Masters in Cultural Heritage and Preservation Studies

The MA is a two year degree program (30 credits) that emphasizes the development of a broad understanding of heritage contexts and policies along with development of professional skills. It is open as a stand alone program to students with a bachelor degree or its equivalent. Application to the program is competitive. Students currently enrolled in graduate programs and wishing to pursue cultural heritage issues as a complementary field are also welcome to apply. There is a strong multidisciplinary and cross-cultural emphasis. Faculty includes member of the Departments of Art History, History, Anthropology, American Studies, The Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, among others, as well as visiting academics and professionals in relevant fields. Courses are also offered through CHAPS Abroad, which emphasizes interaction with faculty and heritage professionals within the host country.

A major focus is practical professional experiences, which includes internship or fieldwork experience with an appropriate cultural institution, firm, or governmental agency. Opportunities are available at local, national and international levels, and reflect the student's area of focus, which is determined at the end of the first year. Areas of focus might include: Architectural Preservation; Landscape and Site Preservation; Collections Management, Cultural Resources Preservation/Management; Museum/Heritage Management, Policy and Ethics.

A Master's thesis demonstrating the student's ability to design and carry out a research project of significance to cultural heritage preservation is required for completion of the degree.

All students have the opportunity of pursuing a summer abroad experience through CHAPS Abroad. Students wishing to focus on international cultural heritage issues have the option of pursuing the "global focus", which requires a period of international study (summer or semester) in an approved university or academic program associated with CHAPS Abroad.

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