Overview

The Historic Preservation M.Sc. at Columbia University provides a comprehensive foundation in the discipline through place-based studios, field work, laboratory research, and seminars. Established in 1964 as the first master's programme of its kind in the United States, the curriculum prepares graduates to be agents of positive environmental, cultural, and social change. Students develop deep expertise in adapting architectural heritage to modern challenges such as climate change and social justice.

Why Historic Preservation at Columbia University?

Columbia University offers a unique environment where preservation is taught as an experimental form of creative expression and a critical form of collective action. The programme features the Preservation Technology Laboratory, a newly renovated facility dedicated to materials science and digital documentation. Students benefit from a global outlook, engaging in research across New York and New Jersey, as well as international locales like Ethiopia, Italy, and Haiti. The curriculum is supported by the annual Fitch Colloquium and faculty-led publications, ensuring students are at the forefront of emerging policy tools and technologies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 35190 per semester
National fee: USD 35190 per semester
Local fee: USD 35190 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around a three-semester studio sequence and core coursework that mirrors the professional world. Modules may include:

Traditional American Architecture
Traditional Building Technology
Theory & Practice of Historic Preservation
Preservation Planning & Policy
Modern American Architecture
Modern Building Technology
Digital Heritage Documentation
Building Conditions Assessment
Experimental Preservation

Careers with Historic Preservation

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in the preservation enterprise, drawing on multi-disciplinary backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, and archaeology. The programme supports career development through suggested summer internships in New York and beyond. Alumni often find success in sectors involving heritage management, adaptive reuse design, and materials conservation. The School hosts an annual career fair at the Columbia University Faculty House to connect students with leading firms and organisations in the field.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Traditional American Architecture
Traditional Building Technology
Theory & Practice of Historic Preservation
Preservation Planning & Policy
Modern American Architecture
Modern Building Technology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Landscape Architecture View 124 other Masters in Landscape Architecture in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The M.S. HP program is multidisciplinary in nature and expects all students to engage in preservation in depth from many perspectives.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to historic preservation as a profession and students should have a basic knowledge of the history of architecture.

All applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university by the time they start the M.S. HP program.
Online Application
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Resumé/CV
GRE
English Proficiency Requirement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Out-of-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70380 USD / year

≈ 70380 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition for Part-time students (registered for fewer than 12 points per semester) is billed at the rate of $2,346 per point.

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Historic Preservation.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Historic Preservation

About

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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