The Art Conservation Department's three-year instructional program is designed prepare students for careers as professional conservators in museums, libraries, and other institutions, as well as in private practice. First-year students take courses in documentation and examination, conservation science, and in the specialties of paper, paintings, and objects. In the second year, students continue to take examination and documentation as well as conservation science, but they focus primarily on their chosen area of specialization. The program concludes with an internship year at a museum or similar institution selected by the student and faculty advisor. Early the following fall, students return to Buffalo to give presentations about their internship year and to celebrate their graduation with MA and CAS (certificate of advanced studies) degrees.

The Buffalo State College Art Conservation Department program is characterized by:

• Full-time faculty, who are devoted to enhancing students’ experiences. Faculty are readily available outside of class time for advice and consultation, and are committed to providing students with one-on-one instruction and attention.

• An interdisciplinary approach. Each specialization in conservation informs the other; for example, a professional objects conservator can expect to encounter painted objects, so should have a good understanding of the properties of painted surfaces.

• A well-integrated science curriculum, so graduates understand the use of various scientific analyses and are comfortable working with conservation scientists.

• The use of historic technology projects to help students gain an understanding of how works of art and artifacts were created, providing insight into their care and conservation treatment.

• Unique, world-class instruction in documentation and examination, using the most up-to-date techniques.

• An encouraging learning environment that emphasizes professionalism and collegiality, well supported by a cooperative faculty team.

Please visit the links to the right to read more specific information about our program. If you would like a department brochure or application, please call (716) 878-5025 or email artcon@buffalostate.edu.