Many of the country's historical buildings and monuments are in need of restoration, resulting in a growing demand for professionals with a background in architecture preservation. Responding to this trend, some schools have created new advanced degrees in this specialization.
Academic officials from Roger Williams University (RWU) have announced the launching of a masters degree in historic preservation, which is slated to start in September. The school will also offer a new bachelors degrees in this field, scheduled to begin this fall.
Students enrolled in the graduate program will gain a better understanding of community planning, economics, law and regulation, documentation and research as well as preservation history and philosophy. Curriculum will be supplemented through a series of internships and interactive workshops, which will provide enrollees with real-world experience.
Stephen White, dean of architecture, art and historic preservation at RWU, stated that this offering will "build on decades of experience delivering rigorous, field-based preservation education." He added that students partnering with school faculty will "ensure a comprehensive purview of the field and engage many preservation practitioners as partners in the educational process."
In 2008, approximately 141,200 jobs were held by these professionals, and the average annual salaries in the field were $76,750, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
