Master of Science in Historic Preservation Admissions

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 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: [email protected]
    • 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 [email protected] or visit their website for more information: CU Denver International Admissions Office.
    • Applicants for the Fall 2026 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 [email protected].
• In order for your application to be considered on time, all application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts must be received by the application deadline.
• 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.

Contact Us!

---