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Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

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  • Master of Science in Historic Preservation

Master of Science in Historic Preservation

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Program Overview
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Program Overview

The Master of Science in Historic Preservation (MSHP) is for students seeking training in spatial, technical, and design aspects of the broader field. This program encompasses architecture, cultural landscapes, preservation, planning, building technology, project management, documentation, interpretation, and representation.

photo of Jodi StocK

Jodi Stock

Admissions Coordinator

Email:

jodi.stock@ucdenver.edu

Phone:

303-315-0082

The design and planning professions are rapidly changing. Even seasoned professional are discovering the need for new skills to remain informed and competitive. It will always be a more sustainable practice to reuse existing buildings than to harvest and manufacture new materials.

An increasing percentage of the money spent on construction (and by extension, design work, and planning approvals) is for the reuse  and renovation of existing structures. As many of these projects are  either themselves historic or in areas that may impact historic  environments, design, and planning professionals are realizing the importance of knowledge and skill in this field. This is a program  designed to prepare students for a 21st Century career.

 Our 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 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.

Why the MS in Historic Preservation at CU Denver?

Preservation for Good

Preservation for Good is an initiative of CU Denver’s Dana Crawford Preservation Program. The program elevates the critical work of grassroots preservationists throughout the Rocky Mountain West. The platform celebrates non-traditional, people-powered acts of preservation. The aim is to broaden preservation work, promote innovative individuals and strategies, and create a movement of change agents to expand the impact of preservation.

Field-Based Learning

CAP offers multiple opportunities for Maymester and summer travel  study. Some of these are particularly useful for historic preservation  students, opening new learning opportunities and helping to expand perspectives. 

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.

Program Description

The design and planning professions are rapidly changing. Even seasoned professional are discovering the need for new skills to remain informed and competitive. It will always be a more sustainable practice to reuse existing buildings than to harvest and manufacture new materials.

An increasing percentage of the money spent on construction (and by extension, design work, and planning approvals) is for the reuse  and renovation of existing structures. As many of these projects are  either themselves historic or in areas that may impact historic  environments, design, and planning professionals are realizing the importance of knowledge and skill in this field. This is a program  designed to prepare students for a 21st Century career.

 Our 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 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.

Why the MS in Historic Preservation at CU Denver?

Preservation for Good

Preservation for Good is an initiative of CU Denver’s Dana Crawford Preservation Program. The program elevates the critical work of grassroots preservationists throughout the Rocky Mountain West. The platform celebrates non-traditional, people-powered acts of preservation. The aim is to broaden preservation work, promote innovative individuals and strategies, and create a movement of change agents to expand the impact of preservation.

Field-Based Learning

CAP offers multiple opportunities for Maymester and summer travel  study. Some of these are particularly useful for historic preservation  students, opening new learning opportunities and helping to expand perspectives. 

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.

Program Features

45

number of credit hours

GRE Requirement

recommended for applicants without prior successful graduate-level course-work

15-18 months

program duration

Fall

starting semester

March 1

application deadline for Fall

Higher Learning Commission

accreditation

Useful Links

Program Details

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.

Admissions Process & Requirements

View admissions information including eligibility, application process, requirements, and deadlines.

Tuition & Fees

The University of Colorado Denver has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Colorado. View information about the cost of attendance at CU Denver.

Attend an Information Session

If you are interested in learning more about our MS Historic Preservation program, please attend our in-person and virtual information sessions.

Student Testimonials

Faith Hammond
I got into historic preservation because I love the stories that can be told through buildings. It is never just one story either, there is a multitude of narratives to choose from, and each one is different and unique. The Dana Crawford Preservation Program at the University of Colorado Denver helps students explore the built environment through interdisciplinary courses like adaptive reuse, building material conservation, urban conservation, and much more. I feel very prepared and excited to explore the many job opportunities in the preservation community!

Faith Hammond

Master of Science in Historic Preservation (2023)
Olivia Simard
The Dana Crawford Preservation Program and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program in the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) are already helping me prepare for a career in both the preservation and planning fields through solid foundational courses, amazing electives, such as Building Reuse in Climate Action and Introduction to Sustainable Urban Infrastructure, and through support from the faculty and staff. Thanks to both programs, I know I will be equipped with a well-rounded skill set when I graduate. I am looking forward to a long career creating equitable, affordable, and sustainable places!

Olivia Simard

Dual Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (2023)
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CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

CAP offers dedicated career support for students across our undergraduate and graduate programs. From tailored support on preparing application materials, building a job or internship search strategy, and facilitating connections to our amazing professional community, you have no shortage of support to achieve your career goals as a CAP student. Learn more about Career Connections for students.

Employment opportunities for graduates in historic preservation are with state historical societies and preservation offices, historic sites and museums, conservation societies, city and state governments, heritage trust and nonprofit organizations, and environmental and design consulting firms.

Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

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