Our three-year graduate program prepares students for careers as professional conservators in museums, libraries, archives, private business, and cultural heritage institutions. Students graduate with a dual M.A./M.S award consisting of a master of arts in Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage and a master of science in Conservation Science and Imaging.
Accepting only 10 students a year, the competitive three-year graduate program educates and trains conservators of art and cultural heritage.
Degree Offered
Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage and Conservation Science and Imaging (M.A./M.S.): The Buffalo State University dual M.A./M.S. degree program in Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage, and Conservation Science and Imaging prepares students for careers as professional conservators caring for works of artistic, historical, and cultural significance. The three-year graduate program is inter- and cross-disciplinary with an educational balance between theory and practice.
The dual award of Master of Arts in Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage, and Master of Science in Conservation Science and Imaging prepares students for careers as professional conservators caring for works of artistic, historical, and cultural significance.
During the summer months, following the first and second years of training, students are strongly encouraged to find summer experiences in conservation to improve their skills and explore the field. Some students may seek out summer internships, archaeological digs, or research projects. The department serves as a clearinghouse for various summer opportunities. Faculty work with students to find summer opportunities, but students may also arrange their own summer positions to match their particular conservation interests and training needs.
Hands-On Experience
The Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department operates in a newly renovated and expanded space designed to support conservation teaching and research. Our spaces include well-equipped workshops, studios, and laboratories for each conservation specialty of objects, paintings, and paper conservation, as well as for instruction in conservation imaging, examination, documentation, and conservation science.
Specializations and Individual Interests
SUNY Buffalo State University currently offers specializations in paper, photograph, book/library archive, paintings, and objects conservation. Within these specializations, students may explore additional subspecialties and individual interests under faculty guidance through specific projects, guest lectures, and consultations with experts.
Guest Lecturers
The department has a wide range of experts who visit as guest lecturers throughout the year. Dedicated talks and hands-on workshops from varying backgrounds to bring an awareness of topics and specialties in the conservation field to the students.
