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

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

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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.

The dual-degree program culminates with a joint thesis between Architecture and Historic Preservation. Students are required to apply to the M.Arch thesis program after ARCH 6020: Studio IV is successfully completed. However, acceptance to the Architecture Honors Thesis program is not guaranteed. Without a joint thesis, students will still be able to earn the dual-degree but will follow an alternate course of study.

Standard Plan of Study

Program Completion for Students Not Accepted to M.Arch Honors Thesis

Students who are not accepted to the Architecture Honors Thesis program will be able to complete the dual-degree by taking HSPV 7210: Historic Preservation Capstone Studio in the final spring semester. 

Course of Study for Historic Preservation Capstone Studio

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In this plan of study, the second Architecture 7000-level studio is fulfilled by HSPV 7210: Capstone Studio.

Course of Study for Stand-Alone Historic Preservation Thesis

Although it is not advised that students enroll in ARCH 7040: Studio VI and HSPV 7110 in the same semester, students who are not accepted to the Architecture Honors Thesis Program but wish to complete an HSPV-only thesis can discuss the following potential plan of study with their advisors. 

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In this plan of study, students take ARCH 7040 twice, but select a different studio option the second time.