Preparing to apply to grad programs in HP: 3 questions

Joined: 18 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

Hello! I'm so happy to have found this forum. I am looking to move into HP as a mid-life career changer and am planning to apply this winter to start a Master's in Fall 2010. I have three questions on my mind at this stage, though I'm sure others will occur to me soon:

1) I'm particularly attracted by the limited residency program at Goucher, in part because it would allow me to begin work on the HP degree while still transitioning out of my current career, but I'm wondering what the program's reputation is in the wider HP community. From what I can discern, Goucher seems to have great faculty and an excellent track record, but if there is a bias against grads of a limited-residency program, I'd like to know that in advance.

2) Is it a good idea, other things being equal, to do one's HP training in the same region where one hopes to work? I'm thinking the combination of learning about local/regional history and preservation issues plus making local contacts would make that a good idea, but I'd be happy to have people's thoughts on the matter.

3) I have the time and resources this coming spring and summer to take a course or two on a continuing-ed basis before starting an HP degree, and I wonder if there are skills people think would be particularly helpful to acquire before launching into the usual curriculum for the Master's. I'm thinking maybe architectural drafting, for someone with some but not very much studio art background? Other suggestions welcome!

Thanks in advance.

Jen

Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 5

I can't really comment on Goucher's program, hopefully someone else can address your concerns on that one.

As for studying in the region you want to work, the answer is YES! Quite often you will find potential employers requesting that applicants be knowledgeable about regional history and architecture. In my experience, HP educational programs almost always focus on their local region with brief mentions of other regions in the country, and very rarely mentions other countries. This isn't necessarily the fault of the program, it is just easier to study your surroundings. And of course this will also put you in contact with local organizations and companies that you can intern and develop relationships with.

I think the most beneficial courses you could take beforehand would focus on architectural history so you can get an idea of architectural style and perhaps even vernacular architecture. Drafting may prove to be useful depending on what you intend to do with your degree but I know many graduate programs don't even require drafting or CAD courses of any kind. Many graduate programs have suggestions for previous coursework that will prepare you for their program on their web sites, so I would take a look at that.

Good luck!

Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 1

best luck, hope you get whatever your achievements would be.

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Silk Flowers

Joined: 18 Nov 2009 Posts: 1

Hi Jen - I am in the exact same situation as you. I've been looking into Goucher and trying to set up a call with the program director.

I took a trip to Savannah to look into their online program. I decided to take a closer look at Goucher. I will say that I talked to someone in my hometown in the historic preservation industry and they said they knew two people who had gone through the program and were doing well in their field.

I'd like to connect so we can share notes on our experience and knowledge to this point.

It would be great to talk to someone who is trying to make the same career move. At this point, I'm fairly certain I'll be applying by Jan 1st. to Goucher.

Michael