Historic Preservation Certificate

Program Description

The Certificate in Historic Preservation is designed to enhance a variety of other degree programs at Clemson through advanced studies in historic preservation. The 15-credit semester meets NCPE mandated curriculum requirements. Prerequisites and further course requirements are determined by the student’s degree program of study. All courses for both tracks of the certificate program are completed at the Clemson Design Center in Charleston, South Carolina.

Track A: Fundamentals of Historic Preservation

15 credits: HP 8030  or HP 8090 ; and HP 8070 , HP 8080 , and HP 8190 . This track is designed for students without any educational background or professional experience in historic preservation. Students choosing this track seek to acquire a foundation in the fundamental concepts and skill sets of historic preservation. Students in this track typically have or go on to careers in preservation-related fields like community planning, real estate, museum studies, public history, construction management, and architecture. The courses in this track provide intensive instruction balancing theory and skills in architectural description, documentation, and conditions assessment.

Track B: Advanced Applications of Historic Preservation

15 credits: Students create a 15-credit course plan with the approval of the Historic Preservation master’s program director, which consists of a combination of fundamentals courses and/or advanced electives that best suit the student’s educational goals. This track is designed for students who have an established background in historic preservation, either from an undergraduate course of study or professional experience (documented through coursework on a transcript, or a degree, or through a CV and portfolio submitted as part of the application.