12 Best MFA Programs in Buffalo, NY in 2026

Buffalo, New York is home to several prestigious colleges and universities that offer exceptional MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs across various disciplines in the arts. Here are 12 of the top MFA programs in Buffalo based on factors like academics, faculty, facilities, career outcomes, and value.

1. Visual Studies Workshop

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Areas of Study: Photography, media arts
• Notable Faculty: Established artists and photographers
• Highlights: Hands-on learning, access to professional facilities, opportunities to exhibit work

Founded in 1969, the Visual Studies Workshop offers highly immersive MFA programs centered around photography, digital arts, and book publishing. Students work closely with faculty to develop their artistic vision and technical abilities using state-of-the-art tools and resources. With strong industry connections, the program opens doors to a variety of careers.

2. University at Buffalo – Theatre and Dance

• Rating: 5/5
• Areas of Study: Acting, directing, design
• Notable Alumni: Tony nominees and Broadway artists
• Highlights: Dynamic performance opportunities, guest lectures by renowned theatre professionals

UB Theatre and Dance is the top choice for aspiring theatre artists in Buffalo. Students work with award-winning faculty and acclaimed visiting artists to chart their own course of study. With access to professional theatre spaces on and off campus, the program empowers students to put their learning into practice.

3. University at Buffalo – Transmedia and Visual Arts

• Rating: 5/5
• Areas of Study: Media study, film, visual arts
• Notable Faculty: Internationally recognized artists and filmmakers
• Highlights: Cutting-edge facilities, innovative curriculum, research opportunities

This highly interdisciplinary program provides students with a robust framework to develop mastery across traditional and emerging media. By combining theory and practice across visual arts, film, and technology, the program empowers artists to create groundbreaking work.

4. University at Buffalo – English

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Areas of Study: Creative writing, literature
• Notable Faculty: Award-winning writers and poets
• Highlights: Literary journal assistantships, public reading series

With intimate workshops led by distinguished faculty, deep engagement with contemporary literature, and a vibrant writing community, this MFA program offers an unparalleled platform for writers to harness their voice and craft.

5. Buffalo State – Art Education

• Rating: 4/5
• Areas of Study: Art education, studio art
• Notable Faculty: Nationally recognized art educators
• Highlights: Teaching residencies, research opportunities, art exhibition

Designed for working teachers, this low-residency program integrates intensive on-campus studios with independent study. Students develop as artist-teachers through coursework, mentoring, and community-based learning, empowering them to become transformative arts educators.

6. Canisius College – Anthrozoology

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Areas of Study: Human-animal studies
• Notable Faculty: Leading researchers in human-animal relations
• Highlights: Field research, veterinary partnerships, animal behavior internships

The first master‘s program in Anthrozoology in the world, this uniquely interdisciplinary program offers students the opportunity to advance animal welfare and human well-being through innovative research and outreach.

7. D‘Youville College – Occupational Therapy

• Rating: 5/5
• Accreditation: ACOTE
• Areas of Study: Occupational therapy
• Highlights: Exceptional pass rates on NBCOT exam, clinical placements across the country

With a rigorous curriculum modeled on professional occupational therapy practice, this ACOTE-accredited program thoroughly prepares students to improve clients‘ wellbeing and independence through purposeful activities.

8. Daemen College – Physician Assistant

• Rating: 4/5
• Accreditation: ARC-PA
• Areas of Study: Physician assisting
• Highlights: State-of-the-art facilities, abundant clinical experience opportunities

Daemen‘s ARC-PA accredited program provides students with advanced medical training alongside practicing physicians across diverse specialties and settings, empowering graduates to provide compassionate patient care as certified PAs.

9. SUNY Buffalo State – Speech-Language Pathology

• Rating: 4/5
• Accreditation: CAA
• Areas of Study: Speech-language pathology
• Highlights: Bilingual speech and language concentration, research collaboration

With clinical placements across Western NY medical centers, this CAA accredited program produces speech-language pathologists prepared to evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders in diverse community settings.

10. SUNY Buffalo State – Creative Studies

• Rating: 5/5
• Areas of Study: Creativity, leadership, innovation
• Highlights: International study options, corporate partnerships, new venture support

This pioneering program cultivates students‘ creative potential through multidisciplinary coursework and hands-on creative problem-solving. Students emerge with the mindsets and skills to drive innovation in organizations and communities.

11. University at Buffalo – Learning and Instruction

• Rating: 5/5
• Areas of Study: Education, instructional technology
• Highlights: Teacher residency program, research assistantships available

Drawing on cognitive science, this program develops educators into visionary instructional leaders and designers equipped to create engaging, equitable learning environments enhanced by technology.

12. University at Buffalo – Library and Information Studies

• Rating: 5/5
• Areas of Study: Library science, information management
• Highlights: Practicums at major regional libraries, study abroad options

Featuring courses on emerging technologies like data science and UX design alongside a rigorous ALA-accredited curriculum, this program readies information professionals to navigate and transform educational, corporate, and cultural institutions.