Visual Studies

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, and, 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 interdisciplinarity is at the core of our departmental mission. In this way the Department of Art continues to contribute to the rich history of avant-garde development that has been a cornerstone of the Arts at UB.

The MA in Visual Studies is a two-year, 36-credit program of study designed for a small, highly selective body of students who have already identified an intellectual project in keeping with faculty specializations. If admitted to the Visual Studies MA, you will work closely with faculty in developing an interdisciplinary course of study. Though a terminal degree, the MA in Visual Studies should be viewed as a stepping-stone to an eventual PhD, though acceptance in the MA program in Visual Studies does not guarantee ultimate admission to our PhD program.

Program Plan

Core Courses, 9 Credit Hours

• VS 501 Intro to Visual Studies (3)
• VS 505 Tactics of Praxis (3)
• VS XXX Critical Theory requirement (3)

Directed Electives, 21 Credit Hours

• Up to 9 credit hours may be Independent Studies and/or Supervised Readings

Master’s Thesis, 6 Credit Hours

• VS 598 Thesis Guidance
• VS 598 Thesis Guidance

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA (or equivalent) of 3.0 or above is required. Applicants should have a broad exposure to art history courses, (i.e., a minimum of two survey courses and 2 upper-level courses). GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE) scores may be included but are not required.

Up to 12 graduate level transfer credits may be accepted toward the M.A. degree by the department. This will be determined on an individual basis. Students wishing to transfer graduate credits should consult the Director of Graduate Studies after acceptance to the program.

While employment opportunities within the department are occasionally available, the MA program does not offer scholarship or fellowship support. However, there are University funding opportunities as noted below.

Morris Arts Scholarships and Fellowships

$50,000 Awarded Annually

UB undergraduate and graduate students, both entering (including incoming freshmen) and continuing, in the creative and performing arts who create and/or perform as departmental majors or prospective majors are eligible to be considered for an award for the period July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009. Awards are made to fund the cost of attending UB as a recruitment or retention award; to defray the costs a student incurs in the creation, exhibition, or performance of an artistic work; or as academic enhancement or enrichment awards providing advanced students access to further study and professional experience beyond that available at UB. Summer programs, institutes, internships, workshops, and other such ventures are increasingly important to the professional development of emerging talent, and therefore requests for funding such opportunities may be made to this fund.

Morris Arts Scholarships and Fellowships are awarded once per year. The award amount for an academic year scholarship or fellowship ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Lesser amounts may be awarded for enrichment awards or to defray artistic production costs. Awards will be made without consultation with the principal Donors.

Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program Fellowships

The Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program is sponsored by New York State and offers support for historically underrepresented students in graduate programs across the university. Students in the program have outstanding academic credentials which contribute to an impressive graduation and retention rate of close to eighty percent. Schomburg Fellows participate in conferences and seminars and present papers in their respective disciplines. Since its inception in 1987, over 500 academically talented students have received support through this Fellowship program.

Graduate Educational Opportunity Program (GEOP)

The Graduate Educational Opportunity Program (GEOP) provides tuition scholarships to graduates of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP); and CUNY Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge (SEEK) programs within New York State who wish to pursue further education at the graduate level.

The Visual Studies program at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, offers a comprehensive exploration of visual culture, art, and media. It is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the history, theory, and practices related to visual arts and visual communication. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating art history, media studies, critical theory, and studio practices to equip students with versatile skills suitable for careers in arts institutions, media, design, or further academic research. Students have the opportunity to engage with diverse visual mediums and technologies, from traditional art forms to digital and new media platforms, fostering creative innovation and critical analysis. The curriculum includes coursework in visual literacy, history of art and visual culture, digital imaging, visual storytelling, and contemporary issues in visual arts. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice through studio projects and individual research, supported by faculty with expertise across various disciplines in the arts and humanities. The program may also offer internships, collaborative projects, and exhibition opportunities that connect academic learning with real-world experiences, preparing graduates for professional roles in galleries, museums, publishing, advertising, and beyond. The department emphasizes critical thinking, technical proficiency, and cultural awareness. With access to the university's extensive resources, including galleries, media labs, and archives, students can expand their practical skills and theoretical knowledge concurrently. Overall, the Visual Studies program aims to cultivate informed and innovative visual thinkers capable of contributing meaningfully to contemporary visual culture.