Masters Degree (MS) in
Heritage Resources Administration
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PROGRAM DETAILS
- UK Online
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- Masters Degrees
- Heritage Resources Administration (MS)
About this Program
Gain the administration skills needed when working on historic preservation projects through this online master’s degree in Heritage Resources Administration. It combines coursework in historic preservation with training in public and nonprofit administration, equipping mid-career heritage professionals with the skills needed for advancement and leadership within their career.
This program is specifically designed to cater to the demands of historic preservation leadership roles. It emphasizes essential areas like nonprofit financial management, strategic planning, and grant writing. The online format provides maximum flexibility, making it highly appealing to those already in the workforce. The program is geared to a diverse array of professionals including nonprofit leaders, preservation experts, archeologists, architectural historians, Main Street managers, engineers, architects, and other careers centered around the identification and conservation of historical buildings and sites. The curriculum encompasses 36 credit hours, comprising 24 core courses, 9 electives, and a 3-hour capstone project.
Designed For
The program is geared to a diverse array of professionals including nonprofit leaders, preservation experts, archeologists, architectural historians, Main Street managers, engineers, architects, and other careers centered around the identification and conservation of historical buildings and sites.
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What You’ll Learn
The curriculum introduces students to core historic preservation content, including historic preservation law, architectural history, and historic preservation planning, while also teaching skills that are essential for success in leadership positions, such as nonprofit management, financial management, and strategic planning.
This 36 credit hour program was created to meet the needs of practitioners who must not only learn about cultural and historic resources, but who are also responsible for leading the organizations that ensure the long-term viability of those resources.
Students have the option of pursuing a 2 year or a 4 year degree plan. It is strongly recommended that students meet with advisors to develop a course strategy that suits their schedule and interests.
Course Examples
- HP 601 Introduction to Historic Preservation
- HP 602 Historic Preservation Law
- HP 617 Historic Preservation Planning
- HP 675 Architectural History for Preservation Practice
- PA 661 Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations
- PA 662 Nonprofit Management
- PA 642 Public and Nonprofit Organizational Theory and Behavior
- PA 602 Strategic Planning and Organizational Change
- PA 681 Capstone in Public Administration
- 9 credits of approved electives
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
An application must be complete by March 1 to be considered for fall admission and all forms of financial aid. Applications received after this date will be considered for admission, but financial aid may be limited.
- CV or resume
- Personal statement, 2,000 word limit
- Writing sample
- The writing sample may be drawn from previous academic work or professional work. Samples of creative work, such as design or photographic portfolios, may be used to fulfill this requirement as well. - Three (3) letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
Online Learning
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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