Historic Preservation Planning

Historic Preservation Planning at Cornell University is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare students for careers dedicated to the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of historic sites, buildings, and cultural landscapes. This program integrates principles from architecture, planning, history, archaeology, and environmental design to equip students with the necessary skills to address complex preservation challenges in diverse contexts. Students explore topics such as architectural history, preservation law and policy, urban planning, cultural resource management, and community engagement, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to balance historic significance with contemporary needs and development. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, often involving fieldwork, case studies, and collaborations with local communities and heritage organizations. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in government agencies, private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions, contributing to preservation planning, policy formulation, and the sustainable stewardship of cultural resources. The program benefits from Cornell’s rich resources, including access to historic sites, archival collections, and a faculty renowned for expertise in preservation, architecture, and urban planning. By fostering a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and developing advanced planning skills, the program aims to cultivate leaders capable of shaping policies and projects that respect historical contexts while fostering innovative urban development. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of historic preservation in a rapidly changing world, promoting resilient communities and the enduring value of cultural landmarks for future generations.

First Year

Six core classes are required and, except for the thesis, are usually taken in the first year. Students must complete two semesters of course work in American architecture history (unless this requirement is fulfilled as an undergraduate). For the balance of required credits in the first year, students take classes in the economics of neighborhood conservation, urban history, real estate development, building materials conservation, preservation law, and community-assisted design. A workshop takes students into the field to conduct a historic resources survey in a nearby city, town, or village.

Second Year

In the second year, students complete a master's thesis in historic preservation. Students have addressed a wide range of problems, from a scheme to revitalize an entire neighborhood to a site-specific economic analysis for the renovation of a surplus school. Theses have examined supermarkets, bridges, adobe residences, piers, observatories, churches, cemeteries, factories, and farm buildings. Students have researched private historic preservation efforts or analyzed government plans.

Curriculum Specifics

To complete the M.A. degree in historic preservation planning, a student must do the following:

• Obtain a total of 60 credit hours, including two semesters of American architectural history, if no background in this area
• Earn two registration units
• Have two committee members on file by the end of the first year
• Fulfill the core class requirements, unless the department has waived or modified the requirements by recommendation of the special committee
• Successfully defend and submit a thesis, and have it approved by the special committee and the thesis secretary (formatting only) at the Graduate School
• No grades at the C level in any subject are acceptable for credit toward the degree

Core Classes for the M.A. HPP

To assure that M.A. graduates are familiar with central concepts and skills of the field, each student must successfully complete the following core classes:

1. CRP 5600 Documentation of Preservation (3 credits)
2. CRP 5610 Historic Preservation Planning Workshop: Surveys and Analysis (4 credits)
3. CRP 5620 Perspectives on Preservation (3 credits)
4. CRP 8950 Master's Thesis in Preservation Planning (6 credits)
5. Two semesters of American architectural history (ARCH 3810/AMST 3810 and ARCH 3811/AMST 3811)

• Diplom Bakalavra; or, for institutes that do not award Diplom Bakalavra,a Diplom accompanied by transcript of courses taken and a letter from the university confirming that the applicant completed 3 years of study
• Transcripts 
• TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) is required.
• 2 Recommendations
• GRE general test

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• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
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• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

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Enroll in the course

The financing of the Historic Preservation Planning program at Cornell University is primarily supported through a combination of private and public funding sources, including university allocations, grants, fellowships, and external scholarships. Students enrolled in the program often have access to various financial aid options designed to offset the costs of tuition, fees, and related expenses. Cornell University offers institutional scholarships and assistantship opportunities specifically tailored for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in historic preservation and related fields. These funding options are competitive and require students to demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to the field, and potential for contribution to preservation practices.

In addition to university-based financial aid, students may seek external scholarships and fellowships provided by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and foundations dedicated to historic preservation, cultural resource management, and urban planning. Examples include grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation or the Preservation Education Fund. These funds can significantly reduce the financial burden on students and enable them to focus more fully on their studies, research projects, and internships.

Students are also encouraged to secure part-time employment opportunities within the university, such as research or teaching assistantships, which provide stipends and tuition remission. Many students supplement their funding through internships with preservation organizations, government agencies, or consultancy firms that offer stipends or hourly wages. Such practical experiences not only support students financially but also enhance their professional skills and employability after graduation.

Furthermore, the program may offer special funding initiatives, including loans, fellowships, or dedicated research grants, aimed at supporting students working on specific preservation projects, historic site documentation, or community-based initiatives. Overall, the financing landscape for the Historic Preservation Planning program at Cornell is diverse, emphasizing a combination of institutional resources, external support, and practical employment opportunities to facilitate student success and promote the development of skilled preservation planners.

Historic Preservation Planning at Cornell University is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers in the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of historic resources. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical field experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical architecture, urban landscapes, and regulatory frameworks that influence preservation efforts. Students have the opportunity to engage with a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as historic building analysis, conservation techniques, cultural resource management, and policy development.

The program is integrated within Cornell's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, leveraging the university’s strong resources in architecture, urban planning, and heritage studies. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, research projects, and collaborations with local, state, and federal preservation agencies. Cornell’s location in Ithaca offers a unique environment for studying historic preservation, with access to numerous historic sites, architectural landmarks, and preservation initiatives that facilitate experiential learning.

Faculty members are experts in the fields of historic preservation, architecture, and planning, providing mentorship and guiding research efforts that contribute to the understanding of best practices in preserving cultural heritage. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to consider social, cultural, and environmental aspects in preservation planning. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in preservation consulting firms, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and as policy makers or advocates for heritage conservation.

In addition to classroom education, students have access to extensive resources such as the Cornell University Library’s specialized collections, historic preservation laboratories, and fieldwork opportunities. The program fosters collaboration with communities and professionals in the field, helping students develop skills necessary for effective communication, project management, and advocacy. Students who complete the program earn a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation Planning, which qualifies them for advanced roles in the preservation sector, contributing to the safeguarding of cultural resources for future generations.