The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in Art Studio is the terminal academic degree for studio artists and the required faculty credential for most institutions of higher learning. In addition to being fully qualified to teach at the college-level, M.F.A. graduates will possess the skills to pursue careers in commercial venues or as full-time practicing fine artists. Students enrolled in the M.F.A. program are encouraged to explore inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary mediums or concentrate upon a single media dependent upon the direction of their research.
Our graduate program is small so that we are able to support most M.F.A. candidates financially throughout their graduate careers. Our students are presented with a robust curriculum based on a combination of individual studio-based research coupled with theory seminars and graduate critique-based workshops. Our endowed visiting artist program presents our students with opportunities to meet internationally recognized artists, curators and scholars. In order to succeed, MFA candidates are encouraged to both critique and contribute to the local and national conversations regarding contemporary art, theory and practice, as well as participate in art events in the growing Lexington/Louisville arts scene.
Mentorship and coordination are the keys to the success of our TA program at the University of Kentucky. Once in the TA program, graduate students shadow experienced Professors for one or two semesters before teaching as the instructor of record. TA meetings are held regularly to discuss the everyday scenarios of teaching in a college studio classroom and the development of a personal pedagogical approach.
Many TAs work in the Foundations Program, a first year, undergraduate experience at UK. Foundations has a coordinated curriculum with projects written to allow a diverse approach to teaching in Art Studio. The Director of Foundations observes each TA on a regular basis and provides individualized feedback to improve their instruction. As a TA progresses in the program they may be given more latitude to develop their own projects within the curriculum guidelines. We are committed to helping our TAs succeed as college instructors.
See More About Art StudioWhile a B.A. or B.F.A. in studio art is the preferred preparatory degree for the M.F.A. program, students from a variety of educational backgrounds may apply. The determinate factor in admittance to the program will be the quality of the submitted artwork.
Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
See the School of Art & Visual Studies website for information about assistantship applications.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
College of Fine Arts
Art & Visual Studies Building
236 Bolivar Street
Lexington, KY 40506-0090
859-257-8151