Master of Architecture + Master of Science in Historic Preservation

The Weitzman School of Design offers a unique opportunity for students interested in the intersection of architecture and historic preservation. The dual-degree program between the Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Historic Preservation enables students to earn both degrees in four years (compared to five years of study to complete the degrees separately). 

This program has strict course sequencing to avoid time conflicts. Students begin the program by completing the first two years of the standard M.Arch course of study, followed by a blend of Historic Preservation and Architecture coursework in Years 3 and 4. To complete the degree in four years, students must begin in the Master of Architecture program and be accepted to the Historic Preservation program no later than spring of Year 2 in M.Arch. Students who begin in Historic Preservation and are accepted to the M.Arch program no later than spring of Year 1 in MSHP are still invited to complete the dual-degree program but will need to work with academic advisors from both programs to develop a course of study. In this scenario, students should not expect to complete the dual-degree in 4 years and will need at least one additional semester of part-time study.

Both the Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Historic Preservation degree programs are STEM-designated. 

A total of 38 CUs (26 from Architecture + 12 from Historic Preservation) are needed for the dual-degree. Both degrees are awarded in the same term, when the requirements for both programs have been completed.

Curriculum

ARCH 5010Design Studio I2
ARCH 5020Design Studio II2
ARCH 5110History and Theory I1
ARCH 5120History and Theory II1
ARCH 5210Visual Studies I0.5
ARCH 5220Visual Studies II0.5
ARCH 6010Design Studio III2
ARCH 6020Design Studio IV2
ARCH 7040Design Studio VI2
ARCH 7060Honors Thesis Program 22
ARCH 5310Construction I0.5
ARCH 5320Construction II1
ARCH 5350Structures I0.5
ARCH 5360Structures II.5
ARCH 6110History and Theory III1
ARCH 6210Visual Studies III0.5
ARCH 6310D3: Details, Data, Delivery0.5
ARCH 6330Environmental Systems I0.5
ARCH 6340Environmental Systems II.5
ARCH 6360Material Formations1
ARCH 6710Professional Practice I0.5
ARCH 7710Professional Practice II: The Practice1
ARCH Technology Elective (with FMAT attribute)1
ARCH History/Theory Elective (with FMAH attribute)1
ARCH Elective1
HSPV Summer Institute0
HSPV 5210The American Built Environment 11
HSPV 6000Documentation, Research, Recording I2
HSPV 6010Documentation, Research, Recording II1
HSPV 6600Theories of Historic Preservation0.5
HSPV 6610Theories of Historic Preservation II0.5
HSPV 7010Historic Preservation Studio2
HSPV 7100Thesis I 21
Four HSPV Electives4
Total Course Units38
1

Students may substitute an approved History Topics course for American Architecture with approval from the department.

2

In their final year, dual-degree students enroll in HSPV 7100: Thesis I (1 CU) in the Fall and ARCH 7060: Thesis (2 CUs) in the Spring.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.