Dezeen Magazine

Master of Heritage Conservation at University of Southern California

The Master of Heritage Conservation course at the University of Southern California (USC) provides students with knowledge of urban planning, cultural heritage and site management.


School: University of Southern California School of Architecture
Course: Master of Heritage Conservation
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Course dates: August 2024 to May 2026
Application deadline: 2 January 2024

The Master of Heritage Conservation at USC School of Architecture empowers students to improve people's lives using historic places and the stories they tell.

This program is for students who see historic places as tools for social justice, community revitalization and sustainability.

It offers an academic approach that integrates urban planning, elevates cultural heritage and pushes the boundaries of the field.

With a distinct perspective rooted in urban planning and design, the program focuses on three areas: modernism and the recent past, cultural and intangible heritage, and underrepresented communities.

There's no better place to explore these issues than Los Angeles — a post-war metropolis and one of the most diverse, complex and fascinating cities on the planet.

Taught by academics and leading conservation professionals, the curriculum gives students broad exposure to many disciplines throughout and beyond the School of Architecture.

Topics range from history, theory and policy to materials, documentation, climate change and site management.

Students can also study subjects across the university, including real estate, regional history, urban planning and spatial sciences.

The program offers the option to complete a dual degree with a Master of Urban Planning, Master of Building Science or Master of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism.

Applications to this course have now closed. 

Top image: The Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles by Claud Beelman.

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