The focus of our Preservation Masonry program is centered on creating the academic environment necessary to produce multidimensional educated artisans. In order to provide this unique educational experience our students complete an intensive, integrated liberal arts curriculum. This curriculum has been developed in such a way that all courses, both academic and artistry, build upon each other and missing any portion of the curriculum provides an incomplete education. This integrated approach creates a highly focused learning environment which students find both challenging and rewarding.

Masonry is the trade which historically has been fundamental to all construction. Without a mason there would be no foundations or buildings. While masons have used the same techniques and tools for centuries, advancements in technology mean structures such as skyscrapers and suspension bridges, which 150 years ago would have been impossible to build, can now be created. With the range of tools available, masons must have a broad range of professional knowledge and high level of acquired skills. This is a very diverse trade, which includes the use of stone, brick, concrete and cement block. Masonry often requires working as a part of a team, and together creating a structure from the ground up.

Masonry is a very physical trade. The work generally takes place outdoors on site and requires an eye for detail. It is a very satisfying trade which demands patience, physical labor, organizational skills and willingness to solve problems. Generally masons work alongside another mason or as part of a team.

All college preparatory courses are desirable (see College Catalog), as are courses in shop, mechanical drawing, woodworking and mathematics. Physical fitness and a good sense of balance are essential for the masonry profession.

More than one out of four masons is self-employed. Masons may also be employed as preservation masons, new construction brick and block masons, landscape masons, stone masons or project managers.

The masonry curriculum consists of eight semesters that will prepare students for a career in this building art. The course is designed to give a broad overview of the skills required to work in all aspects of this trade, specializing in laying and using masonry materials and conservation/installation techniques.

The course of study is designed with two distinct stages. During the first two years, students develop the basic skills required to put this material into use as an architectural form on either historic or contemporary buildings. Upon completion they receive an Associates degree and will be able to competently begin working as an apprentice to a master craftsman. Students who choose and are selected to continue into the Bachelors program will complete two more years of intensive training -- honing their practical skills and techniques. They will advance their study into theoretical aspects of the masonry trade, conservation work and business management. Students finishing the full four year curriculum will receive the education and skills needed to become a business owner and master artisan.

The student who applies for this course should have a high level of practical skills. Their background should include a portfolio or history that shows a direction which is relevant to this course of study, as well as a passion to succeed in a field which has a fine tradition. Masonry is an exciting area of study which will give the student an excellent opportunity to become a highly skilled artisan.

An emphasis throughout the curriculum will be on workshop and on-site practice, where repetition will lay the foundation for high skill levels. Initially the courses will focus on hand skills/techniques for laying and working construction materials and the theoretical knowledge needed to apply them. These skills will lay the foundation for later workshops that extend the initial knowledge beyond practice and into accomplished work. During the third and fourth years, students will specialize in the craft, continuing to improve their skills. With repetition of the process engrained within the student, they will be able to concentrate more on the craft than the process. This approach will leave students with a solid background, preparing them for the rigors of working as a commercial artisan/practitioner.

Areas of study within the course will be: conservation, craft and architecture history, drawing, design and geometry, English, information technology, general masonry, management and professional practice, math, and modern construction. Classes in many of these subjects will be complemented by lectures and instruction from master artisans brought in to teach specific specialties.