College of Design

Interior Design - Graduate

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photo of Lindsey Fay

Lindsey Fay, EDAC

Director of Graduate Studies

Associate Professor

College of Design

Gray Design Building

349 Scott Street | Lexington, KY 40506

Program website

859-323-2747

  • MA

The Master of Arts in Interiors is a two-year graduate program designed to provide an advanced interior design degree for individuals with backgrounds in disciplines such as interior design, architecture, and product design. Based within a Research 1, land-grant university, the graduate program has access to state-of-the-art design fabrication facilities, world-class lectures, and many cross-disciplinary opportunities. The UK School of Interiors expands the notion of interior design and encourages experimental approaches of inquiry through fabrication, visualization, and investigation. The program prepares students to exit as both practicing professionals and academics through engagement in open, dynamic dialogue adjacent to experiential approaches. We prioritize a curriculum that provides a means by which students can harness the power of their education towards positive change.

Master's Program Description

The curriculum balances rigorous coursework, individualized research, and studio exploration, allowing students to craft a personalized degree plan that reflects their creative ambitions. Guided by experienced faculty advisors and a thesis committee, each student develops a culminating thesis project that demonstrates innovative problem-solving in interior design. Students undertake the Master of Arts in Interiors with either a Plan A or Plan B option. Plan A requires 24 hours of course work, six hours of Master’s residence credit, and a written thesis with a research emphasis. Plan B requires completion of 30 credit hours, including six hours of ID 700, in which a student develops a design thesis project that engages in innovative problem-solving focusing on the student’s area of specialization. A common core of twelve hours, comprised of ID 650, ID 655, and ID 659, is required of all students. Students complete twelve credits of additional course work around an area of specialization.

Master's (MA) Degree - Application Requirements

 

To be considered for fall admission and all forms of financial aid, international applications must be complete by January 15, and domestic applications must be received by March 1.

Statement of Purpose

  • The statement of purpose should be a written essay that includes a brief personal history and reasons for pursuing a Master of Arts in Interiors at the University of Kentucky. Upload your essay as a PDF document not to exceed 2 pages.

 

References

  • Applicants will be asked to provide at least 3 letters of recommendation. References will be accepted up to 7 days after the program deadline.

 

Transcripts

  • Official transcripts from previous educational institutions uploaded as a pdf.

 

Portfolio

  • The portfolio should include a well-edited and broad representation of the applicant’s most important visual arts, design, research and/or professional work. 
  • Portfolios should be uploaded as a single PDF document (optimized not to exceed 20MB and limited to no more than 20 pages).  
  • For candidates without a background in interior design, the portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s drawing skills and three-dimensional aptitude. Work represented may include drawings, paintings, sculpture, sketches, landscape and architectural designs, or other creative work. 
  • The portfolio will be reviewed by members of the admissions committee. 

 

Resume

  • The resume should clearly highlight educational background, relevant experience, and skills in addition to (although not required) notable awards, honors, and research activity. Upload your resume as a PDF document not to exceed 5 pages.

Contact

photo of Lindsey Fay

Lindsey Fay, EDAC

Director of Graduate Studies

Associate Professor

College of Design

Gray Design Building

349 Scott Street | Lexington, KY 40506

859-323-2747