While it may not be the most well-known graduate program to enroll in, obtaining a Masters in Historic Preservation can lead to surprisingly fruitful careers. A historic preservation graduate program not only builds your specialized knowledge, but it also increases reading and writing skills, which are beneficial in the professional world.
If you are interested in becoming a historical preservationist, you would spend your time identifying buildings and monuments that are in need preservation. A career in historical preservation would also involve developing and overseeing the execution of plans that restore sites that are deemed historical. As a historical preservationist, you would also consider how commercial and developmental factors could impact your preservation efforts.
Getting a Job With This Degree
There are a surprising number of agencies and businesses that employee historical preservationists. If you have the degree, you could get a job working in a state office or a local agency. Also, you could get a job at a landmarks commissions agency. If the private sector is more your speed, you could land a job with a private architectural firm or a cultural resource management company.
The salary of historical preservationists varies depending on the career fields. For example, preservationists who choose to take a job at a museum may only start at $20,000. However, those who enter the private sector have the potential to begin their careers earning $40,000 or more.
Career opportunities in the historical preservation field are available in both rural and urban settings. For example, if you are interested in working in a rural setting, you may look for a historical preservation job that involves preserving a forest by granting it national park status. If you would prefer an urban setting, you could peruse a job that involves working in a museum.
If you are considering a Historic Preservation graduate program, you can schedule a visit with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago or visit their programs and other information online at http://www.saic.edu/.
