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, building science, urban planning or related disciplines, and also for practicing design and planning professionals with undergraduate or graduate degrees and related experience. In addition to examining the history and philosophy of historic preservation, the Certificate Program has been organized to introduce students to a broad range of historical, 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. 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 Fundamentals of Preservation (ARCH 549).

Completion of the certificate program requires a minimum of 16 units, which may be taken over two or three semesters. ARCH 549 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. Electives may be used to complete program requirements. These might include a wide variety of related courses in Architecture, Building Science, Landscape Architecture, Architectural History, Policy, Planning and Development, as well as other disciplines offered at the University of Southern California.