BA in Art History

Students will explore the histories of more longstanding media such as painting, sculpture and printmaking, as well as the newest forms of digital media that compose our visual and built worlds. A global approach to art history allows UB students to explore the thematic elements of visual and material culture—such as style and patronage, myth and narrative, gender, sexuality and race—through transnational and intercultural ties.

Faculty members with diverse areas of specialization use a range of methodological approaches to equip students with the tools and knowledge to cultivate their research and writing skills. 

Courses explore broad geographical and chronological contexts, ranging from ancient to contemporary art history, with specific attention given to social histories, gender, sexuality, race, post-colonialism, ecology, and technology.

• Hands-on learning opportunities include the chance to handle rare objects in UB Special Collections, discuss the history of collecting with UB Galleries curators, visit the galleries for artist talks, take field trips to local museums, and learn about media processes in the Department of Art’s studio facilities.
  
• Visiting Artists and Speakers: The Department of Art regularly invites artists, critics, historians and designers to participate in the Visiting Artist Speaker Series. Internationally recognized visiting artists, art historians, designers and architects are invited to give guest talks in our art history and visual studies courses. The Department also collaborates with other programs across the university, including the Asia Research Institute and the Queer Studies Research Workshop in organizing guest lectures.
• Curatorial and internship opportunities: Students have opportunities to curate exhibitions in gallery spaces at UB’s Center for the Arts or to conduct internships at numerous arts institutions in and around Buffalo and beyond.
• Buffalo Metropolitan Area: Buffalo is home to diverse grassroots and alternative spaces dedicated to new and experimental genres, including El Museo, Squeaky Wheel, Buffalo Arts Studio, BICA, and Transformation Station. These spaces complement larger institutions such as the newly renovated Buffalo AKG Art Museum and the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Toronto, a ninety-minute drive from Buffalo, is the largest metropolitan area in Canada. It has hundreds of alternative spaces and commercial art galleries including the Power Plant and the Art Gallery of Ontario. See our page on “Local Galleries and Museums” for information on other local arts organizations. 
• Study Abroad: Students interested in study abroad have the opportunity to participate in numerous art-oriented programs around the globe. The Department of Art encourages majors to consider a summer or junior year study abroad program. 
  • Visit the College of Arts and Sciences Study Abroad page.

Most UB students receive some form of financial aid, either in the form of grants, loans, scholarships or work study awards. Last year, UB administered $340 million in financial aid and scholarships. On top of that, UB students consistently win more prestigious scholarships and fellowships than students at any other SUNY institution. Please visit UB’s scholarships page for information on Merit scholarships and other funding opportunities for undergraduate students. 

• Department of Art Awards, Scholarships and Prizes: Please see this link for additional funding opportunities offered through the Department of Art, including instructions on how to apply for the awards listed below.
• Evelyn Rumsey Lord Travel Award: This award provides funding for summer travel to one or two art and art history sophomores and juniors in this annual competition based on an exhibition of their work and a written travel proposal.
• Kerry Grant Memorial Prize: This prize is awarded through a competitive essay contest. In their essay, students are challenged to reflect, question, and give voice to the integration of their social, intellectual, and artistic development and to convey the results. 
• Randorf Scholarship for Art History Fund: This scholarship is funded by gifts to the Department of Art and is intended to support students in the Department studying Art History and/or Visual Studies. The selection of a winner is determined by the Department Chair, in consultation with Art History and Visual Studies Faculty.