Certificate in Historic Preservation
The Certificate in Historic Preservation is intended as a supplementary credential for students enrolled in graduate course work in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning or related disciplines, and also for practicing design and planning professionals with undergraduate or graduate degrees and related experience. In order to obtain this certificate, students are required to complete a minimum of 16 units, which may be taken over two or three semesters.
In addition to examining the history and philosophy of the preservation movement, the certificate program introduces students to a broad range of historic, theoretical, legal, economic, aesthetic and technical issues associated with the conservation of our cultural heritage, with a special emphasis on issues pertinent to Southern California.
Because of its relatively young age and the wide diversity of its cultures and socioeconomic base, Los Angeles represents an ideal laboratory in which to explore many of the most pressing issues currently facing the historic preservation community. It is uniquely situated to pioneer new approaches to the study and preservation of communities and landscapes which have been given relatively little attention elsewhere.
Course work introduces students to the investigation, documentation, conservation and interpretation of historic structures, landscapes and communities. Problems associated with the preservation of more recent construction, as well as the role preservation can play in the economic and cultural revitalization of inner city neighborhoods and commercial districts form the focus of class projects. Ongoing activities at Greene and Greene's Gamble House, a National Historic Landmark operated by the USC School of Architecture also provide exciting opportunities for hands-on study of cutting-edge preservation technologies and philosophy.
In order to facilitate the professional student, required classes are scheduled during the academic year as evening sessions, and the two-week Summer Program in Historic Preservation may be taken as credit for Arch 450 Fundamentals of Preservation.
Certificate in Historic Preservation Degree Requirements
The USC Graduate application form must be submitted to the program, along with two letters of recommendation, and a one-page statement describing future goals and related interests or involvement in the preservation field. While applicants must follow the general graduate application procedures, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission.
Completion of the certificate program requires a minimum of 16 units, which may be taken over two or three semesters. ARCH 450 Fundamentals of Preservation and either ARCH 550 Preservation Management, Planning and Development or ARCH 551 Conservation Materials and Methods must be taken to satisfy the basic requirements for the certificate, although taking all three is strongly encouraged.
Other electives, as approved by the program director, may be used to complete program requirements. These may include a wide variety of related courses in Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architectural History and other disciplines offered at the University of Southern California.
Requirements for the Certificate in Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Core Units
Fundamentals of Preservation
4
Preservation Management, Planning and Development
4
Conservation Materials and Methods
4
Electives
(as specified by the director)
4
Sample Electives
ARCH 409
American Architecture and Urbanism
4
Seminar: Building Systems
4
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2
Directed Research
2-4
Graduate Design Studio *
8
* Admission to the graduate design studio is by permission of the instructor and requires sufficient architectural preparation to handle the course work.
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