Preservation is an established and growing professional field that shares a common language with archaeology, architecture, history, interior design, planning, landscape architecture and other disciplines. The P+CH program at Iowa State is designed to teach real-world skills and methods that will enhance those you acquire as part of your chosen major. Completion of the certificate provides an operational knowledge of
standards for the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings, exteriors and interiors
cultural and historic landscape treatments
preservation economics, including heritage tourism
historic preservation of interiors
preservation planning
sustainable historic environments
preservation history and theory
preservation administration, laws, standards and incentives
LIDAR scanning, GIS-based spatial analysis, 3D modelling and other technologies play a significant role in many of the core P+CH classes and electives. Hands-on projects, guest lectures and fieldwork are important components of the P+CH curriculum. You will also have the unique opportunity to participate in international preservation projects through the ISU/US Department of State Cultural Heritage Documentation Project.
August 2025
College of Design
297 College of Design,
715 Bissell Road,
AMES,
Iowa,
50011, United States
May 2025
College of Design
297 College of Design,
715 Bissell Road,
AMES,
Iowa,
50011, United States
Requirements for admission include a completion of a bachelor鈥檚 degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher plus submission of a Graduate College application, statement of purpose (describing background, experience, interest areas, career goals) and three letters of recommendation.
The minimum scores accepted by the Graduate College are:
Internet Based TOEFL (iBT): 79
TOEFL Paper (PBT): 550
IELTS: 6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53
Duo Lingo English Test: 105
Application Deadlines: Rolling Admission
Application Deadlines: Rolling Admission
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
