The Studio Art BA (General Studio Concentration)/Arts Management MA deliberately links critical artistic and management inquiry to create a dynamic investigation of art, its production, and visual arts environments. The positioning of students between management and artistic practice/discourse creates a perspective designed to give students the versatility to enter, and then grow in the field, as an artist, a manager, and an artist/manager. 

Students begin their studies in artistic inquiry and practice. The general BA studio concentration teaches a variety of technical, conceptual and creative problem-solving skills, preparing students for life-long careers in the professional world of art and design. The first two years of study primarily focus on expanding a student's knowledge of art history and foundation fundamentals. These introductory courses provide the bedrock for all subsequent 300- and 400-level courses. Your customized course of study at UB will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for developing creative practices that are relevant to your individual goals, connecting you to the city of Buffalo and to the larger world. 

Students then segue into questions of management and the arts, focusing on the increasingly complex cultural, socioeconomic, legal, and political systems that challenge sustainable arts environments. Students take courses in business and law; cultural theory as a foundation to understand changes in local, national, and international art landscapes; and finish with hands-on, experiential practice with existing arts entities and institutions.

When finished, graduates have developed visual arts practice and the highly sought after skills in writing, technology, presentation, and critical thinking vital to professional success in the 21st century. They emerge ready for a multi-faceted career in visual arts environments.

Undergraduate students accepted to the university that indicate “Fine Art” (BFA) or “Studio Art” (BA) as their major on their UB application are fully accepted Art majors and will be block registered into fall semester Department of Art foundation courses.  Transfer and curently enrolled UB students with a minimum GPA of 2.500 are eligible to apply to the Department of Art’s BA programs. Freshman foundation courses are required in order to be accepted into the BA degrees.

To matriculate into the MA portion of the degree program, students will be required to have a 3.0 overall GPA and complete the requisite application materials for review by the graduate application committee (online application, academic essay, resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation).

Students may apply for the BA/MA program starting in their 5th semester (typically Fall of their Junior year). If approved, the student will be allowed to take graduate courses as early as their 6th semester and be granted conditional admission into the MA. At the end of the student’s 7th semester, faculty will evaluate student progress in graduate coursework and determine whether the student will be allowed to continue in the graduate program.

Interested students are encouraged to contact the Department of Art or the Arts Management Program as early as possible to discuss curriculum and progress toward degree.

Visit the UB Course Catalog for more information, but don't hesitate to ask us your questions!