Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other.: The DTI for this program is 60.9%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $37438) to the average debt ($22812) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 60.9%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($37438) against the typical student debt ($22812), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $37438, and with an average debt of $22812, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.61—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 423 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other (CIP 30.1299) is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to protecting, restoring, and sustaining historic places, objects, and cultural landscapes. It focuses on safeguarding the physical evidence of the past—buildings, neighborhoods, monuments, artifacts, and sites—so that history remains tangible and meaningful for future generations. This degree is designed for students who want to combine history, architecture, planning, materials science, and public policy to preserve cultural heritage in a rapidly changing world.
For a degree search site, this CIP code fits students who are passionate about history but want a practical, career-oriented path rather than a purely academic one. It appeals to individuals who enjoy hands-on work, research, and community engagement, and who care deeply about cultural identity, sustainability, and responsible development. Historic preservation and conservation specialists play a crucial role in balancing growth with respect for the past.
What Is a Historic Preservation and Conservation Degree?
A degree in Historic Preservation and Conservation focuses on identifying, evaluating, protecting, and managing historic resources. Programs under this CIP code may vary widely, which is why it is labeled “Other.” Some emphasize architectural preservation, while others focus on conservation of artifacts, archival materials, or historic landscapes. Many programs blend classroom learning with fieldwork and practical training.
Universities offer these programs to:
- Train professionals to preserve historic buildings, districts, and cultural sites
- Develop expertise in conservation techniques and materials
- Prepare students for roles in heritage management and cultural resource planning
- Support compliance with historic preservation laws and regulations
- Promote sustainable reuse of historic structures
Unlike general history degrees, historic preservation and conservation programs emphasize applied skills and real-world problem-solving.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how to assess the historical significance of places and objects, determine appropriate preservation strategies, and manage projects that protect cultural resources. You’ll develop an understanding of both the technical and ethical responsibilities involved in conservation work.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Historical research and documentation—analyzing archival records, maps, and physical evidence
- Condition assessment—evaluating the structural and material integrity of historic resources
- Preservation planning—developing strategies for long-term protection and use
- Conservation techniques—basic methods for stabilizing and restoring materials
- Project management—coordinating timelines, budgets, and stakeholders
- Regulatory knowledge—understanding preservation laws and compliance requirements
- Public communication—explaining the value of preservation to communities and decision-makers
- Ethical decision-making—balancing authenticity, safety, and modern needs
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by program, but commonly includes:
- Historic Preservation Theory: principles and philosophies behind preservation practice
- Architectural History: styles, construction methods, and historical contexts
- Building Materials and Conservation: stone, wood, metal, masonry, and finishes
- Documentation Methods: measured drawings, photography, and digital recording
- Cultural Resource Management (CRM): managing historic resources in public and private projects
- Preservation Law and Policy: local, state, and federal regulations
- Adaptive Reuse: repurposing historic buildings for modern use
- Landscape Preservation: conserving historic gardens, parks, and cultural landscapes
- Archaeological Methods (in some programs): survey and site documentation
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in historic preservation and conservation prepares students for careers that combine research, planning, and applied conservation work. Some roles may require additional certification or graduate education.
Common career paths include:
- Historic Preservation Specialist: managing preservation projects or programs
- Architectural Historian: researching and evaluating historic buildings and districts
- Conservator (entry-level): assisting with artifact or materials conservation
- Cultural Resource Manager: overseeing compliance for development projects
- Preservation Planner: integrating historic resources into urban or regional planning
- Museum or Collections Assistant: caring for and documenting historic objects
- Heritage Program Coordinator: working with nonprofits or government agencies
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for advanced study in preservation or conservation
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in diverse settings focused on cultural heritage:
- Historic preservation offices (local, state, or federal)
- Museums and archives
- Cultural resource management firms
- Architecture and planning firms
- Nonprofit preservation organizations
- National parks and historic sites
- Universities and research institutions
- Private consulting practices
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on specialization, location, and experience.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level preservation roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Preservation planners and specialists: commonly $55,000–$80,000
- Architectural historians or CRM professionals: often $60,000–$95,000
- Senior or management roles: can exceed $100,000 with experience
Graduate degrees and professional credentials can improve earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Historic preservation and conservation is considered moderately challenging. The difficulty comes from balancing research, technical knowledge, fieldwork, and regulatory requirements. Students must be detail-oriented, patient, and comfortable working with incomplete historical records.
Hands-on conservation and field documentation can be physically demanding, but many students find the work rewarding and engaging.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are passionate about history, architecture, or cultural heritage
- Enjoy hands-on and project-based learning
- Care about sustainability and adaptive reuse
- Want a career that blends research with real-world impact
- Are comfortable working with regulations and standards
- Value preserving the past as part of shaping the future
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a historic preservation and conservation program:
- Take history, art history, and social studies courses
- Develop strong writing and research skills
- Explore drawing, photography, or digital documentation tools
- Volunteer at museums, historic sites, or local preservation groups
- Learn basic project management and teamwork skills
Historic Preservation and Conservation, Other (CIP 30.1299) is a meaningful degree for students who want to protect cultural memory through tangible action. It prepares professionals to conserve the physical record of human history while responsibly adapting it for modern life.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor