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Bucks County Community College

Historic Preservation

  Academics  —  Academic Schools  —  Social and Behavioral Science  —  Historic Preservation  —  Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions for the Historic Preservation Certificate at Bucks.

 

Have additional questions? Please email historic.preservation@bucks.edu or call 215-968-8286. Our office is located on the Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Bucks Historic Preservation?

At Bucks, our courses are challenging and we pride ourselves on giving students both the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.

  • No experience required. Our courses build your knowledge and skills from the ground up. You do not need previous experience–only a commitment to learn.
  • Real world knowledge and skills. Our instructors are all working professionals in preservation-related practices, including documentation, advocacy, architectural conservation, archaeology, and museum/archival studies. Learn what it takes to succeed from the people who are doing it.
  • Personal relationships. Our faculty not only teach, they mentor. We want you to know more than just what you need to survive in the field, but to thrive!
  • Cost effectiveness. Our program is both competitively priced AND gives you the best educational value! You'll be exposed to various facets of preservation that can be used in the real world.
  • Accessibility. We are a national leader in online preservation education! In 2007, we became the first to offer the Historic Preservation Certificate online, bringing our program to your home.
  • Excellence. Some of our courses have received the prestigious Quality Matters certification for excellence in online education.
Can I complete the Certificate 100% online?

Yes. Every core/required preservation course is offered in an eLearning (no meetings) format. Almost every elective is also offered via eLearning.

We also periodically offer remote learning courses (via Zoom) that allow you to engage with instructors and colleagues in a "live" online environment. Taking a course in this modality is optional.

What is the difference between classes held on-campus vs online?

The online certificate enables anyone in the U.S. to study and practice preservation in any local community.

The only difference between the courses offered on campus vs. online is where you learn. The material presented for the course of study is the same. Many of our professors teach both the on campus and the online courses. Regardless of place, you will engage with your classmates and professors on a weekly basis – the only difference is where.

How long does it take to get my Certificate?

While the certificate can be completed in as little as 16 months, the length of time it takes is up to you. And depends on the number of courses taken each semester. Most of our graduates take their internship as the last class of the program. We do recommend that anyone working full time limit their course load to no more than two courses per semester.

Do I have to start in the fall semester?

No. Bucks offers rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and start at anytime. Courses typically begin in August, September, January, February, May, and July. Jump in when you are ready!

You do not have to take courses in any particular order. There are also no prerequisites to take any course other than HIST203: Internship in Historic Preservation (which requires 18 completed credits to enroll).

What are the admissions requirements? How much does it cost?

Applying to Bucks County Community College is free! Simply, complete the online application. It's that easy to enroll in the 3127 Historic Preservation Certificate program.

Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a Bucks Student ID number. From there, follow the  admissions steps and register for classes. All students, both part-time and full-time, must have advisor approval to register.

The Historic Preservation program is a shared program for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania! Pennsylvania residents can take courses at either the in-county or non-sponsored rate, depending on where you live. View current tuition rates.

Do I have to take placement testing to enroll in the program?

Applicants who have completed college courses or have been awarded degrees can have their testing requirements waived (noted on the application) by having your official transcripts forwarded on to the College for review. You may also take classes for personal enrichment without going through placement testing.

Can I transfer my credits to another institution?

After you've completed the certificate, you may wish to go further afield at a four-year institution. Most schools allow incoming students to transfer credits. However, which classes and how many credits varies by school.

Courses taken at Bucks are for college credit. The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Are jobs available for preservation graduates?

Yes! Bucks graduates are prepared to enter the preservation field, or go on to pursue advanced academic study. Graduates have found opportunities at the county, state, and federal levels in such diverse areas as historic house museums, construction, HARB (Historic Architectural Review Board) committees, conservation, and planning.

Many practicing professionals pursue the certificate as a supplementary credential. In our courses, we frequently teach architects, lawyers, engineers, artisans, conservationists, educators, and activists as well as regular citizens passionate about historic places. These people represent a new interest in the economic revitalization of towns and neighborhoods, heritage tourism, growth management, and historic landscape restoration.

Are scholarships available?

Yes! We offer an abundance of scholarships. While most require that you complete at least three credits successfully, you may apply for several competitive scholarships in the spring semester of each year. View scholarships.

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  • Featured Course: History of American Architecture
  • Featured Course: Documentation Workshop
  • Featured Course: Building Conservation
  • Featured Course: Historic Property Research
  • Featured Course: Topics: Race & Route 66
  • Featured Course: Preservation Site Project
  • "Hands-On History"
  • Courses: Spring 2025

Historic Preservation

215-968-8286 historic.preservation@bucks.edu 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940

Historic Preservation

215-968-8286 historic.preservation@bucks.edu 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
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Newtown | 215-968-8000
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Bristol | 267-685-4800
1304 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007
Perkasie | 215-258-7700
One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Bucks Online | 215-968-8052
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