Historic Preservation, MSHP

The Master of Science in Historic Preservation degree requires two academic years of full-time study, including core subjects and specialized study in one of four focus areas: architectural conservation, preservation design, preservation planning, and public history of the built environment. The required courses and specific course of study for each concentration can be found on the corresponding tabs.

For more information: https://www.design.upenn.edu/historic-preservation

Curriculum

A total of 19 course units are required. A minimum of 15 CUs must be HSPV courses.

Students must also complete:

• A summer internship between their first and second years of study
• Two-day, 10-hour OSHA Training Program prior to the start of spring semester during the first year of study

A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Requirements

Preservation Design Concentration Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements, the following 4 CUs are required for Preservation Design concentrators:

¹

Architecture courses must be approved in advance by the Historic Preservation department before counting towards the concentration.

²

If HSPV 7030, 7050 or 7210 is taken for 2 CUs, students do not need a second course from this category.

Plan of Study Grid

Course Plan for Preservation Design Concentration Students Completing Thesis

Course Plan for Preservation Design Concentration Students Completing Capstone without Thesis

¹

Students need 4 CUs of concentration courses, 2 HSPV electives, and 3 General Electives.

Requirements 

Public History of the Built Environment Concentration Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements, the following 4 CUs are required for Public History of the Built Environment concentrators:

Plan of Study

Plan of study for Public History of the Built Environment concentration students doing Thesis

Plan of study for Public History of the Built Environment concentration students doing Capstone

¹

HSPV 6060: Historic Site Management is only offered in the Fall of odd years, so whether students take this course in year one or year two will vary.

Requirements

Preservation Planning Concentration Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements, the following 4 CUs are required for Preservation Planning concentrators:

¹

Relevant GIS courses in other departments, such as SWRK or ENVS, may also be approved. Please consult HSPV department for approval.

Plan of Study

Course Plan for Preservation Planning Concentration Students Completing Thesis

Course Plan for Preservation Planning Concentration Students Completing Capstone Studio

¹

HSPV 6710: Preservation Law is only offered in even years, so whether concentration students take this course in year one or year two will vary.

²

Students need 4 concentration courses, 2 HSPV electives, and 3 General Electives.

Requirements

Architectural Conservation Concentration Requirements

In addition to the general degree requirements, the following 4 CUs are required for Architectural Conservation concentrators:

Plan of Study

Plan of Study for Architectural Conservation Concentration Students Completing Thesis

Plan of Study for Architectural Conservation Concentration Students Completing Capstone Studio

¹

HSPV 7400: Conservation Seminar: Finishes is offered in Spring of even years.
HSPV 7380: Conservation Seminar: Wood is offered in Spring of odd years.
HSPV 7390: Conservation Seminar: Masonry is offered in Fall (due to required courses in First Year Fall, students wishing to take Masonry should take it in Fall of their second year)