by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1 U.S. colleges awarded 7 degrees and certificates in Architectural Conservation. Graduates earn a median $30,189 one year after completing, rising to $66,286 after four years.
A degree in Architectural Conservation involves the study of A Program That Focuses On The Architectural Design Principles And Building Techniques Used In Historic Structures And Environments, And The Process Of Saving And Restoring Old Buildings And Districts For Contemporary Use And Enjoyment. Includes Instruction In Architectural History, Building Conservation Techniques, And Material Conservation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., architectural conservation draws strong interest, with 7 degrees awarded annually. 1 colleges award architectural conservation degrees, an average of 7 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 7.
All 7 of the awards are master’s degrees, the only level colleges reported.
Women earned 57% of architectural conservation degrees and certificates in the latest year (4 of 7).
O*NET rates Reading Comprehension the most important skill for jobs related to architectural conservation, at 4.2 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are English Language, Design and Education and Training. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Speech Clarity.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an architectural conservation degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 7 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to architectural conservation, at 39.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 39.6% |
| First professional degree | 17.6% |
| Master’s degree | 17.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 13.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.1% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.3% |
| Some college courses | 1.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Architectural Conservation, with an average median salary of $78,268; the strongest outlook belongs to Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary, at 11.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Landscape Architecture Teacher, Assistant Professor, Professor and College Faculty Member.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to architectural conservation, at 489,715.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | 489,715 | 11.8% |
| Historians | 66,368 | -1.5% |
Architectural Conservation graduates earn a median $30,189 one year after completing their program, $66,286 after four years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $30,189 |
| 4 years | $66,286 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to architectural conservation is Historians, with a median salary of $89,780.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Historians | $89,780 |
| Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,757 |
Architectural Conservation has 2 similar majors in the Architecture/Urban Planning field, which together award 209 degrees a year; the largest are Architectural History and Criticism, General (146) and Architectural Studies (63). Browse all Architecture/Urban Planning majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Architectural History and Criticism, General | 146 |
| Architectural Studies | 63 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.