MA in Visual Studies Admissions
Program Update
We are not currently accepting applications for this program. To add your name to our mailing list for future information, please contact us.
Application Procedure and Requirements
- 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). 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.
Application Instructions
GrAdMIT Online Application
All applications must complete the on-line application form which contains complete instructions. The online application will allow you to attach (upload) the following documents:
- Resume
- Statement of Intent
- Writing Sample
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
When you have finished your online application, you must “submit it for final review” and pay the application fee before the application will be available to our faculty for review.
Non-refundable application fee: $75
After you submit your UB graduate application, you’ll be prompted to make your payment online by credit card or ACH through Nelnet.
U.S. citizens or current permanent residents may request a fee waiver through the application portal after completing the graduate application and uploading all required materials.
Additional Information
- The STATEMENT OF INTENT describes your preparation (academic and related work/life experience) and motivation for graduate study in Visual Studies. Describe academic areas of focus that you are interested in pursuing, interdisciplinary interests, career objectives and any other information that may be helpful to admissions committee.
- The WRITING SAMPLE is most often a well-written paper from an undergraduate course. This is critical component of the application.
- A minimum of THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION are required, preferably from former professors or museum professionals attesting to your capacity for graduate-level research. When you submit your references’ email addresses they will receive an automatic electronic invitation to upload a letter. It is crucial that you provide a viable email address for each referee. You may wish to notify them in advance so that they can have their letter ready to upload. Please note that your recommenders will only receive this notification after you have submitted your application for final review. As such, we recommend that you plan to finalize your application prior to the deadline.
International Applicants
In addition to the above, you must provide additional documentation to the department before the application deadline:
- COMPLETE FINANCIAL FORM WITH SUPPORTING BANK DOCUMENTS PER INSTRUCTIONS ON THE International Graduate Admissions WEBSITE.)
- ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF TRANSCRIPT
- PROOF OF DEGREE.
Mail or deliver supplemental materials (transcripts) to:
MA Admissions Committee
UB Department of Art
202 Center for the Arts
Buffalo, NY, 14260-6010
