Historic preservation
Certificate, undergraduate
Overview
Related Topics
Preserving our built heritage
The historic preservation undergraduate certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills for documenting, interpreting and protecting historic structures and sites. Students explore the history of the built environment in the United States and learn preservation processes used to maintain architectural and cultural heritage.
Through coursework in documentation, analysis and applied preservation practice, students gain hands-on experience completing materials suitable for the National Historic Register. Emphasis is placed on both the theoretical and practical aspects of preserving buildings, landscapes and urban spaces.
This certificate prepares students for entry-level roles in historic preservation, cultural resources management and related fields. It also supports further academic study in architecture, landscape architecture, planning and conservation disciplines.
Documenting and protecting historic places
Degree fit
This certificate could be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in understanding the history of the built environment in the United States.
- Want hands-on experience in documenting and interpreting historic structures and sites.
- Plan to work in historic preservation, cultural resource management, or related fields.
- Are considering further study in architecture, landscape architecture, planning or conservation.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
269 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Facilities Managers • Security Managers
$121,195 - Historians
$79,351 - Archivists
$71,078
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
2026-27 historic preservation program costs
There is no full-time tuition rate for the historic preservation certificate program. Instead, all students pay the same flat $650 per-credit rate regardless of residency status, enrollment level or academic term for this 12 credit program. An additional $35 per-credit web-based course fee also applies.
Courses taken outside of the historic preservation certificate curriculum are billed separately at the university’s standard online or in-person tuition rates, depending on the course format.
Art and Architecture undergraduate program professional fees
This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:
- All full-time undergraduate students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
- Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $73.00 per credit
Financial Aid
U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Organizations and clubs
Organizations and clubs connect students, create community and help shape future leaders.
American Society of Landscape Architecture: Student and National chapter
Sigma Lambda Alpha Honor Society
Student Congress of Art and Architecture
Urban Land Institute
International Federation of Landscape Architects
U.S. Green Building Council
Freedom by Design
Internships
The College of Art and Architecture has strong industry connections providing internship and networking opportunities that are crucial as you establish your career.
Professional firms in Idaho and throughout the U.S.
National Park Service
Idaho State Parks and Recreation
Local Parks and Recreation agencies
U.S. Forest Service
Bureau of Land Management
Museums, Zoos and Interpretive Centers
Application information
Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more.
Undergraduate certificate application process
Students interested in adding a certificate to their degree program should speak with their academic advisor.
Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.