Historic Preservation
(HISP)
Abstract
Based in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, the Historic Preservation Program is a collaboration of faculty from across the University--from the departments of Afro-American Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Architecture, History, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Studies and Planning, as well as the National Trust Library. Our shared goal is educating professionals for work in a wide range of preservation organizations. Research on historic preservation issues is also a focus of the Program, pursued through faculty and student projects, in partnership with preservation organizations and University partners. The Historic Preservation Program offers a Master of Historic Preservation (MHP) degree as well as a graduate Certificate. The MHP is designed as a full-time, two-year curriculum leading to a professional degree. The 45-credit MHP curriculum stresses policy and planning for preservation, and includes core courses, an internship, an interdisciplinary studio course, and a large selection of electives to stimulate each student's particular interests. Students will be admitted to the program with a variety of backgrounds but with a demonstrated prior interest in the preservation field. (In some exceptional cases, students may be admitted to the program on a part-time basis.)
Admissions Information
The application process consists of two steps. First, fill out the application for the University of Maryland Graduate School. The administrative code for the Master of Historic Preservation degree is "HISP." Second, send the other elements of the application package (see below) directly to the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. The mailing address is: HISP Graduate Admissions, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742. All applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. There is no restriction on the applicants' previous field of study, and indeed we encourage diversity in all senses. Applications and information on applying to the Master of Historic Preservation degree are available by contacting the Director, Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, or email to hisp-grad@deans.umd.edu.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Domestic Applicants:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent ResidentsDomestic Applicant Deadlines
Applications must be received by January 1 .
This program does not accept applications for this semester.
International Applicants:
Applicants from Outside the U.S. or U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents with Non-U.S. Credentials
IMPORTANT: International Applicants and U.S. Applicants with Non-U.S. Credentials must follow the domestic deadlines above if they are earlier than the deadlines listed below.
Applicants seeking admission under F (Student) or J (Exchange Visitor) visas
February 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Feb. 1June 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1Applicants seeking admission under A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants
May 1
If Domestic Deadline is after May 1
October 1
If Domestic Deadline is after Jun. 1
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents with foreign credentials
May 15
If Domestic Deadline is after May 15
October 31
If Domestic Deadline is after Oct.31Application Requirements
- Complete application form:(On-line version)
- Academic credentials (unofficial to academic unit):
- Standardized test scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential letters from individuals familiar with the applicant's work (at least one of them a previous professor)
- Statement of Goals, Research Interests, and Experiences: 1,000-2,000 word statement of graduate goals, research interests, and experiences. It is suggested that applicants refer to the section on "Focus Areas" in the program description (below), and indicate a preliminary, preferred area of study
- Writing sample (this can be previous academic work or professional work; it does not necessarily have to be related to historic preservation; it must be individual work). In addition, applicants may submit samples of graphic work. Please submit copies, as this material is not returnable
Degree Requirements
Master of Historic Preservation (M.H.P.)
The Master of Historic Preservation (MHP) requires completion of 45 credits. Required courses cover history and theory of preservation, preservation law, research methods & documentation, conservation, economic development, preservation planning & policy, group studio/workshop, internship, and independent final project. Elective courses may be taken from all contributing HISP units, and other departments with prior approval from the HISP Director. A description of the full MHP curriculum is available on the program web site at http://www.arch.umd.edu.
Facilities and Special Resources
The University of Maryland's Historic Preservation Program is privileged to be part of a dynamic, successful preservation community that has long thrived throughout the state and in the District of Columbia. Opportunities to study and work abound in the incredibly diverse cities, towns, and landscapes across Maryland. In addition, the Program enjoys close relationships with many state, local, national, international and federal-government organizations working in historic preservation, as well as non-profit groups and private firms. The HISP program is directly related to and substantially enhanced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Library, housed on the College Park campus since 1986 [http://www.lib.umd.edu/NTL/ntl.html]. This Library is one of the leading scholarly resources for preservation in the country. The program is further strengthened by close working relationships with the Maryland Historical Trust, the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Brookings Institution, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Historic Annapolis, Inc., Preservation Maryland, Prince George's Heritage, the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, and others. Practical experience can be gained through ongoing summer field courses at Kiplin Hall in North Yorkshire, England, and elsewhere.
Financial Assistance
HISP's principal form of financial aid consists of graduate assistantships related to research and outreach activities. The assistantships consist of tuition remission as well as a stipend. In addition, the Program awards--in conjunction with local non-profit Prince George's Heritage--the Prince George's Heritage Preservation Fellowship, an annual competitive award for a HISP student or students whose Prince George's County related project is judged to be especially outstanding. Students in the HISP Program are also eligible to compete for the Margaret Cook Award, a cash prize endowed by the Historical and Cultural Trust of Prince George's County. The St. Clair Wright Historic Preservation Award is given to a HISP student who demonstrates the principles of preservation activism exemplified by Mrs. Wright, founder of Historic Annapolis. Additionally, there are possibilities for paid internships with a variety of national and local organizations and governmental agencies.
Contact Information
Contact the program at the following address:
HISP Graduate Admissions
School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Or at the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation web site: www.arch.umd.edu
Prof. Donald Linebaugh, Director
School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
University of Maryland
College Park
MD
20742
Telephone: (301) 405-6309
Fax: (301) 314-9583
hisp-grad@deans.umd.edu
www.arch.umd.edu
Courses: HISP ARCH URSP
Related Programs and Campus Units
Urban Studies and Planning
Historic Preservation Certificate
Architecture
Urban and Regional Planning and Design
Anthropology
Architecture