The first two years of the program involve intensive course, laboratory, and studio work. The third and final year of the program consists of a year-long internship at a museum, institution, or private practice. At the end of the internship year, students return to campus for a presentation, at which time they receive both the MA degree as well as the CAS (Certificate of Advanced Study).
First-year students take courses in paintings, paper, and objects. This interdisciplinary approach enriches students’ experience and provides excellent training for the problem solving necessary in conservation. Second-year students also work in all areas, but emphasize their chosen areas of specialization. All students complete four course sequences in examination and documentation techniques and conservation science. This information is integrated into second-year specialization projects.
Student projects are based on objects brought into the department during the annual Conservation Clinic, or belong to local museums such as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science, the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society, and others. Professors and students work together to select appropriate individualized projects.
Fall Semester
CNS 600/601 Techniques of Examination and Documentation I / Lab
CNS 610/611 Conservation Science: Polymers in Art and Conservation; Lecture and Lab
CNS 620/621 Technology and Conservation of Paintings I
CNS 630/631 Technology and Conservation of Works of Art on Paper I
CNS 640/641 Technology and Conservation of Objects I
Spring Semester
CNS 602/603 Techniques of Examination & Documentation II
CNS 612/613 Conservation Science: Polarized Light Microscopy, Light and Matter: Lecture and Lab
CNS 622/623 Technology and Conservation of Paintings II
CNS 632/633 Technology and Conservation of Works of Art on Paper II
CNS 642/643 Technology and Conservation of Objects II
Fall Semester
CNS 604/605 Techniques of Examination and Documentation III
CNS 685 Professionalism in Conservation I
CNS 614/615 Conservation Science: Inorganic Materials in Art and Conservation: Lecture and Lab
CNS 624 Technology and Conservation of Paintings III
CNS 634 Technology and Conservation of Works of Art on Paper III
CNS 644 Technology and Conservation of Objects III
Spring Semester
CNS 606/607 Techniques of Examination and Documentation IV
CNS 686 Professionalism in Conservation II
CNS 616/617 Conservation Science: Technical Aspects of Preventive Conservation: Lecture and Lab
CNS 626* Technology and Conservation of Paintings IV
CNS 636* Technology and Conservation of Works of Art on Paper IV
CNS 646* Technology and Conservation of Objects IV
CNS 695 Student Specialization Project IV
*The student elects one of these fourth-semester courses.
Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters**
CNS 698 Internship Sustaining
CNS 699 Internship
**Tuition is charged for the fall semester only.
During the summer months, following the first and second years of training, students are strongly encouraged to find employment in conservation. The department serves as a clearinghouse for summer employment opportunities, bringing these to the attention of students. Students have been very successful in arranging their own summer positions to match their particular conservation interests and training needs.
