Program Overview
The Historic Preservation Advanced Certificate at the University at Buffalo is a one-year program that explores the history, theory, methods, and design of historic structures and sites. The program is open to students from various backgrounds and can be pursued concurrently with other graduate programs at UB. Graduates are prepared for careers in architectural history, preservation planning, and other fields related to historic preservation.
Program Outline
Historic Preservation Advanced Certificate at University at Buffalo
Degree Overview:
The Advanced Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation at the University at Buffalo welcomes a diverse group of students from various backgrounds, including architecture, planning, law, archaeology, history, journalism, art history, and urban studies. This certificate can also be pursued concurrently with other graduate programs at UB, such as the Master of Urban Planning or Master of Architecture. The program focuses on exploring the history and theory, methods, preservation planning, and design of historic structures and sites. Students have the opportunity to take advantage of the rich historic resources available in the Buffalo-Niagara region.
Outline:
The program requires the completion of 18 credit hours, which usually takes one year to finish. The courses are offered in person and full-time or part-time options are available. The program content is divided into three main areas:
- History and Theory: This area examines the historical development of historic preservation and its theoretical underpinnings.
- Methods: Students learn various research methods and techniques used in historic preservation, such as archival research, field documentation, and architectural analysis.
- Preservation Planning and Design: This area focuses on the practical aspects of historic preservation, including developing preservation plans, conducting feasibility studies, and designing interventions for historic structures. The specific courses offered in the program may vary depending on the semester. However, some examples of courses that are typically offered include:
- Introduction to Historic Preservation
- Research Methods in Historic Preservation
- Architectural History
- Historic Preservation Law
- Preservation Planning and Design
Assessment:
The assessment methods used in the program vary depending on the course. However, some common assessment methods include:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects The specific assessment criteria used in the program are also based on the course. However, some common assessment criteria include:
- Accuracy
- Completeness
- Clarity
- Critical thinking
- Originality
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in historic preservation. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. The program also offers several unique approaches to teaching, such as:
- Field trips to historic sites in the Buffalo-Niagara region
- Guest lectures by professionals in the field of historic preservation
- Opportunities to work on real-world projects
Careers:
The Historic Preservation Advanced Certificate prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the field of historic preservation. Some potential career paths include:
- Architectural historian
- Preservation planner
- Historic preservation consultant
- Museum curator
- Archivist The program also provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue further education in the field of historic preservation, such as a Master's degree or Ph.D.
Other:
The program also offers several other features that are not covered in the other sections, such as:
- A strong alumni network
- Financial aid opportunities
- Career services
