Delivery
On-Campus
Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies Concentration), M.S., and History (Public History Concentration), M.A., Dual Degree
Program Overview
The Critical Heritage/Public History dual degree builds upon these two complementary programs. UNC Charlotte’s faculty and students engage in a curriculum and research that seeks local solutions while engaging in global conversations; emphasizes hands-on engagement with communities and organizations; challenges authorized heritage discourses; diversifies approaches and practices of engaging with the past; and promotes the stories and sites that foreground the heritage of underrepresented communities.
Program Contact
Admissions Details
See our Graduate Admissions page for more information about graduate admissions to the School of Architecture, including specifics for international students and answers to frequently asked questions.
Plans of Study
Students must apply to each program separately and be admitted to both programs. Dual degree students must satisfy all individual degree requirements with the added benefit of sharing a limited number of credits between the two programs.
M.S. Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) / M.A. in History (Public History) – 48 Credit Hours – 2.5 Year Path
When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 36-credit Master of Arts in History Public History and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MS in Architecture Critical Heritage are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 48-credit dual degree.
Fall 1 (9 Credit Hours)
- ARCH 5600 – Critical Approaches to Heritage (3)
- HIST 600x – Colloquium (3)
- HIST 6330 – History in the Digital Age (3)
Spring 1 (9 Credit Hours)
- HIST 6320 – Historic Preservation (3)
- HIST 6310 – Museum Studies (3)
- HIST 6693 – Historiography & Methodology (3)
Summer 1 (3 credit hours)
- ARCH 6400 – Heritage Internship (3)
Fall 2 (9 credit hours)
- HIST 600x – Colloquium (3)
- HIST 6300 – Topics in Public History (3)
- HIST 6694 – Historical Writing (3)
Spring 2 (9 credit hours)
- ARCH 7211 – Research Lab – Heritage (4)
- ARCH 6600 – Heritage Colloquium (2)
- History 6xxx Elective (3)
Fall 3 (6 credit hours)
- HIST 6999 – Thesis (3)
- Heritage Elective (3)
- History 5xxx or 6xxx Elective (3)
48 Total Credit hours
M.S. Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies) / M.A. in History (Public History) – 45 Credit Hours – 2 Year Accelerated Path
When completed together, a specified 9 credits of the 36-credit Master of Arts in History Public History and specified 9 credits of the 30-credit MS in Architecture Critical Heritage are waived as per the UNC Charlotte catalog, for a 48-credit dual degree.
Fall 1 (12 Credit Hours)
- ARCH 5600 – Critical Approaches to Heritage (3)
- HIST 600x – Colloquium (3)
- HIST 6330 – History in the Digital Age (3)
- History 5xxx or 6xxx Elective (3)
Spring 1 (12 Credit Hours)
- HIST 6320 – Historic Preservation (3)
- HIST 6310 – Museum Studies (3)
- HIST 6693 – Historiography & Methodology (3)
- History 6xxx Elective (3)
Summer 1 (6 Credit Hours)
- ARCH 6400 – Heritage Internship (3-6) – if a full time internship can count as internship and heritage elective
- Heritage elective (0-3) – Independent Study
Fall 2 (9 Credit Hours)
- HIST 600x – Colloquium (3)
- HIST 6300 – Topics in Public History (3)
- HIST 6694 – Historical Writing (3)
Spring 2 (9 Credit Hours)
- HIST 6999 – Thesis (3)
- ARCH 6600 – Heritage Colloquium (2)
- ARCH 7211 – Research Lab – Heritage (4)
45 Total Credit Hours
M.S. in Architecture (Critical Heritage Studies)
The Critical Heritage concentration in the M.S. in Architecture explores how preserving the built environment connects to social and environmental sustainability, and how these practices align with those in museums, archaeological sites, and beyond.
M.A in History (Public History)
The Public History concentration in the M.A. in History emphasizes museum studies, historic preservation, and the creation of new media projects such as websites, digital collections, and documentaries.
“Through the Critical Heritage Studies program, I am exposed to interdisciplinary practices that exist adjacent to the architecture field. Every day, I get the chance to work with aspiring planners, historians, architects, and archeologists. I am exposed to many ways to problem solve as a result.”
Kyra Sykes
M.S. in Architecture, Critical Heritage Studies Concentration
Visit UNC Charlotte
We invite applicants and prospective applicants to learn more about our programs by attending our Open Houses and Facility Tours, both of which may be done in person or virtually. These events are opportunities to meet current faculty, staff, and students, and to ask questions about the program.