Historic Preservation Major | Temple University

Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation

Learn current practices related to cultural heritage and community-based preservation with the Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. This 122-credit undergraduate degree program represents a research-based design field that begins with the Foundations Program for the first two years of study before concentrating on preservation theory and practice in the student’s third and fourth years.

The Historic Preservation Major focuses on historical and cultural research practices related to design and offers a comprehensive introduction to historic preservation and the agencies and frameworks within which preservation is carried out locally, nationally and internationally. This is a bachelor’s program that develops student knowledge through case study review and is well-suited for students interested in research and the application of architectural and historical knowledge.

With guidance from an accomplished faculty of design practitioners and innovators and access to top-notch resources at Temple, you’ll acquire knowledge and skills to address the timely global topics of accessibility, climate change and equity.

Students undertake an in-depth capstone research investigation of a selected case study to employ research methods utilized in preservation. Dedicated group work areas, woodshop, digital fabrication and digital lab spaces allow for in-house research drawing, modeling and digital visualization.

Hands-on Learning

Students in the Historic Preservation Major work both individually and in groups to carry out original research guided by architects, historians and preservationists. Students use the Philadelphia region to conduct archival and on-site investigations into the material and cultural fabric of the built environment.

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories, established principles and practices, and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor’s degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

Classes & Curriculum

Develop applied research and design skills while studying the diverse urban context of Philadelphia with the Historic Preservation Major. Examples of coursework include the following classes.

Architectural History
Global Preservation Practice
Research Methods for Historic Preservation
Sustainability and Architecture
Visual Literacy for Architects

Learn more about the coursework for the Historic Preservation Major.

Minors

Historic Preservation Major can expand on their coursework with a variety of minors that deepen their understanding of the history of artistic practice and the relationship between the built and natural environments, ecological planning and preservation, and protection of landscape resources. Minors include the following.

Related Graduate Degrees

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $18,864.00 per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation program, please contact the following faculty members.

Sasha W. Eisenman is the chair of the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design.
Phone: 267-468-8168
Email: eisenman@temple.edu

Robert Shuman Jr. is the program head for the Department of Architecture.
Phone: 215-204-4300
Email: robert.shuman@temple.edu

Student Clubs & Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Temple University serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email: study.abroad@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

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