Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
Master of Fine Arts
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
UB offers MFA programs in specific artistic disciplines, including but not limited to Studio Art, Dance, and Media Arts Production. While the specific credit hours may vary slightly by program, a typical MFA program is a 60-credit hour, two- to three-year intensive course of study. The core objective is to foster the individual artistic vision of each student, providing them with the conceptual and technical skills necessary to produce a significant body of original work. The MFA is considered the terminal degree in fine arts, qualifying graduates for university-level teaching positions.
Curriculum: The curriculum for UB's MFA programs is characterized by a strong emphasis on studio practice, complemented by critical theory, art history, and professional development. For example, the MFA in Studio Art program typically involves 30 credits in graduate research studios, where students engage in intense exploration, production, and critique of their individual creative work. It also includes required graduate seminars (6 credits) that foster interdisciplinary dialogue and cover research methods and professional practice. Academic electives (12 credits) allow students to delve into supporting fields like art history, media studies, or philosophy, while a required "Introduction to Critical Theory" course (3 credits) provides crucial theoretical grounding. The program culminates in a thesis project, often an exhibition of artwork, a public performance, or a full-length creative manuscript, accompanied by a written component and oral defense.
Research Focus: Research in UB's MFA programs is primarily practice-based, with students developing original artistic research through their creative work. Faculty research interests are diverse and often interdisciplinary, reflecting the breadth of contemporary art practices. For instance, the Department of Art covers areas like photography, print media, performance, emerging practices (including bio-art and art and technology), painting, sculpture, and drawing. The Department of Media Study's MFA in Media Arts Production focuses on independent and experimental media forms, including film/video, music/sound, electronic literature, games/VR, and media archaeology. Students are encouraged to explore new materials, technologies, and conceptual frameworks, and their thesis projects serve as significant contributions to artistic knowledge and discourse.
Industry Engagement: UB's MFA programs are designed to prepare students for professional careers in the arts and related fields. While formal internships may not be a universal requirement, the programs emphasize professional practice, exhibition opportunities, and networking. MFA students in Studio Art, for example, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including industry-grade 3D printing and digital fabrication resources, and opportunities to mount solo exhibitions as part of their thesis project at galleries in the Buffalo region. The Department of Media Study aims to prepare students to work as independent artists, media makers, and producers for networks, studios, companies, or nonprofits. Faculty members are often active artists and scholars with strong professional connections, bringing real-world insights and opportunities to students.
Global Perspective: UB's MFA programs foster a global perspective through their engagement with diverse artistic traditions, contemporary global art movements, and a curriculum that often includes interdisciplinary studies across cultures. The university itself attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the creative and intellectual environment with varied cultural viewpoints. The exploration of themes such as identity, social justice, and environmental issues through art inherently promotes a global understanding. This international exposure prepares graduates to participate in and contribute to the global art world, understanding the broader cultural and societal contexts in which art is created, exhibited, and consumed.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is a terminal degree that signifies advanced artistic practice, critical thinking, and professional expertise across diverse creative disciplines such as Studio Art, Dance, and Media Arts Production. Rooted in a vibrant and interdisciplinary arts community, UB's MFA programs emphasize intensive studio work, rigorous theoretical inquiry, and abundant opportunities for exhibition, performance, and creative production. Graduates emerge not only as highly skilled practitioners with a unique artistic vision but also as critical thinkers prepared to innovate and lead in the contemporary art world and related creative industries.
University Professor / Lecturer (Fine Arts): The MFA is typically the terminal degree for teaching at the college or university level in fine arts departments. Graduates can educate and mentor the next generation of artists, teach studio courses, art history, theory, or specialized techniques within their discipline.
Professional Artist / Independent Creator: Whether in painting, sculpture, photography, dance, film, or new media, many MFA graduates pursue careers as independent artists, creating, exhibiting, and selling their own work. This path often involves seeking grants, residencies, and building a professional portfolio.
Artistic Director / Choreographer (Dance/Theatre/Media): Graduates specializing in performance, theatre, or media arts can lead artistic vision for dance companies, theatre productions, film projects, or experimental media ensembles. This role involves creative direction, production oversight, and team management.
Curator / Gallery Director: With a deep understanding of art history, theory, and contemporary practice, MFA graduates can work in museums, commercial galleries, or non-profit art spaces. They research, select, interpret, display, and promote artwork, playing a key role in shaping public engagement with art.
Media Artist / Filmmaker / Animator: Graduates from Media Arts Production programs can work as independent filmmakers, video artists, sound designers, animators, or specialists in new media forms like virtual reality or interactive installations for various production houses, studios, or as freelance professionals.
Arts Administrator / Program Manager: Leveraging their organizational and leadership skills, graduates can manage programs, events, and operations for arts organizations, cultural institutions, non-profits, or government arts councils. This can include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.
Content Creator / Digital Media Producer: In the fast-evolving digital landscape, MFA graduates with strong creative and technical skills can develop engaging content for online platforms, social media, marketing campaigns, or educational resources for diverse industries.
Dance Movement Therapist (with additional certification): For MFA Dance graduates, pursuing additional certification in dance/movement therapy allows them to use movement as a therapeutic tool in various settings, aiding in physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
Exhibition Designer / Installation Artist: Graduates with a strong spatial and conceptual understanding can design and install exhibitions for museums, galleries, or corporate spaces. This role combines artistic vision with practical execution to create immersive experiences.
Arts Critic / Writer / Editor: With refined analytical and communication skills, MFA graduates can contribute to art magazines, journals, online publications, or even mainstream media as critics, writers, or editors, shaping public discourse about art and culture.
