Heritage Resources Administration, MA

The online MHRA, developed in cooperation with the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, combines historic preservation coursework with training in public and nonprofit administration. It provides mid-career heritage professionals with a pathway to advancement and leadership within their organizations. Courses in nonprofit financial management, strategic planning, and grant writing are not typically part of the educational experience of most preservation professionals, archaeologists, architectural historians, and Main Street managers, even at the graduate level. Yet these skills are essential for mid-career advancement and successful leadership of nonprofit organizations, private-sector engineering and architectural consulting firms, and government agencies. While the on-campus Master of Historic Preservation opens the door to a number of careers by providing students with a broad foundation in historic preservation history, theory, and practice, as well as technical preservation skills, the MHRA adresses the needs of mid-level professionals aspiring to leadership positions and seeking career advancement. The online format allows for maximum flexibility, increasing its appeal to working professionals. The curriculum consists of 36 credit hours (24 core, 9 electives, and a 3-hour capstone project). Because it targets working professionals, it is expected that students will take 1-2 courses per semester rather than a full load.

Admission Requirements

Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended. Applicants must have obtained a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign insitution.
Three letters of recommendation. Letters from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic ability and aptitude for graduate study are preferred. Note: The application requests contact information for three recommenders. Once your application is submitted, the university will contact each person identified and ask that they submit their recommendations directly to the Graduate School. You can log into the online system at any time to see who has submitted a recommendation.
A personal statement describing your interests in historic preservation and the reasons you wish to earn a MHRA (2,000 words maximum).
A writing sample or portfolio. The writing sample may be drawn from previous academic work or professional work. Samples of creative work, such as design or photographic portfolios, may be used to fulfill this requirement as well.
A resume or curriculum vitae.