Preservation Studies [Graduate Certificate]
EMU's Historic Preservation Program is among the largest graduate programs in Historic Preservation in the United States. Certified by the National Council for Preservation Education, the Master of Science in historic preservation (36 hours) offers concentrations in preservation planning and administration; heritage interpretation and museum practice; and recording, documentation and digital cultural heritage. The program also offers a 12-hour graduate certificate in historic preservation and an undergraduate minor in historic preservation.
The Historic Preservation Program was founded in 1979 in the Department of Geography and Geology as an outgrowth of cultural geography and its concern for common landscapes, vernacular architecture and practical application. As cohorts of the only historic preservation program embedded in geography, students learn to document, preserve and interpret historic structures, objects and places within the context of their cultural landscape setting.
The curriculum reflects the evolving nature of historic preservation theory and practice in the United States and abroad, and an applied approach has remained paramount. Students gain a range of practical experiences, including most forms of preservation documentation, while addressing the real needs of local communities. In this way, the program prepares students for professional service in the fields of preservation planning, historical administration, heritage interpretation and cultural resource management. Utilizing fellowships, internships and partnerships with numerous educational, and local, regional and national agencies and organizations, the program produces professionals who become leaders in the field and who improve the awareness and effectiveness of historic preservation worldwide.
Intakes
- Feb
- July
- Nov
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Eastern is a great place to work. Our professional, inclusive environment fosters respectful and friendly comradery. Our beautiful 800-acre campus filled with nearly 22,000 lively, intelligent and innovative students, makes Eastern an exciting and energizing place to build your career.
There are so many advantages to working at EMU. From competitive wages, excellent benefits packages, tuition waiver program and just the feeling of making a difference in the lives of students, Eastern might just be the place for you to make your mark.
Find postings for faculty and lecturers on our Academic Human Resources site.
Are you a current EMU student looking for a campus job? Search on Handshake.
Eastern Michigan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, military status, veteran status or other non-merit reasons, in employment, and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
TOEFL: 79 iBT (TOEFL Home Edition also accepted)
- Effective Winter 2026: 85 (straight admission) or 71-84 (ESL Placement & potentially 500-level/advanced speaking and writing courses)
TOEFL Essentials: 9
- Effective Winter 2026: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5 (IELTS Indicator also accepted)
Pearson English Language Test (PTE): 53
- Effective Winter 2026: 70 (59-75 academic), 50 (straight admission) or 44-49 (ESL Placement Test & potentially 500-level advanced speaking and writing courses)
Michigan English Test (MET): 57
- Effective Winter 2026: 60
Duolingo: 105
- Effective Winter 2026: 115 (straight admission) or 105-110 (ESL Placement Test & potentially 500-level advanced speaking and writing courses)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
20916 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 45 USD
Similar Programs
- Women's and Gender Studies [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)
- Technical Communication [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)
- Secondary Literacy Instruction [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)
- Gerontology [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)
- Geographic Information Systems for Professionals [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)
- Geographic Information Systems for Educators [Graduate Certificate] at Eastern Michigan University (ApplyBoard)