Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Fine Arts MFA


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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)


Studio / Lab Courses (30 credits)


A minimum of 2 LAB courses must be taken.

Critique Based Seminar (6 credits)


Electives & Culminating Experience (21 credits)


Academic Elective Courses (12 credits)


Open Elective Course (3 credits)


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

Culminating Experience: Project (6 credits)


Total Credit Hours: 60


3.0 Degree GPA Required

 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)


1) Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary theory and artistic strategy that analyze and interpret all aspects of visual culture.

2) Demonstrate knowledge of interdisciplinary research methods and the ability to continue developing methodologies for one’s practice.

3) Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply research to create innovative artworks including production of a significant visual arts thesis project of the highest level of expertise in the field.

4) Demonstrate mastery of technical skills and aesthetic principles in the field.

5) Demonstrate broad professional foundations through internships, fellowships, grant applications commissions and/or teaching.

6) Demonstrate an advanced level of critique to discuss, describe, assess, and contextualize one’s own artwork and the work of one’s peers.

7) Demonstrate the ability to develop, reflect and refine one’s own voice through the creation of artworks.

8) Demonstrate sustained artistic productivity in the field locally, nationally, and internationally including participation in professional organizations and through invited and peer-reviewed artistic production at related exhibition venues, conferences and festivals.

SED Statement


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

 

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