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Master of Science in Historic Preservation Admissions

Our Master of Science in Historic Preservation program is named in honor of Dana Crawford, an award-winning preservationist, and pioneer for urban renewal in the United States. She paved the way for redevelopment in the City of Denver, most notably in the mid-1960s when she revitalized Larimer Square, which now serves as a prototype for redeveloping main streets and architectural landmarks nationwide. Students admitted into this program must have completed a bachelor’s degree before can be admitted to this program.

Visit Us!


Each year, we host in-person and virtual information sessions to give you an opportunity to learn more about our programs, get a tour of our facilities and labs, and help you visualize yourself as a Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) student. Attend an info session, meet with our advisors and program faculty, and get to know current students. 

Application Information


The MSHP program is fully integrated into a college emphasizing design and graphic excellence. While Historic Preservation students need not have fully developed skills in advance of matriculation we have found that students have benefitted from some previous exposure to: 

  • Manual drawing/sketching
  • CAD graphics
  • Graphics software such as Adobe Creative Suite

These competencies can be demonstrated by previous coursework or by portfolio/resume submission. Should any of these competencies for an admitted student be judged insufficient by the faculty, the program director may require the student to gain supplemental instruction prior to, or upon matriculation to, the MS degree in Historic Preservation program.  Any credit awarded for such supplemental work will not be counted toward the required number of credit hours for the degree.

Application Deadline


Fall 2025

Applications Open:
August 1

Applications Close:
December 15 for International Applicants
January 15 for Domestic Applicants 

Note: Late applications will be accepted through May 1 and will be reviewed on a space-available basis and are not eligible for scholarships.

Application Requirements


  • Online Application​
  • Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose should be a 750-1000 word essay that describes your interest in historic preservation and CU Denver, as well as your academic and professional goals.
  • A compact portfolio (max. 20 pages 8.5” X 11”) of writing samples, and (optionally) graphic work and a professional resume are strongly recommended. Please upload of PDF to the online application.
  • Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores is recommended for applicants without evidence of prior successful graduate-level accomplishment.
  • Three letters of recommendation: You will submit the contact information in your application for three instructors or other professionals who can attest to your potential for our MSHP program. They will receive an email from CU Denver with a link to upload their letters directly to your application.
  • Transcript(s):
    • Domestic transcripts: Transcripts from each institution you have attended, except for study abroad courses, should be sent to the following:
      • Electronic Transcripts: cap-admissions@ucdenver.edu
      • Mailing Address:
        College of Architecture and Planning
        University of Colorado Denver
        Campus Box 126
        P.O. Box 173364
        Denver, CO 80217-3364
    • International transcripts: An International Credential Evaluation Report is required for any applicant who attended one or more academic institution(s) located outside the United States. All international credentials from the academic institution(s) located outside the United States will need to be verified for authenticity and evaluated by CU Denver or an external evaluation provider (ECE or WES). If you have questions about international transcript reviews, please contact our International Admissions office at intldocuments@ucdenver.edu or visit their website for more information: CU Denver International Admissions Office.
      • Applicants for the Fall 2024 term will have the option of choosing: CU Denver to authenticate and evaluate your credentials in-house. ECE or WES to authenticate and provide a credential evaluation report directly to CU Denver. (Applicant will pay the cost of the evaluation fee. 
      • Students who are admitted and enrolled in the program will be required to subsequently submit official college transcripts to the International Admissions office at intldocuments@ucdenver.edu.
  • Students admitted into this program must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before they will be able to begin this program. An official conferred degree transcript is required by the university.
  • Current graduate students at CAP, did you know we offer dual degree options? Learn more about how you may be able to earn an additional degree in an expedited amount of time.

Did You Know?

In-State Tuition is available to Western state residents.

CAP has WICHE-WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program) status. This means that students who are residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States are granted in-state tuition.

Learn more about WICHE-WRGP for Graduate Students >>

Contact Us!

Want to learn more about our Master of Science in Historic Preservation program, have questions about applying, and/or want to visit us on campus? Meet Advising and Admissions team.
Profile Picture Name Contact Information
Jodi Stock's headshot

Jodi Stock

Manager of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment
for Graduate Programs

College of Architecture and Planning

CU Denver

CU Denver Building

1250 14th Street

2000

Denver, CO 80202


303-315-1000

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