PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Hello prospective students!
I’m Kayla, the 2022-2023 Student Historic Preservation Organization (SHPO) President. The MHP program at UGA is unlike any other. It provides a great selection of classes from a variety of disciplines so any budding preservationist can find their niche. An extensive alumni network, field experiences, and wonderful faculty and staff are just a few key ingredients that help our students prepare for successful professional careers. SHPO is dedicated to being a part of that. We host philanthropic, educational, social and networking events related to historic preservation throughout the academic year. We encourage you to connect with us on Instagram @shpo_uga and email us with any questions at shpo@uga.edu.
-Kayla McElreath, SHPO President
Interested in Applying for the MHP Program?
What can you expect at UGA?
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is the oldest state-chartered university in the United States. The University’s North Campus, where the College of Environment and Design is located, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district, along with much of the city of Athens and surrounding communities, allows students to immerse themselves and learn firsthand from the state's rich history. These areas provide practical experience in both rural and urban settings as students approach contemporary issues, such as equity, sustainability, affordability, and smart development. In addition to the numerous resources available to MHP students, in 2017, Kiplinger placed UGA in its list of Top 20 Best Values for public colleges; in 2018, US News & World Report named UGA #13 on its list of Top Public Colleges & Universities; and bustling Atlanta is only an hour's drive away.
Denmark Hall (c.1901) on North Campus is home to the MHP Program
The broad-based education offered in the historic preservation program means that students take classes on preservation planning, architectural history, building materials, law, and more. Electives, study abroad, and the two-week "Maymesters" offered both inside and outside the program allow students to tailor their interests. Each spring, all students participate in a field study alternating between Savannah and Charleston to see preservation in practice and network with area professionals. The two-year program culminates with a master's thesis to allow students to use the skills they’ve learned in their classes and apply them to a long-term, independent research program. To learn more about the required and some elective classes that students take, check out the MHP Curriculum. To learn more about research, projects, and activities including the thesis, click here.
UGA and the City of Athens have much to offer in the way of student life. The Student Historic Preservation Organization (SHPO) is active in volunteering in the community, enjoying local trivia nights, and organizing guest lecture series. In the fall, you can find MHP students at the college's tailgates held at the Founder's House, and cheering on the Dawgs at Sanford Stadium. Whether it’s taking a break between classes to visit a downtown coffee shop or get a bite to eat at nationally acclaimed restaurants, attending happy hours at local breweries, or making use of common spaces right here in Denmark Hall, students in the MHP program form a tight-knit bond that extends beyond the classroom.
What are the tuition and fees?
The University of Georgia Bursar‘s webpage has the most up-to-date information about tuition and fees for the current and past school years. Be sure to note that the MHP program falls under Specific Graduate Rates and not the Standard Graduate Rate. In addition to tuition, there are mandatory fees that give students access to the Athens and UGA bus system, the Ramsey Student Center for recreational sports, and more.
Students are eligible to apply for scholarships through the college each year.
Left to right: Lauren Patterson, CED Dean Sonia Hirt, Timothy Brown, Savannah Young,
Carter Finch, and Sherrie Raleigh at the CED Day awards ceremony.
How does funding work?
The University of Georgia and the College of Environment and Design (CED) offer various scholarships, fellowships, tuition waivers, and assistantships to help MHP students defray the cost of graduate school. In the second year of the MHP program, students are eligible for scholarships and fellowships from the CED itself. These programs support various combinations of tuition, travel, and individual research. The program coordinator can assign MHP students graduate assistantships based on funding from the CED, the University of Georgia Graduate School, and outside granting agencies. Finally, some students from outside Georgia are eligible for out-of-state tuition waivers, which can be acquired based on state of residence, academic merit, or a change of residency. While every attempt is made to seek funding for graduate students, it is not guaranteed.
In addition to funding available through UGA, each year a variety of organizations, such as the Georgia Trust, The Garden Club of Georgia, andthe Daughters of the American Revolution, offer scholarships to alleviate the cost of tuition and support research. Many summer internships come with a stipend to defray living expenses. It is also possible to maintain a part-time job while in the MHP program, though time management and prioritization are crucial to balancing work with studies.
Recently awarded assistantships and scholarships:
- Archway Partnership Assistantship-Sherrie Raleigh
- CED Alumni Association Scholarship-Timothy Brown
- Daughters of the American Revolution Centennial Scholarship-Lauren Patterson
- Daughters of the American Revolution Endowment Assistantship-Ashlen Clark
- Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Scholarship-Carter Burns & Rebekah Helfgot
- John W. Linley Scholarship-Sherrie Raleigh & Savannah Young
- Marguerite Williams Endowment Assistantship-Rose Mayo
- William Lawrence Manning Knox Scholarship-Carter Finch & Lauren Patterson
- Wilson Center Assistantship-Victoria VanHuss
Click Below to learn about more funding options
There are two main types of Graduate Assistantships: Graduate School Assistantships and CED Departmental Assistantships. The Graduate School awards University-wide assistantships to entering students on the basis of academic merit and other criteria. To be eligible, students must complete their graduate school applications by February 1st and be sponsored by the College. University-wide assistantships require 13 hours of work each week, in addition to an academic load requirement of 12 semester hours. The stipend is available each month for the nine months of the academic year. The College of Environment and Design awards departmental assistantships on the basis of academic achievement and job skills required. These assistantships are open to all students. Courseload and work requirements are the same as for university-wide assistantships, but departmental assistantships are assigned on a semester-by-semester basis.
For both types of graduate assistantships, no special application is required; all entering students who meet the criteria and apply by February 1 are considered.
To view more options for both CED and external funding click here.
Interested in applying?
The Master of Historic Preservation program admits only 15-20 students each year. While applications are received at any time, those applications completed by February 1st will be guaranteed the opportunity to compete for assistantships. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree. Students from all undergraduate disciplines are encouraged to discuss their potential for success in the MHP program with the program director. A visit and an interview is strongly recommended so that applicants may meet the director, the faculty, and other students. To make arrangements, please email UGAHP@uga.edu or call 706-542-1816. If you need a place to stay in Athens, accommodations at the Georgia Center on campus are available at a discount for prospective grad students.
What is needed to apply?
- Graduate school application and fee (International students click here.)
- UNOFFICIAL academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be included in your online application. Official transcripts will be required for those admitted to UGA. More information
- Three reference letters As part of the online application, you will need to furnish accurate email address information for individuals to provide three letters of recommendation. The link for the form will be electronically sent to your recommender while completing the online application.
- Statement of Purpose that outlines the reasons for the student’s interest in the program, the relevance of previous degrees and experience, and the applicant’s goals and ambitions.
- In-person or online interview with the Program Coordinator or member of the Admissions Committee.
GRE scores are NOT required for students holding a degree from an accredited institution.
Do you think you might qualify for an application fee waiver?
Some applicants to the Graduate School at the University of Georgia such as veterans and applicants from feeder schools qualify for an application fee waiver. For more information, click here.
Are you an International Student?
In addition to the requirements for domestic applicants above, International students are required to submit TOEFL scores or IETLS.
Find out more about Visa qualifications here.
Ready to Apply? Click here
All Graduate School applications are to be completed online.
A letter of acceptance from the graduate school does not guarantee your place in the MHP program. The applicant must indicate acceptance of the admission offer in writing.