Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 points for the M.S. in Historic Preservation, of which 37 points are from required courses.

In the first year, students must complete the Studio I and II sequence, and six required courses: Theory and Practice of Preservation, Preservation Planning, & Policy, Traditional American Architecture, Traditional Building Technology, Modern American Architecture and Modern Building Technology.

In the second year, students take Preservation Colloquium in the Fall in preparation for their required thesis project in the Spring. During their second year, students can take one of three advanced studios to specialize in preservation design (joint studio with M. Arch), preservation planning (joint studio with UP), or preservation technology. Advanced studios travel domestically and internationally and offer opportunities for research and hands-on experience. To further their practical training, students are encouraged to complete an internship between their first and second years in the program.

The program offers a wealth of elective courses ranging in topics and formats: lectures and seminars examine historical, theoretical and practical facets of the profession, laboratory courses engage in experimental object-centric learning about architectural materials and methods of conservation, workshops extend the hands-on practicum, and mini courses offer deep dives into burning contemporary issues in preservation.