4+1 Degree: Sustainable Preservation
Objectives
The Sustainable Preservation Combined Degree Program provides academically qualified students an opportunity to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability and the Built Environment (BS-SBE) and the Master of Historic Preservation (MHP) degrees in a shorter period of time. The program allows students to “double-count” graduate courses toward both degrees, thus reducing the time it would normally take to graduate by a semester or more. The Combined Degree program reduces the cost of both degrees and enhances students’ marketability for career advancement.
Requirements
All Combined Degree programs at UF require a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA. MHP’s Combined Degree program requires students who meet the Combined Degree application requirements to complete 15 credits of graduate courses during their junior and senior years in the BS-SBE program. These credits will satisfy the undergraduate degree requirements and, if students are admitted to graduate school at UF upon completion of their Bachelor’s Degree, the 15 credits also will satisfy graduate degree requirements when completed with grades of B or higher. Once admitted to the MHP program, students are required to complete an additional 27 credits of graduate courses for a total of 42 credits required to receive a MHP.
How to Apply
Meet with MHP’s Graduate Coordinator during your sophomore year or two years prior to completing your Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability and the Built Environment to determine whether you are eligible. If eligible, fill out an application form in consultation with the BSSBE advisor and the MHP Graduate Coordinator. During the first semester of your senior year, initiate the Graduate School application process. Meet with MHP’s Graduate Coordinator as needed regarding any questions about the admissions process into the MHP program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide complete documentation to the Historic Preservation Program, the Office of Admissions, and the Graduate School by the respective deadlines.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available for the graduate portion of the program. Undergraduate degree costs should be satisfied with existing financial aid, such as Bright Futures and Prepaid Tuition. Bright Futures can cover the undergraduate costs of graduate courses that apply to the undergraduate degree up to the maximum allowed by Bright Futures for the respective undergraduate program. Prepaid Tuition can fund the first 120 hours of the undergraduate program. Students will be responsible for the difference in tuition between the undergraduate and graduate course rates.
Advantages of the Sustainable Preservation Combined Degree Program
- Academically qualified students can obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees in much less time than two separate degrees
- The program provides continuity between undergraduate and graduate studies
- The cost of both degrees is reduced since 15 credits apply toward both degrees and the undergraduate portion of those credits can be covered by undergraduate funding sources like Bright Futures
- Students’ marketability is greatly enhanced and the array of job opportunities widened as many professions now require a master’s degree for entry-level positions
- Students’ exposure to interdisciplinary work increases exponentially