Art History

The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at the University at Buffalo offers students an in-depth exploration of the visual arts across different periods, cultures, and regions. This program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and appreciation for the diverse histories and theories that underpin the discipline of art history. Students will engage with a wide range of materials, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and contemporary visual culture, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how art reflects, influences, and shapes societies throughout history.

The curriculum combines foundational courses in the history of art with specialized electives that allow students to explore areas such as European, Asian, African, and American art, as well as thematic topics like modernism, gender, race, and politics in art. Students also acquire essential skills in visual analysis, research, and writing, preparing them for careers in museums, galleries, education, cultural management, or further academic study.

Throughout the program, students benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty members who are actively involved in research, curatorial practice, and publishing. The program emphasizes experiential learning through opportunities such as internships, study abroad programs, and museum visits, which enable students to connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to align with their interests and career goals.

Graduates of the Art History program at the University at Buffalo leave equipped with a deep understanding of the visual arts, a critical appreciation of cultural diversity, and the analytical skills necessary for a wide range of professions in the arts and beyond. Whether pursuing graduate studies, working in museums or galleries, or engaging with cultural policy and education, students are prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the cultural sector.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge to:

• Acquire analytical skills to enable them to access meanings in visual images and develop a visual literacy
• Acquire a solid understanding of the roles of art and visual culture in a particular historical period and/or world culture
• Develop skills in critical writing, including the organization of a thesis and its defense
• Acquire skills and methods tor conducting historical research
• Acquire a substantial understanding of art as a specific epistemic and historically important category of human expression and discovery

The Art History program takes place in lecture halls and small seminar rooms, in on-campus museums and galleries and in the museums and the rich architectural landscape of Buffalo. Introductory-level lectures train students in techniques of visual decoding. Subsequent classes mix lectures with engaged student discussion and participation. Advanced students participate in a capstone course for seniors and have the option to take seminars and work closely with professors.

Admission to UB is highly competitive. For the freshman class, UB reported an average ACT score of 24-30 and an average SAT (CR+M) score of 1100-1300. 90 percent of admitted students are in the top 50 percent of their class.

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review. We consider high school average, class rank, SAT (critical reading and math) or ACT scores, and strength of the high school academic record. A personal essay, recommendations, documented creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service and special circumstances are also considered.

The following is not required for admission, but is suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:

• Four years of English (with a substantial writing component)
• Four years of social studies
• Three years of college-preparatory science
• Three years of a second language
• Three years of college-preparatory mathematics

UB requires a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (Internet-based) or 550 (paper-based) in order to be considered for admission. Students scoring between 70 and 78 or 523 and 547 on the TOEFL may be admitted to the university on the condition that they register for and successfully complete additional English courses in their first semester.

Art Departmental scholarships up to $2,000 are available to currently enrolled art majors.

One four-year scholarship covering all resident tuition and fees, minus any other aid received, is available to an undergraduate Honors student in the creative or performing arts. To be considered, students must have an unweighted high school average of at least 90 and a combined SAT critical reading and math score of at least 1230 or an ACT score of at least 27. A personal interview and a separate scholarship application are required. Contact the Honors College to request an application.

The Art History program at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, offers students a comprehensive exploration of the history of art from diverse regions and time periods. The curriculum is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and appreciation for visual culture through a diverse range of courses that cover ancient to contemporary art, architecture, and visual culture. Students have the opportunity to study major artistic movements, influential artists, and pivotal historical moments that have shaped the development of art across different civilizations. The program emphasizes both historical context and aesthetic analysis, preparing graduates for careers in museums, galleries, art conservation, academia, arts administration, and related fields. Students can engage in hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and field trips, gaining valuable practical experience. The university boasts a rich collection of art holdings and access to numerous digital resources, which enhance learning and research capabilities. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and advancing the field. The program also offers minors in related disciplines, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding visual culture. Graduates of the Art History program are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce with a solid foundation in visual analysis, historical knowledge, and cultural understanding. The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters a global perspective, encouraging students to consider the social, political, and cultural impacts of art throughout history.