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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.
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
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)
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)Would you like more information about this program?
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