The Historic Preservation Program at the University of Maryland is committed to educating future leaders in the preservation field. We produce students who are skilled in interdisciplinary approaches to critical issues of place and space, and who are prepared to work with communities in promoting resilience, revitalization, and social justice. A recent emphasis is on confronting the many challenges related to climate change. In addition to expanding the diversity of historic resources we study and preserve, we are equally committed to expanding and diversifying the backgrounds and perspectives of preservation practitioners, now and in the future.
The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation is a diverse and welcoming academic environment. Applicants to the Historic Preservation Program come to us from many different backgrounds and walks of life. Recent students have included graduates with degrees in history, anthropology, studio art, theatre design, music, and architecture. While most of our students enter the program within a year of earning their BA or BS degree, others return to school after many years working in a wide range of occupations and professions. Whatever your background, you will find the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation to be an engaging and multi-faceted place to pursue your graduate studies.
Admission is competitive. We value applicants who offer well articulated reasons for why a career in historic preservation is for them, and why the University of Maryland is the right fit to pursue their goals. Among the characteristics that we look for in applicants are strong communication skills, with an emphasis on writing. We carefully consider the entire package of submission materials, not just GPA and test scores, with a particular focus on the personal statement, writing sample, and recommendations.
Learn more about the Master of Historic Preservation.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. There is no restriction on the applicant's previous field of study, and we encourage diversity in all senses.
Application Requirements
Apply via the graduate application website.
Read the latest instructions. When prompted, put in the four-letter code that identifies the program for which you are applying.
The online code for the Master of Historic Preservation degree is HISP.
Fee
A non-refundable $75 fee is required for each program application. Payment of your application fee must be made online for your application to be submitted. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and it is authorized.
To find out if you are eligible for an application fee waiver, please click on the following link: https://gradschool.umd.edu/feewaiverinformation
Transcripts
Unofficial copies of transcripts from each institution, including the University of Maryland, must be attached to your application. Applicants who are admitted will be required to request that official transcripts be forwarded to the Graduate Admissions Office from each institution where undergraduate or prior graduate work was undertaken. Sealed envelopes of transcripts that meet the requirements below must be submitted.
Transcripts must bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the granting institution and should include the years of attendance, courses taken, grades received, class standing and any degree, certificate, or diploma received.
Letters of Recommendation
Three recommendations are required from professors or other unrelated individuals who can assess the applicant’s potential to succeed in this program. The online application provides an electronic recommendation form, which facilitates in most cases submission and receipt.
Statement of Purpose
(1000-2000 words)
Applicants must submit a statement of their goals and objectives in pursuing graduate study using the online application. The statement should address the following two questions:
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What are your reasons for undertaking graduate study at the University of Maryland, College Park? Indicate, if appropriate, any specific areas of research interest. You may wish to discuss past work in your intended field or allied fields, your plans for a professional career, or how you developed your interest in or knowledge of your chosen subject.
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What life experiences have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree at a large and diverse institution such as the University of Maryland? Among the items you might care to include would be your financial, community, and family background, whether you are the first person in your family to pursue higher education, or any other factors that you believe would contribute to the diversity of our academic community. You may also wish to give the graduate admissions committee some examples of your determination to pursue your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and/or your capacity for working through problems independently.
Resume
Applicants must attach an up-to-date resume via the online application.
Writing Sample
A writing sample of at least 10-30 pages of previous academic or professional work must be submitted and uploaded to the Writing Sample section of the application.
International Applicants
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit additional documents. Updated information is available on the Graduate School website.
Deadline
The Fall 2024 deadline for application to the Master of Historic Preservation is January 12, 2024.
Tuition and Fees
For current tuition and fees, please visit the Student Financial Services and Cashiering website.