large-scale landscape conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage and underrepresented communities, the impact of gentrification in cities, and how preservation can create solutions to
improve and expand affordable housing.
The program is compliant with the National Council of Preservation Education Standards, requiring:
- 15 credit hours of preservation core courses
- 6 credit hours of approved design history courses
- 15 credit hours of electives
- 9 credit hours of a capstone requirement
(The capstone can be either a thesis or a professional project)
This curriculum is rigorous but flexible, and although it is possible to complete the 45-credit program in three semesters and a summer, most students complete their courses over two years (four regular semesters and a summer semester).
Historic Preservation Contacts
Program Highlights
Field-Based Learning
CAP offers multiple opportunities for Maymester and summer travel study. Some of these are particularly useful for historic preservation students.
Independent Studies
Faculty members are open to proposals from students for a topic of study not regularly offered in the curriculum. Typically, the student will suggest a topic and together with the faculty tutor develop a work plan and evaluation strategy.
Research Assistantships
Opportunities exist for students to engage in paid research assistantships.
Curriculum
The course of study for the Master of Science in Historic Preservation is designed to accommodate the background and needs of both those students with substantial experience and those new to the field.
The curriculum is flexible but rigorous, requiring a total of 45 semester hours to complete:
| Course Type | Semester Hours Required |
| Core Courses in Preservation | 15 semester hours |
| Approved Core Design History Courses | 6 semester hours |
| Capstone Requirement | 9 semester hours |
| Electives | 15 semester hours |
Students receiving significant transfer credit and those with a related degree may further reduce the time required for the MS in Historic Preservation degree and should work with an academic advisor to confirm.
Our program is compliant with National Council of Preservation Education Standards.
Travel Study Opportunities
Tuition & Fees
The University of Colorado Denver has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado. Our tuition and fees are set by the Board of Regents, the governing body of the University of Colorado. Tuition is based on student classification (undergraduate, graduate, academic program, resident or nonresident) and you can find out what rates will apply to your situation here.
All CAP Graduate Programs have WICHE-WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) status, which grants in-state resident tuition to students from 15 western states including California, Washington, Oregon and Arizona.