Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation, Other.

Degree Overview

Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation, Other (CIP 04.0899) is a specialized field dedicated to the study, interpretation, and protection of the built environment. While a traditional architecture degree focuses on designing new buildings, this "Other" category is for those who look at buildings as cultural artifacts. It blends art history, archeology, and material science to understand why buildings were built, what they mean to society, and how we can save them for the future.

This degree is ideal for students who are detectives of the past—individuals who love old buildings, enjoy deep research, and want to play a role in urban planning by preserving the character of our cities.

What Is an Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation (Other) Degree?

A degree in this category focuses on the "narrative" of architecture. Because it is categorized as "Other," these programs often allow for highly specialized tracks such as digital heritage (using 3D laser scanning to archive ruins), vernacular architecture (studying everyday buildings rather than just monuments), or architectural criticism for modern media. It bridges the gap between the humanities and the technical world of construction and law.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Preservationists" who know how to technically restore historic wood, stone, and metal
• Develop "Critics" who can write and speak about how modern architecture affects our culture
• Prepare "Historians" to document the architectural heritage of marginalized groups
• Address the legal and economic challenges of maintaining historic districts in growing cities

What Will You Learn?

Students learn to read a building like a book, identifying the era it was built, the technology available at the time, and the social values it represents.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Identify architectural styles and periods from ancient times to the modern day
• Perform "Conditions Assessments" to find structural or material damage in old buildings
• Use archival research methods to find original blueprints and historical records
• Master Heritage Documentation tools like photogrammetry and GIS mapping
• Write "National Register" nominations to grant legal protection to historic sites
• Understand the chemistry of traditional building materials like lime mortar and leaded glass

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is a mix of library research, laboratory science, and field trips:

• Evolution of the Built Environment: How cities have grown and changed over thousands of years.
• Conservation Science: The chemistry of decay and the methods used to stop it.
• Urban History: Studying how social movements and politics shape city layouts.
• Architectural Theory: The philosophical ideas that lead to different building designs.
• Cultural Resource Law: The local and federal rules for protecting historic places.
• Adaptive Reuse: The art of turning an old factory or church into modern housing or offices.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates find roles in government, non-profits, and private consulting firms that deal with the past and the future of the city.

Common job roles include:

• Historic Preservation Officer: Working for a city to review changes to historic buildings.
• Architectural Historian: Researching sites for environmental impact reports or museums.
• Conservation Technician: Working hands-on to repair historic masonry or woodwork.
• Museum Curator/Exhibition Designer: Telling the story of architecture to the public.
• Main Street Manager: Leading economic development by preserving a town's historic downtown.
• Architectural Critic: Writing for magazines, newspapers, or websites about design.

Where Can You Work?

Specialists are needed wherever history and modern development intersect:

• National Park Service & State Agencies: Managing historic landmarks and battlefields.
• Private Preservation Firms: Consulting for developers who want to restore old buildings.
• Museums and Cultural Institutions: Curating collections of architectural drawings and models.
• Non-Profit Advocacy Groups: Such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• Urban Planning Departments: Integrating historic sites into modern city growth plans.

How Much Can You Earn?

Salaries vary by the type of employer, with private consulting and federal government roles often paying more than local non-profits.

• Architectural Historians: Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$85,000.
• Historic Preservation Specialists: Salaries typically range from $55,000 to $78,000.
• Museum Curators: Median annual salary of around $60,000–$90,000.
• Senior Preservation Consultants: In private firms, salaries can exceed $100,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is in the academic and observational rigor. You must have "patience for the past"—spending hours in archives or days meticulously cleaning a single stone. It requires excellent writing skills and a high attention to detail. You must also be comfortable with "nuance," as saving a building often involves difficult debates between property rights and cultural value.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Love visiting museums, old cities, and historic ruins
• Are a "storyteller" who is fascinated by the history behind everyday objects
• Enjoy "detective work" like looking through old photos and maps
• Want a career that allows you to work both in an office and out in the field
• Care about sustainability (as the greenest building is the one that is already built)

How to Prepare in High School

• Take classes in Art History, World History, Chemistry, and English
• Volunteer at a local history museum or for a neighborhood "walking tour"
• Practice your photography and sketching skills to document the buildings in your town
• Learn about local zoning and how your own neighborhood was developed
• Read architectural blogs or magazines to understand how people talk about design today

The ability to protect the physical soul of a city while helping it adapt for a new generation is the hallmark of a successful preservationist.