Historic Preservation students investigating a turn of the century hydroelectric power plant.

Quick Facts

Imagine a cityscape that reflects a rich architectural past within a smart, sustainable future. Now, imagine you guided that effort—a balance of historic preservation and best practices.

Our master of science in historic preservation degree (MSHP) fuses your passion for the past with innovative approaches.

Expert faculty guide you through hands-on, meaningful course work and projects that engage a wide variety of concerns. You’ll learn about community engagement, economic development, and urban policy that’s culturally and ecologically responsible. Our roots are in history and architecture, but when it comes to preserving the past, we also look toward tomorrow’s cities, small towns, and rural landscapes. Additionally, we consider questions of law, economics, landscape architecture, urban planning, and more.

Student Studies on computer

Experience beyond the Classroom

Our preservation laboratory and preservation design studio empower you to collaborate on meaningful projects with preservation agencies, nonprofit groups, and local communities. You’ll also have opportunities to attend conferences and symposia hosted and delivered by reputable historic preservationists and also, take advantage of quality field study programs.

Join a Diverse Community

We require no prerequisite courses, so our students come from diverse backgrounds. They bring a wide variety of interests and points of view, and will be a valuable resource as you explore the many options within the field of historic preservation.


Two Distinct Paths To Earning a Historic Preservation Degree 

30-Credit Option

You Have Previous Preservation Course Work or Experience

Our 30-credit program offers a streamlined path for candidates with previous course work in historic preservation.

Example

Jonathan Spodek

Our Faculty

At Ball State, students know their professors, and their professors know them. You will work closely with nationally recognized faculty who excel not only in the classroom but in their professions. Get to know them.

You will work with your advisor to customize your curriculum, select complementary electives from other disciplines, and engage in professional preservation projects.

For course descriptions and complete information on program requirements, please consult the Graduate Course Catalog.

View Graduate Catalog

Program Requirements

You must:

  • have a minimum 3.0 GPA in your qualifying courses (example: Ball State undergraduate historic preservation minor or a historic preservation major from another accredited institution)
  • gain approval from the program director, Jonathan Spodek, preservation@bsu.edu 

You Have a Degree in Another Field

Our 36-credit option is designed for students with less experience in historic preservation. You can complete this degree in one calendar year (i.e. you take classes during the fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester).

Sean Burns

Our Faculty

At Ball State, students know their professors, and their professors know them. You will work closely with nationally recognized faculty who excel not only in the classroom but in their professions. Get to know them.

What You’ll Learn

You will expand your knowledge and skills in a wide range of core subjects, including:

  • architectural history
  • history of the preservation movement
  • research methods
  • preservation technology
  • preservation policy and economics
  • current issues in historic preservation

Community Project

You will take part in a professional preservation project during the summer semester with guidance from faculty and partners in community organizations. To complement your preservation courses, you will take electives in other disciplines with an option to get a graduate certificate in an allied field.

View Graduate Catalog

Keep Exploring

Take the Next Step

If you’d like to learn more about our Master of Historic Preservation degree,  complete our online form or contact us for more information. And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.

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