Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation, offered by the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design (AED), centers on current practices related to cultural heritage and community based preservation. Students take courses in the architecture foundation program for the first two years of study then focus on preservation theory and practice in the third and fourth year. This program is well suited for students interested in research and application of architectural and historical knowledge. The program offers an introduction to historic preservation and the agencies and frameworks within which preservation is carried out locally, nationally and internationally. Coursework examines a number of global, national and local case studies. Students undertake an in-depth capstone research investigation of a selected case study to employ research methods utilized in preservation. Dedicated group work areas, woodshop, digital fabrication, and digital lab spaces allow for in-house research drawing, modeling, and digital visualization.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: TA-HIPR-BS

Admissions

For more information on how to apply, please visit Tyler's Architecture and Environmental Design admissions page.

Study Abroad

All AED Department students have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at Temple Rome or Temple Japan. Admission to these programs is competitive. Applications are made through the Temple Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office.

Students who plan to study abroad should arrange to meet with an academic advisor as early as possible, preferably during the freshman year, in order to plan the sequence of courses that would be most appropriate. Because of program requirements in the fall semesters of junior and senior years, Historic Preservation and Facilities Management majors should consider attending the Rome or Japan program only during the spring semester of the junior year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be equipped to work under the supervision of an architect or an architectural historian to document historical buildings, undertake archival research or other more general aspects of architectural practice not requiring licensure. Graduates are prepared to apply for graduate studies in architecture, historic preservation or a related discipline.

Continuing Studies

All of Tyler's undergraduate architecture programs prepare students for continued study in the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited Master of Architecture (MArch) professional program which has the following tracks to accommodate students from different undergraduate majors:

• A 2-year track for students with a 4-year pre-professional bachelor's degree program in architecture.
• A 3-year track for students with a bachelor's degree in other disciplines or in a non-pre-professional architecture program. 

For more information on NAAB accreditation, please visit our NAAB Professional Program Information page.

Architecture Laptop Policy

Laptops are required for all students entering Architecture, Facilities Management, and Historic Preservation programs. The computer and its corresponding digital tools, such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and digital fabrication machines, have become an integral part of architectural pedagogy and the design studio environment. All architecture, facilities management, and historic preservation students begin working digitally in their freshman representation courses within the Architecture Foundations program. This Laptop Policy has been implemented to provide advantageous learning environments that guide students towards the acquisition of tools and skillsets that are most appropriate for the furthering of both their academic and professional journeys. Students should purchase a Windows-compatible laptop. 

For full device and software requirements and recommendations, please see the Architecture Program Laptop Policy.

Contact Information

Sasha W. Eisenman, PhD, Architecture and Environmental Design Department Chair
Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Dixon Hall, Room 201
580 Meetinghouse Road
Ambler, PA 19002
267-468-8168
eisenman@temple.edu

Clifton Fordham, RA, IFMA, LEED AP, Architecture Program Head
Architecture Building 133
2001 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-204-0580
clifton.fordham@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

University Requirements

All students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements. Go to the General Education section for more information.

Summer or semester study abroad will satisfy the GenEd Global/World Society requirement.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive courses as part of the major. The specific writing-intensive courses required for this major are ARCH 3296 and ARCH 4596.

Program Requirements

A total of 122 s.h. is required for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation.

¹

If ECE 2142 is selected, students will need two GenEd Science and Technology (GS) courses to satisfy the GenEd requirement.

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different.

Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Architecture Foundation Studies Courses (Year 1 & 2)

¹

Although not required, freshman students registered for ARCH 1011 should also take ARCH 1502.

²

If ECE 2142 is selected, students will need two GenEd Science and Technology (GS) courses to satisfy the GenEd requirement.

³

Option to take ARCH 2123 / ARCH 2153 instead of ARCH 2121 for BS in Facilities Management.

⁴

Option to take ARCH 2124 / ARCH 2154 instead of ARCH 2122 for BS in Facilities Management.

⁵

Students planning to study abroad should substitute the Free Elective for a required course available only on main campus. For more information, please see your advisor.

Note: The Architecture Foundation is common to all three undergraduate degrees. In the spring of the sophomore year, students declare a major in one of the degrees offered. A place in the BS in Facilities Management or the BS in Historic Preservation is guaranteed for all students in good standing with the University. Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture is competitive. Typically, students have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an excellent portfolio. Students in all three programs can apply to the Master of Architecture program. Bachelor of Science in Architecture students are eligible for the 2-year, 60 credit track. BS in Historic Preservation and BS in Facilities Management students may be required to take additional coursework (between 60-90 credits) at the graduate level. Students can meet with an advisor to plan ahead and can refer to the Temple University Graduate Bulletin.

Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation (Year 3 & 4)

¹

Students may opt to take the lab course (CHEM 1023, CHEM 1033, or CHEM 1953) that complements the lecture course (if available) and select a 3 credit elective course to reach the minimum number of credits for graduation.

Rome Option

Students who plan to study abroad are encouraged to meet with an advisor as early as the freshman year. While the plan below suggests appropriate coursework, a semester abroad would require using free electives that ordinarily would be taken in other semesters. For a historic preservation major, the best time to study abroad is fall of the fourth year. It will take careful planning with an advisor to ensure that the degree is completed as efficiently as possible, and that courses normally taken in the fall of fourth year on Main campus are completed before the semester abroad. ARCH 3234 and ARTH 2005 can be taken in place of free electives and ARCH 3241 counts as an Architecture elective.

Japan Option

Students who plan to study abroad are encouraged to meet with an advisor as early as the freshman year. While the grid below suggests appropriate coursework, a semester abroad would require using free electives that ordinarily would be taken in other semesters. It will take careful planning with an advisor to ensure that the degree is completed as efficiently as possible, and that courses normally taken in the spring of junior year on Main campus are completed before the semester abroad.

GenEd courses are offered at the Japan campus and can be substituted where appropriate for Free electives. ARCH 3242 counts as an Architecture elective (spring only). Note that students can study abroad in Japan in either fall or spring semester.