Fine Arts MFA

The Department of Art unites the disciplines of art, art history, and visual studies and aesthetics. Practicing artists and designers are expected to cultivate the relationship of research, theory and history to their work. Concurrently, art historians, theorists, and curators are compelled to engage multiple visual platforms and environments beyond the traditional discourse of art. The emphasis of our programs on interdisciplinary practice, supported by the University at Buffalo’s comprehensive research facility, is at the core of our departmental mission.

Required Core (39 credits)

Critical Theory (3 credits)

VS 521SEM - Intro to Critical Theory Credits: 3

Studio / Lab Courses (30 credits)

A minimum of 2 LAB courses must be taken.

ART 562LAB - Installation: Urban Space Credits: 3
ART 564LAB - Biological Art Credits: 3
ART 573LAB - Performative Action Credits: 3
ART 589LAB - Real-Space Electronic Art Credits: 3
ART 599TUT - First Year Grad Research Credits: 1 - 8
ART 699TUT - 2nd Yr Graduate Research Credits: 1 - 8

Critique Based Seminar (6 credits)

ART 509SEM - Grad Seminar 1 Credits: 3
ART 510SEM - Grad Seminar 2 Credits: 3

Electives & Culminating Experience (21 credits)

Academic Elective Courses (12 credits)

ART 513SEM - Graduate Photo Seminar Credits: 1 - 3
AHI 588SEM - Dsplyng Gnder Mseum Exhbt Credits: 3
VS 500SEM - Special Topics Credits: 3
VS 500 Course Title: Neuroaesthetics
VS 550SEM - Art & Psychoanalysis Credits: 3
VS 579SEM - The Revolutionary Sublime Credits: 3
VS 590SEM - Theories of Montage Credits: 3

Open Elective Course (3 credits)

ART/AHI/VS: studio/lab or academic course: 3 Credits

Culminating Experience: Project (6 credits)

ART 690TUT - Grad Project Supervision Credits: 1 - 6

Total Credit Hours: 60

3.0 Degree GPA Required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

60 Hours

Time-To-Degree

2 Years

Application Fee

$75

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.