University of Maryland

Overview

The Community Planning and Historic Preservation dual master’s program at the University of Maryland prepares students to navigate the complex relationship between urban development and the preservation of historical assets. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with the necessary skills to analyze communities, assess historic resources, and implement preservation policies effectively in real-world scenarios.

Graduates are well-positioned for various career paths in government, nonprofit organizations, and consulting, where they can influence planning decisions that harmonize growth with heritage conservation and community needs.

What you'll study

Typical coursework themes include:

• Historic preservation foundations: Courses cover the history, theory, and practice of historic preservation, along with historical research methods.
• Policy and governance: Students delve into preservation policy and planning, as well as historic preservation law, advocacy, and public policy.
• Community and equity: Focus on social and ethnic issues relevant to historic preservation practice.
• Built heritage and conservation: Explore American vernacular architecture and methods for conserving historic places, including historic materials and building systems.

Program organization: The dual degree structure allows students to fulfill requirements from both graduate programs while emphasizing an integrated approach to preservation planning. (For detailed course mapping, please consult the program office.)

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• GRE: Completion of the GRE General Test is required.

English requirements (for international applicants)

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 96.
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 68.
• IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0.

Other requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Applicants must articulate their specific interest in pursuing the dual degree across both programs.
• Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from all previous institutions is required.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are needed.
• CV/Resume: A current CV or resume should be submitted.
• Writing Sample: One writing sample (10–30 pages) is required, with up to two additional optional samples. While the topic does not have to be directly related, a relevant subject is preferred.
• Portfolio PDF: Submission of a portfolio is optional.
• Dual-degree admission: Admission is required from both programs to pursue the dual degree, but only one application is necessary.

Career prospects

Graduates of this dual master’s program will find themselves equipped for diverse roles in sectors such as government, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting. They will be prepared to tackle planning and preservation challenges, ensuring that community development aligns with historical conservation and addresses the needs of diverse populations.