Program Information

Program Description

The College of Design’s Historic Preservation Program, founded in 1980, is one of the premiere preservation programs in the US.

The program combines leading-edge academic research with outstanding teaching from experienced practitioners in design, planning, and heritage conservation and produces leaders in the public sector, in private practice, and in nonprofit advocacy.

Students have exciting opportunities to interact with design firms, local developers, and preservation activists in the Portland metropolitan area, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.

The graduate program focuses on research and instruction in both the theory and practice of historic preservation in the US and the world, with a focus on both the physical and social aspects of cultural resources.

Students have the opportunity to concentrate in one of three areas:

• Sustainable Preservation Design
• Cultural Resource Management Planning
• Cultural Heritage and History

Core courses include the basics of identification and designation of properties for official listing, legal aspects of protection and regulation of the treatment of historic properties, and the history of buildings and intangible traditions that make up a cultural heritage.

Students will augment core courses with fieldwork in both urban and rural contexts and work with professionals and public officials concerned with preserving historic resources.

Each student also carries out an in-depth capstone project (thesis or client-oriented report) in which they apply the skills they have gained on an independent research effort.

Program Information  Faculty

Application at a Glance

You apply for admission through your program. This program has two separate applications, the University of Oregon application and a department application. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website.

UO Application Requirements

• Official Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants
• Financial Verification for International Applicants

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Required

• Biographical Summary or Resume
• Statement of Intent
• Educational/Professional Summary
• Letters of Recommendation
• Portfolio

Optional

• GRE (UO Institution Code: 4846)

Not Required

• GMAT

Apply Through Department