Historic Preservation Planning
The Historic Preservation Planning Master of Arts program at Cornell University offers an academically rich and interdisciplinary environment for students who want to study how historic places are preserved, interpreted, and integrated into contemporary planning decisions. The curriculum blends architectural history, urban planning, preservation law, conservation methods, cultural resource management, and community engagement, enabling learners to understand how historical significance is evaluated and how preservation strategies function within regulatory, social, and economic contexts. With a strong emphasis on cultural heritage, students develop the analytical skills needed to assess historic value, identify preservation priorities, and evaluate the challenges that arise when balancing development pressures with long term heritage protection. This structure supports a deep understanding of how preservation contributes to identity, memory, and place based continuity.
Throughout the two year program, students work closely with faculty and practitioners who specialize in conservation science, planning theory, architectural documentation, community based preservation, and heritage policy. Through fieldwork, archival study, site analysis, and planning exercises, learners develop advanced capabilities in historic evaluation, interpretive planning, and resource documentation. The academic environment encourages collaboration with local organizations, planning agencies, and preservation institutions, helping learners understand how preservation decisions are shaped by community needs, environmental considerations, and historical narratives. This combination of research, field experience, and planning practice prepares graduates to guide preservation initiatives that support resilient and culturally meaningful built environments.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Historic Preservation Planning
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 10 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Archaeology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Historic Preservation
• Architectural History and Cultural Landscapes
• Research Methods for Preservation Planning
• Elective in Urban Policy, Archaeology, or Community Planning
Semester 2
• Preservation Law and Regulatory Frameworks
• Conservation Techniques and Material Analysis
• Planning for Historic Urban Environments
• Elective in Cultural Resource Management or Adaptive Reuse
Semester 3
• Advanced Topics in Heritage Conservation
• Field Study in Historic Site Documentation
• Preservation Planning Studio
• Elective in Sustainable Design, Regional Planning, or Heritage Interpretation
Semester 4
• Master’s Thesis or Applied Preservation Project
• Professional Practices in Preservation Planning
• Policy Development for Cultural Heritage
• Elective in Community Engagement, Environmental Planning, or Historic Research Methods
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue meaningful roles across cultural heritage management, preservation policy, planning, and conservation, frequently joining historic preservation offices, planning and zoning agencies, cultural resource management firms, and nonprofit heritage organizations. Their preparation in site evaluation, policy interpretation, conservation methods, and community focused planning enables them to contribute to preservation plans, cultural landscape assessments, adaptive reuse strategies, and regulatory documentation. With interdisciplinary analytical skills, they support initiatives that safeguard historic environments, strengthen community identity, and guide sustainable development across urban and rural settings.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students who want to integrate planning knowledge with cultural heritage stewardship, offering opportunities to develop advanced preservation insight and strong analytical capability supported by Cornell’s expertise in planning and conservation. Through fieldwork, research driven coursework, and applied planning exercises, learners gain the tools to evaluate historic resources, interpret cultural significance, and design preservation strategies that balance community needs with long term sustainability. Its structured two year format provides depth, practical experience, and professional readiness for impactful careers in preservation planning, heritage policy, and cultural resource management.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
