Historic preservation is dedicated to protecting, maintaining, and planning for buildings, sites, and objects of historical, cultural, or architectural significance. The M.A. in Historic Preservation Planning reflects the multidisciplinary field that engages with design, history, public policy, and cultural studies.
Cornell’s M.A. program in Historic Preservation Planning will not be accepting applications for fall 2026 admissions. Please check back for further updates regarding future application cycles.
The Master of Arts in Historic Preservation (M.A. HPP) provides instruction in methods and techniques to conserve and restore architectural heritage. HPP students are frequently out in the field doing exciting work for real-world sites and clients, as well as participating in multi-disciplinary design teams working with local communities.
Curriculum
The master’s degree requires four semesters of coursework plus a master’s thesis. There are six core classes:
- CRP5600: Documentation of Preservation (3 credits)
- CRP5610: Historic Preservation Planning Workshop: Surveys and Analysis (4 credits)
- CRP5620: Perspectives on Preservation (3 credits)
- CRP8950: Master’s Thesis in Preservation Planning (6 credits)
- Two semesters of American Architectural History, if not completed in previous academic work
Graduate students from across Cornell who are not enrolled in the M.A. HPP program but have an interest in this area of study are welcome and encouraged to apply for the Historic Preservation minor.