Preserve the past as you build your future. You'll do that here.

You'll uncover the stories behind historic buildings, helping communities save their most treasured places, and building a career that actually matters. At SEMO's historic preservation program, you're not just studying history—you're actively making it. As Missouri's only National Council for Preservation Education certified undergraduate HP program, we connect you directly with real preservation work from your very first semester. You'll be out in the field learning skills that land you dream jobs at places like the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, National Park Service, and Main Street America. 

What You'll Do

You'll dive into real preservation projects that build your resume while you learn. At SEMO, you will research historic Cape Girardeau buildings for the city's preservation commission and document century-old architecture during our summer field school in Ste. Genevieve. Our faculty don't just teach—they're your mentors who help you discover whether you love working in museums, archives, or historic sites. They'll introduce you to industry professionals nationwide and guide you toward the career path that fits your interests perfectly.

What Can You Do with a Historic Preservation Degree?

At SEMO, we make sure you graduate job-ready with real experience employers want. Our faculty actively guide you toward opportunities and connect you with preservation leaders across the country. You'll explore multiple career areas and work alongside industry professionals who know your program's reputation. 

Internships

Many students land full-time jobs right where they interned:

  • Smithsonian Institution
  • National Archives
  • Shiloh National Military Park
  • Eisenhower National Historic Site
  • Holocaust Museum

Employment Opportunities

Career opportunities are waiting for you after graduation at the nation's most recognized institutions:

  • Archivist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • Exhibits Specialist, Architect of the Capitol
  • Interpreter, Lincoln Home National Historic Park
  • Curatorial Coordinator, Indianapolis Museum of Art
  • Architectural Historian, Terracon (Denver)

Your future in historic preservation starts here, where faculty expertise meets real-world experience, and where your passion becomes your profession.

Historic Preservation (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

Outcomes & Careers

  • 85%

    Successful Outcomes Rate

    Students graduating with degrees from the Department of History and Anthropology report being employed or furthering their education six months after graduation.

  • $57k

    Archivist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for archivist is $57,100.

  • $57k

    Curator

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a curator is $57,100.

  • $74k

    Historian

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a historian is $74,050.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

As a historic preservation major, you’ll learn to analyze and document the built environment through course work and unique hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

 

Become a Redhawk.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Accelerated Master’s Degree

Southeast offers an accelerated master’s degree for current students. You can get both undergraduate and graduate credit for some 500 level courses, meaning you can graduate with a master's degree sooner.

Alumna

"The program is very hands-on and you really learn practical skills as opposed to just sitting and listening to lecture after lecture. The professors are passionate about what they teach, and you leave the classroom genuinely feeling like you learned something that you will carry forward with you in life."

Kelsey Barnett

Kelsey Barnett, historic preservation major alumni, wearing a blue shirt, khaki pants, and a hat, smiles beside the sign for the Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

The Historic Preservation Alumni Chapter

The Historic Preservation Alumni Chapter connects Southeast Missouri State University Alumni and present students who share a passion for protecting our architectural heritage. This group keeps our SEMO alumni connected, supports current students, and helps preserve our shared history.

 

Location
Office Location
Carnahan Hall 311E
Mailing Location
One University Plaza, MS 2960
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701