Certificate in Historic Preservation: Conservation of Historic Architecture

The Certificate in Conservation of Historic Architecture serves students seeking advanced post-graduate training in architecture and historic preservation, including classroom study in the understanding of historic architecture, its materials and technologies; materials research; and laboratory research into architectural materials and systems. Certificate candidates must have a Masters' Degree in Architecture, Historic Preservation, or any related field, and at least one year of work experience in design with old buildings, art or building conservation, or historic preservation practice. Students would be well-served to have a background course or courses in chemistry, geology, physics, engineering, mineralogy, and some experience in a science laboratory.

Students entering the Certificate in Conservation of Historic Architecture are required to propose a focus of study which will inform their course selection and culminate in an Independent Research paper in the spring semester. The Certificate requires 24 credit points and completion of an Independent or Research paper for graduation. Course work may be completed in as little as one year, or may be extended over two academic years.

The Certificate in Conservation of Historic Architecture is directed by the Director of the Conservation sector in the Historic Preservation Program at the GSAPP.

For students from Columbia University's Historic Preservation Program, the Certificate is offered as an opportunity to extend their exploration of conservation issues in historic preservation, and for long-term research in the fabrication and retention of architectural materials. Proposals may extend thesis research completed in the two-year program. These students will create an individualized course of study in consultation with the Certificate Director using Independent Study under the direction of appropriate faculty and the resources of the University. It is expected that conservation research will be conducted with particular use of the resources of the Avery Laboratory.

One exceptional Certificate student each year may be partially funded through a scholarship established by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. Recommendations are made by the Historic Preservation Program Director.

Certificate in the Conservation of Historic Architecture

Proposed course of study:

Fall Semester

A6741 - Conservation Workshop 3 pts.
AXXXX Architecture Conservation Lecture & Lab II 4 pts.
A6768 - Conservation Seminar: Metals 3 pts.

Suggested:
A 6740 - HP Theory & Practice 3 pts.
A6318 - Cultural Site Management 3 pts.
A4124 - Structures, Systems & Materials I 3 pts.
AXXXX - Other courses of interest in GSAPP 3 pts.

Minimum 12 pts.

Spring Semester

A6764 - Architecture Conservation I 4 pts. OR
A6788 - Architecture Conservation III 4 pts.
A6831 - Structures, Systems & Materials II 3 pts.
A6901 - Independent Research / Lab 2 or 3 pts.

Suggested:
A6790 - Historic Preservation Colloquium 3 pts.
AXXXX Others courses of interest in GSAPP 3 pts.

Minimum 12 pts.

TOTAL POINTS TO EARN CERTIFICATE: 24