Master of Preservation Studies

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New Orleans is an incomparable place to study preservation. In addition to its extraordinary inventory of some of the most distinctive historic architecture in the U.S., New Orleans is a microcosm of global issues from sea level rise to housing affordability and social justice.

In just two semesters of full-time coursework, plus a practicum or thesis that can be completed anywhere in the world, the Master of Preservation Studies program prepares students to become leaders in the field of preservation. Our alumni have a proven track record of job attainment in all sectors of the field across the country. Come be in that number.

Only at Tulane. Only in New Orleans.

Comprehensive, three-semester Program

The Master of Preservation program is fast-paced, with two semesters of campus-based learning and one part-time semester with remote options. A comprehensive curriculum gives you the knowledge and skills to succeed in the dynamic, multidisciplinary field of preservation.

Course topics include:

• Building preservation
• History
• Urban conservation
• Law
• Advocacy
• Economics
• Technology

Most classes take place in the afternoons and evenings, providing flexibility for part-time students.

Proven Alumni Success

MPS students are prepared to enter the field on day one after graduation. An interdisciplinary curricular approach prepares graduates to contribute to many different sectors including:

• Historic preservation offices
• Architectural firms
• Restoration companies
• Preservation advocacy organizations
• Cultural resource management firms
• Certified local governments
• Parks
• Museums
• Planning offices

Our alumni have high job attainment rates and are working in leadership positions across the country.

Dual-Degree & Certificate Options

Students in Tulane’s M.Arch I programs may obtain a dual degree in Preservation Studies.

Applicants with other degrees in preservation will be considered for advanced standing.

Curriculum

Year 1

• Fall
  • PRST 6210 Introduction to Preservation Studies
  • PRST 6310 Environmental Law: Historic Pres.
  • PRST 6410 US Pres. Field Studies & Advocacy
  • PRST 6510 Pres. Studio I: Bldg Preservation
  • PRST 6610 History of American Architecture
• Spring
  • PRST 6220 Preservation Technology
  • PRST 6320 Econ. & Practice of Preservation
  • PRST 6420 Field Studies: International Practice
  • PRST 6520 Pres. Studio II: Urban Conservation
  • PRST 6620 History of New Orleans Architecture
  • PRST 6850 Internship in Preservation

Year 2 (fall or spring)

• PRST 6900 Practicum or
• PRST 6920 Preservation Thesis

Note: Tulane’s MPS curriculum conforms to the standards of the National Council for Preservation Education and includes courses in architectural history, preservation theory and practice, research and documentation methodologies, building conservation, preservation law, and architectural and urban preservation planning. It also includes a practicum derived from practical field experience or a thesis.

Place-based Learning in Historic New Orleans

New Orleans is the place to experience the history of preservation and contemporary preservation practice.

The rich history and culture of the city, as seen through its architecture and extraordinary tri-lingual historical archives, create an immersive learning experience. The remarkably well-endowed built environment of New Orleans offers an ideal training ground for learning about past preservation efforts, including influential law and precedent. An international leader in cultural heritage protection, New Orleans is currently tackling globally-relevant challenges in architectural preservation associated with disaster recovery, urban revitalization, and tourism management.

Prominent Placement within an Esteemed School of Architecture

The MPS program frequently interacts with faculty and programs across the School of Architecture including the Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design and the Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development program. The MPS program also fosters collaborations with Tulane’s Center for Environmental Law, the business school’s Program in Cultural Management, and the Roger Thayer Stone Center for Latin American Studies.