The UCLA / Getty Conservation Program educates and trains students in the highest standard of conservation practice. Our programs prepare graduates for careers in the preservation of archaeological and cultural materials.

Established in 2003 with the first cohort of MA students entering in 2005, the UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage is the only graduate program in the Western United States devoted to conservation research and training, and the only one nationally to focus on archaeological and Indigenous materials.

The three-year MA degree trains students in the theory and practice conserving archaeological and Indigenous materials. Since the 2019 launch of the doctoral program, the UCLA/Getty Program is one of two conservation programs in the U.S. that offer PhD degrees. The PhD degree is focused on the conservation of material culture. Students who complete the program are educated not only in the principles, science, and practice of conservation ensuring the preservation of the world’s cultural heritage, but also in leadership and problem solving to address complex issues including climate change, illicit trade, and community engagement.

The Program currently accepts approximately five MA students and three PhD students every other year. Given the rigorous application process, the quality of students is consistently high and acceptance is very competitive. The Program has graduated a total of forty-three MA students who are now leading conservation efforts for cultural heritage institutions nationally and around the world.