Imagine a cityscape that reflects a rich architectural past within a smart, sustainable future. Now, imagine you guided that effort—a balance of historic preservation and best practices.
Our master of science in historic preservation (MSHP) fuses your passion for the past with innovative approaches.
Expert faculty guide you through hands-on, meaningful course work and projects that engage a wide variety of concerns. You’ll learn about community engagement, economic development, and urban policy that’s culturally and ecologically responsible. Our roots are in history and architecture, but when it comes to preserving the past, we also look toward tomorrow’s cities, small towns, and rural landscapes. Additionally, we consider questions of law, economics, landscape architecture, urban planning, and more.
Experience beyond the Classroom
Our preservation laboratory and preservation design studio empower you to collaborate on meaningful projects with preservation agencies, nonprofit groups, and local communities. You’ll also have opportunities to attend conferences and take advantage of quality field study programs.
Join a Diverse Community
We require no prerequisite courses, so our students come from diverse backgrounds. They bring a wide variety of interests and points of view, and will be a valuable resource as you explore the many options within the field of historic preservation.
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Two Distinct Paths
30-Credit Option
You Have Previous Preservation Course Work or Experience
Our 30-credit program offers a streamlined path for candidates with previous course work in historic preservation.
Example
Our Faculty
At Ball State, students know their professors, and their professors know them. You will work closely with nationally recognized faculty who excel not only in the classroom but in their professions. Get to know them.
You will work with your advisor to customize your curriculum, select complementary electives from other disciplines, and engage in professional preservation projects.
For course descriptions and complete information on program requirements, please consult the Graduate Course Catalog.
View Graduate Catalog
Program Requirements
You must:
- have a minimum 3.0 GPA in your qualifying courses (example: Ball State undergraduate historic preservation minor or a historic preservation major from another accredited institution)
- meet the curricular requirements of at least 18 hours (or the equivalent) of our two-year master’s program
- gain approval from the program director, Susan Lankford
36-credit option
You Have a Degree in Another Field
Our 36-credit option is designed for students with less experience in historic preservation. You can complete this degree in one calendar year (i.e. you take classes during the fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester).
Our Faculty
At Ball State, students know their professors, and their professors know them. You will work closely with nationally recognized faculty who excel not only in the classroom but in their professions. Get to know them.
What You’ll Learn
You will expand your knowledge and skills in a wide range of core subjects, including:
- architectural history
- history of the preservation movement
- research methods
- preservation technology
- preservation policy and economics
- current issues in historic preservation
Community Project
You will take part in a professional preservation project during the summer semester with guidance from faculty and partners in community organizations. To complement your preservation courses, you will take electives in other disciplines with an option to get a graduate certificate in an allied field.
Careers in Historic Preservation
With a master’s in historic preservation, you’ll get a high return on your investment and we offer plenty of career-related resources to get you there. Explore career paths.
Paying for Your Education
Pay for school through meaningful, relevant work you’ll do closely with expert faculty. Find a position.
Ready to Apply?
Applying to our master of science in historic preservation is a two-part process. You’ll need to apply to Ball State’s Graduate School as well as the program itself.
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