Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Historic Preservation and Conservation
This one-year postbaccalaureate certificate teaches historic preservation and conservation techniques, preparing students for careers in protecting cultural heritage in the US.
About
This Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Historic Preservation and Conservation is a specialized program designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to deepen their knowledge in preserving historic sites and artifacts. It focuses on the skills needed to protect and maintain cultural heritage through conservation methods and preservation planning. The certificate suits those interested in careers related to history, architecture, archaeology, or museum work.
- The program lasts one year and offers focused training in historic preservation.
- It is intended for students with a bachelor's degree who want to specialize further.
- Graduates can work in roles such as preservation specialists, conservation technicians, or cultural resource managers.
- The certificate provides practical and theoretical knowledge about historic materials, preservation laws, and conservation techniques.
- It is recognized within the US education system and can enhance professional opportunities in heritage sectors.
What you study
The curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences to build skills in historic preservation and conservation. Students study the principles of conservation science, historic architecture, and preservation law, progressing from foundational concepts to applied techniques.
- Courses cover materials conservation, including stone, wood, and metals commonly found in historic structures.
- Students learn about historic preservation planning and the regulatory frameworks governing heritage sites.
- Training includes documentation methods such as architectural drawing and digital recording of historic properties.
- The program emphasizes fieldwork and practical projects to apply conservation techniques.
- Students explore case studies of preservation efforts to understand real-world challenges.
- There is a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills throughout the year.
How to get in
Admission to this certificate program requires applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree, typically in fields related to history, architecture, archaeology, or environmental studies. The process involves submitting academic transcripts and sometimes a statement of purpose explaining the applicant's interest in historic preservation.
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- The admission procedure usually includes an application form, transcripts, and possibly letters of recommendation.
- Some programs may require relevant background knowledge or experience in related fields.
- Students with diverse academic backgrounds but a strong interest in preservation may also be considered.
- The program is offered by US institutions following national higher education standards.
Day to day
During the one-year program, students engage in a mix of lectures, workshops, and field activities. The schedule typically includes classroom sessions focused on theory and laboratory or site visits for practical experience.
- The academic year is paced to allow time for hands-on projects involving real preservation challenges.
- Students often participate in internships or fieldwork with preservation organizations or cultural institutions.
- Group projects and individual assignments help develop research and technical skills.
- There is no formal alternating work-study system, but practical experience is strongly encouraged.
- The workload balances technical training with understanding legal and historical contexts.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with this certificate can find opportunities in various sectors that focus on the protection and management of cultural heritage. The demand for preservation experts exists in public agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations.
- Common jobs include historic preservation specialist, conservation technician, and cultural resource manager.
- Employment sectors include government heritage agencies, museums, and architectural firms.
- The job market values practical skills in conservation methods and knowledge of preservation laws.
- Insertion into the workforce is generally facilitated by the program’s practical orientation and networking opportunities.
- Work can involve site assessments, restoration planning, and community outreach.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing the certificate, students may choose to continue their studies in related graduate programs or expand their expertise through professional development courses. The certificate can serve as a stepping stone to advanced degrees.
- Possible further studies include master's degrees in historic preservation, architecture, or archaeology.
- Some students may pursue specialized training in conservation science or museum studies.
- The certificate can also support career shifts by providing foundational knowledge in heritage fields.
Where to study this degree (83)
Liste des 83 établissements
- Salem CollegeWinston-Salem
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- University of Mary WashingtonFredericksburg
- College of CharlestonCharleston
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- University of KentuckyLexington
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- University of DelawareNewark
- Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti
- Salve Regina UniversityNewport
- University of OregonEugene
- Belmont CollegeSt Clairsville
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau
- Roger Williams UniversityBristol
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- Clayton State UniversityMorrow
- Pratt Institute-MainBrooklyn
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- University of VermontBurlington
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Elizabethtown CollegeElizabethtown
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Virginia TechBlacksburg
- Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Salt Lake Community CollegeSalt Lake City
- Salish Kootenai CollegePablo
- Purdue University Fort WayneFort Wayne
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- Edgecombe Community CollegeTarboro
- Universidad Politecnica de Puerto RicoHato Rey
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- Villa Maria CollegeBuffalo
- East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City
- School of the Art Institute of ChicagoChicago
- University of New OrleansNew Orleans
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- Clatsop Community CollegeAstoria
- University of Hawaii at HiloHilo
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- Adams State UniversityAlamosa
- Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth
- Coastal Carolina UniversityConway
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaChattanooga
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- University of EvansvilleEvansville
- Delaware State UniversityDover
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- Ursuline CollegePepper Pike
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Goucher CollegeBaltimore
- Southern Oregon UniversityAshland
- University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for this certificate?
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree, usually in a related field such as history, architecture, or archaeology. Some programs may consider candidates from other backgrounds with relevant interest.
Is this certificate recognized nationally in the US?
Yes, the certificate is offered by accredited US institutions and follows national standards for postbaccalaureate education.
Does the program include practical experience?
Yes, students engage in hands-on projects, fieldwork, and sometimes internships to apply preservation and conservation techniques.
Can I work while studying this certificate?
The program is intensive and typically full-time for one year, so working alongside may be challenging but depends on the institution's schedule.
What kind of jobs can I get after completing this certificate?
Graduates can work as preservation specialists, conservation technicians, or cultural resource managers in sectors like government agencies, museums, or heritage organizations.
Is this certificate a stepping stone to further education?
Yes, it can prepare students for advanced degrees such as master's programs in historic preservation, architecture, or archaeology.
Are there opportunities for alternating study and work?
This certificate generally does not offer formal alternance or apprenticeship options but encourages practical experience through internships.
How selective is the admission process?
Admission is selective, requiring a relevant bachelor's degree and sometimes additional application materials like statements or recommendations.
