Online MDS in Historic Preservation

The Online Master of Design Studies in Historic Preservation is a 4 semester degree program that gives you the knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership skills necessary to promote and preserve historical buildings and cultural landscapes.

Designed for anyone who has interest in preserving the built environment, this program addresses the technical, cultural, and policy dimensions of historic preservation. We use Boston as our laboratory during the intensive week, but also incorporate current regional and global topics in the field.

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The BAC Difference

Study with working professionals: Your instructors are leaders in the field and bring current perspectives on design studies into the classroom.
In-depth, weeklong residencies in Boston: Each year in August, you’ll come to the BAC’s central urban location to study in residence through in-person instruction, field trips, and hands-on studios. These innovative intensive weeks give students and faculty the opportunity to build strong relationships, setting up a positive, connected studio culture that enhances the online learning throughout the rest of the semester.

Wide-Ranging Curriculum

Combines theory and practice with topics ranging from preservation philosophy, law, and finance to traditional building methods, historic research, and documentation
Opportunities to travel to destinations with rich history that are doing significant work in the preservation field
Connects preservation with the BAC’s nationally recognized curriculua in sustainable design, design for human health, interior architecture, and architecture
Develop an in-depth, mentored thesis project to prepare you for your historic preservation career

Program Details

Career Options

The MDS in Historic Preservation is open to practicing design professionals and those in the allied fields of planning, real estate, and advocacy, as well as those embarking on a new career in these areas. An architecture degree is not required.

Our graduates go on to work in architecture, design, public sector planning, federal government, advocacy, nonprofit management, and private consulting in roles such as:

Preservation architect or designer
Preservation/urban planner
Materials conservator
Preservation specialist in contracting, development, or urban design
Historic site supervisor
Preservation advocate
Preservation planner and historian for local, state, and federal government

2022 Graduate Exhibit

Vicmarie Santiago, MDS-HP'22

2022 Graduate Exhibit

Vicmarie Santiago, MDS-HP'22

The historic preservation program filled the gap in my education, and I have a whole new passion for what I want to do. That has probably been the most valuable thing I have gotten from the BAC.

Olivia Breytenbach, ‘18

Related BAC Programs

Master of Design Studies in Design for Human Health

Master of Design Studies in Sustainable Design

Master of Design Studies in Real Estate Development

of BAC Students are International

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Most Hired from Architecture Schools, DesignIntelligence

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