BA in Arts and Letters, SUNY Buffalo State

Buffalo, New York

48 Months

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About this course

The B.A. degree in Arts and Letters gives students the chance to create a personalized major focusing on various forms of human expression, creativity, and culture. It’s ideal for those interested in broad, interdisciplinary studies beyond the scope of a single department. Graduates develop key skills such as communication, interpersonal abilities, aesthetics, critical thinking, and attention to detail, which prepare them for careers in diverse fields like marketing, law, business, customer relations, event planning, and cultural tourism. The program encourages students to engage in an off-campus internship to boost their skills and increase employability. This degree is structured to blend general education, a primary and secondary concentration, arts and humanities courses, a capstone project, and college electives, resulting in a comprehensive, flexible academic experience.

Why this course is highly recommended

This degree is perfect for students passionate about exploring multiple forms of human expression and culture through a flexible, customized curriculum. It emphasizes critical thinking, creative analysis, and effective communication—skills highly valued in various industries. The program’s focus on real-world experience through internships enhances employability after graduation. Additionally, students develop a well-rounded understanding of arts and humanities that can serve as a strong foundation for diverse career paths such as marketing, law, or event planning. Its interdisciplinary nature makes it an excellent choice for those who value a broad academic scope and personal artistic or cultural pursuits.

Specialisation

Students select a primary concentration from areas such as Art Education, Communication, Dance, Design, English, Fine Arts, Modern and Classical Languages, Music, Philosophy and Humanities, or Theater. Additionally, they choose a secondary concentration from the same list, with at least 3 courses in upper division. This structure allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the arts and humanities, gaining depth in their chosen fields while maintaining a broad interdisciplinary approach.

Course fees

Application fees

16.55L

1st year tuition fees

16.55L

Living cost

Degree requirements

The program requires a total of 120 credit hours, including 23 general education credits, 39 credit hours for the Arts and Letters major, and additional electives bringing the total to between 42 and 48 credit hours. The major includes courses in a primary and secondary concentration, arts and humanities, a senior paper or project, and college electives. Students must complete at least 21 upper-division credits within their major, with specific courses chosen in consultation with their advisor. A capstone project is also mandatory at the end of the program.

English language test

IELTS

5.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates with an Arts and Letters degree can pursue a variety of careers in fields like administration, marketing, sales, law, business management, customer relations, human resource management, event planning, and cultural tourism. The program's focus on communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding equips students with versatile skills applicable in many professions. Engaging in internships further enhances job readiness and professional development, making the degree a valuable asset across creative, administrative, and service-oriented industries.

FAQs

Can I pursue a double major with Arts and Letters?

Students should be aware that Arts and Letters is rarely allowed as a second major or second degree, and only when the disciplines are significantly dissimilar.

What are the key skills developed in this program?

Students will learn to analyze creative processes, engage in creative thought, articulate values critically, and communicate effectively about arts and humanities topics.