Undergraduate Applicant Info

Know UB’s SAT and ACT Codes
SAT or ACT standardized test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. UB’s SAT code is 2925. The ACT code is 2978.

Understand How to Select UB on Your Application
Please be aware that the Common Application and the SUNY Application list two SUNY Buffalo institutions. Make sure you select the University at Buffalo when you complete your forms, or your application might go to the wrong school.

• On the SUNY Application, select “Buffalo, University at.”
• On the Common Application, select “University at Buffalo (SUNY).”

Request Your High School Transcript
UB requires your high school transcript — have an official copy uploaded or sent from your school.

Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
UB requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher or high school counselor. UB’s teacher/counselor recommendation form (PDF) is available for you to download and print. While only one recommendation is required, you may choose to submit as many as three.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL is required for applicants whose native language is not English. This is to ensure that language skills don’t prevent students from successfully completing university-level courses in the United States.

Majors begin by taking two survey courses (AHI 101 and AHI 102) that introduce the issues and major monuments of art history. Building on this foundation, students complete six upper-level AHI electives courses. These advanced courses provide more focused examinations of the history and concerns of specific societies. Majors are additionally required to take a pro-seminar, which provides a basic introduction to the debates and methods of the field; a methods course; and three sequential semesters of language study, or the equivalent. While a senior honors thesis is not required, majors are encouraged to consider undertaking such a project during their final year.

All Art History transfer courses must be evaluated and approved by the department. Generally, the following transfer courses will be accepted: the equivalent of AHI 101 and AHI 102 covering the history of art from ancient to modern, and any two of the area courses. Transcripts are required for all courses, and course descriptions are required for any of the area courses.

All entering first-year students with an interest in Art will be listed as "approved" majors. 

Currently enrolled UB students with a minimum 2.5 GPA are eligible to apply to the Department of Art’s BA or BFA degree programs. Freshman Foundation courses are required for all Art BA/BFA degrees. Students are encouraged to take Foundations courses before taking upper-level courses.

Students accepted to UB must apply to and be accepted by the Department of Art, and must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to be eligible to apply. Transfer courses will be evaluated for application to the major.

All Art History transfer courses must be evaluated and approved by the department. Generally, the following transfer courses will be accepted: the equivalent of AHI 101 and AHI 102 covering the history of art from ancient to modern, and any two of the area courses. Transcripts are required for all courses, and course descriptions are required for any of the area courses.

The Department of Art gives studio art or open elective credit for AP, depending on the score, but this does not waive any departmental requirements.

The Department of Art offers a minor sequence in Studio Art for students who are doing their major work in other departments. The objective of this program is to allow UB student in diverse academic major programs to be engaged in the study and making of art. The students will get an overview of critical and aesthetic issues in art today as well as gain a technical skill set in media areas of their choice. The study of art leads to greater awareness of visual culture, manual/technical skills, critical thinking and problem solving ability.

Acceptance Criteria

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 overall
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 in art courses

Early Action application deadline: Nov. 15
Scholarship consideration application deadline: Dec. 15
Regular decision application deadline: Feb. 1

Students can continue to submit an application for fall consideration until capacity is reached.

Incoming freshman or undergraduate transfer applicants who are interested in pursuing art must first apply and be accepted to the University at Buffalo. 

When applying, you should indicate your intended major on the application form. All relevant information, including admissions criteria; the online application; dates and deadlines; and standardized test score requirements, can be found by visiting UB Undergraduate Admissions.

Come see for yourself what the Department of Art at UB has to offer you.