Historic preservation is an evolving field, focusing on the care, protection, and restoration of the built environment (historic buildings) and other cultural resources. Now strongly tied to local, state, and federal laws, historic preservation as both a field of research and as a profession has matured considerably during the past 20 years. The practice of the profession requires a blend of knowledge in history of architecture and historic techniques of building construction. The goal is to reuse existing buildings that are structurally sound and environmentally safe. The study of this field prepares an individual to be a historic preservation designer, project supervisor, consultant, or contractor in the preservation process. The program aims at preparing students for careers in the historic preservation and conservation of the historic environment. Students have opportunities for studies and research in the history of architecture, preservation education and planning, documentation, and architectural restoration and rehabilitation, and architectural conservation. A strong emphasis is placed on community-based projects through college linkages with local and state groups, organizations, and agencies.

* Communicate effectively and professionally in the historic preservation environment through proper usage of verbal, written and graphic techniques. * Apply mathematical skills to solve technical problems associated with restoration drawings and site measurements. * Develop restoration drawings including construction drawings, and presentation drawings. * Use computer graphics applications associated with restoration projects. * Select restoration materials based upon their properties and methods of installation. * Analyze structural systems of existing historic buildings. * Apply building code and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) to existing historic buildings. * Apply historic preservation guidelines and recommendations by Using "The Secretary of Interior's Standards". * Identify professional, ethical and societal responsibilities including respect for diversity.