Historic Preservation and Conservation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Historic Preservation and Conservation is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the stewardship of cultural heritage through the thoughtful restoration, adaptive reuse, and long-term management of historic structures, districts, and landscapes. This program equips students with the analytical and practical skills needed to navigate complex challenges at the intersection of history, architecture, policy, and development.
- Architectural History: In-depth study of architectural styles, periods, and movements to inform accurate restoration and interpretation of historic built environments.
- Building Conservation: Technical training in the materials, methods, and ethical standards for preserving structural integrity and authenticity in historic construction.
- Cultural Resource Management: Strategies for identifying, evaluating, and protecting cultural assets in alignment with legal and ethical frameworks.
- Economics of Preservation: Analysis of cost-benefit models, funding mechanisms, and financial incentives that support sustainable heritage projects.
- Historical Documentation and Preservation: Techniques for researching, recording, and archiving historical data to support conservation decisions and public education.
- Land-Use and Zoning Codes: Understanding regulatory frameworks that govern development and preservation within designated historic areas.
- Public Policy and Advocacy: Exploration of federal, state, and local policies shaping heritage protection and community engagement in preservation efforts.
- Public Relations and Community Engagement: Methods for building public support, communicating historical significance, and involving stakeholders in preservation initiatives.
- Real Estate Law and Development: Knowledge of legal structures, easements, and property rights critical to adaptive reuse and sustainable development.
- Taxation and Incentives: Study of tax credits, exemptions, and fiscal policies that encourage private and public investment in historic preservation.
Historic Preservation and Conservation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Historic Preservation and Conservation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Historic Preservation and Conservation degrees, including Facilities Managers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other and Historians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 302,810 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Managers 11-3013 | $104,690 | $62,550 - $173,080 | 141,090 | $50.33 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other 25-1199 | $78,490 | $39,720 - $172,850 | 151,530 | N/A |
| Historians 19-3093 | $74,050 | $38,630 - $128,500 | 3,140 | $35.60 |
| Archivists 25-4011 | $61,570 | $39,330 - $104,780 | 7,050 | $29.60 |
Historic Preservation and Conservation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $57,960 in Utah to $116,745 in Nebraska—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include Nebraska, Hawaii, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 302,810 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Historic Preservation and Conservation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 41 institutions offering Historic Preservation and Conservation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Historic Preservation and Conservation is found at University of Kentucky (UK) (43 graduates), University of Mary Washington (UMW) (28 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (26 graduates), College of Charleston (CofC) (26 graduates), and University of Delaware (UD) (24 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 376 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
43 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Mary Washington (UMW) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Fredericksburg, Virginia | Public | umw.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
26 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
24 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Clemson University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
24 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
21 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
13 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Savannah, Georgia | Private | scad.edu |
| Clayton State University |
Master's
|
9 | Morrow, Georgia | Public | clayton.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
7 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Roger Williams University (RWU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | Bristol, Rhode Island | Private | rwu.edu |
| Pratt Institute |
Master's
|
6 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | pratt.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
6 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Salve Regina University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Newport, Rhode Island | Private | salve.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Master's
|
6 | Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Master's
|
6 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
5 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Master's
|
5 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Cornell University |
Master's
|
5 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Villa Maria College |
Other Award
|
5 | Buffalo, New York | Private | villa.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
4 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
4 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Belmont College |
Associate's
|
3 | St Clairsville, Ohio | Public | belmontcollege.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Ursuline College |
Master's
|
2 | Pepper Pike, Ohio | Private | ursuline.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | saic.edu |
| University of New Orleans (UNO) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | new.uno.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Clatsop Community College (CCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Astoria, Oregon | Public | clatsopcc.edu |
| Bucks County Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Newtown, Pennsylvania | Public | bucks.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Historic Preservation and Conservation programs
How much can I earn with a Historic Preservation and Conservation degree?
Salaries for Historic Preservation and Conservation graduates vary by role and location. Facilities Managers earn a median of $104,690 annually, while Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn around $78,490. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nebraska average $116,745 compared to $57,960 in Utah. Approximately 302,810 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Historic Preservation and Conservation programs?
Currently 41 accredited institutions offer Historic Preservation and Conservation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Kentucky (UK) (43 graduates), University of Mary Washington (UMW) (28 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (26 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Historic Preservation and Conservation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 364 in 2010 to 376 in 2023-24. This represents a 3% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Historic Preservation and Conservation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Facilities Managers, Postsecondary Teachers, All Other, and Historians. Related occupations employ approximately 302,810 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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