Preservation Studies

The Preservation Studies Program trains students for productive careers working in historic preservation and the stewardship of cultural resources and heritage. Boston and New England have historically stood out as leaders of the national historic preservation movement and as influencers on the global stage. Successful, environmentally minded stewardship is part of the institutional DNA of Boston University, and the Preservation Studies Program draws inspiration and vitality from this rich context and curricula. The program offers both an MA in Preservation Studies and JD/MA in Law and Preservation Studies.

Preservation requires careful reflection on cultural values, place and identity, underrepresented heritage, community, social and political narratives, meaning and memory, adaptive reuse, and global trends. We stimulate students to think critically about principles and processes, as well as diversity and equality, and to allow for decisions that support sustainability in managing change.

Students in the program learn preservation in the classroom and through hands-on preservation planning, historical research and exploration. They study the built environment and cultural landscape through courses taught by leading experts who teach in departments across the University and numerous professionals who do outstanding work in regional and national preservation field. The Preservation Studies Program integrates the Preservation Studies Lecture Series and Round Tables, Preservation Field Trips, guest lectures, and site visits during courses, or visits to preservation practices and firms, into the MA experience.