Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    The Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Lexington, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 21, 2027.

    About Master of Curatorial Studies

    What is creative curation? The M.F.A. in Curatorial Studies prepares students for careers in that expanded field. As the first three-year hybrid M.F.A. in Curatorial Studies in the United States, this practice-based terminal degree uniquely equips graduates for positions in a wide variety of arts and cultural organizations, as well as teaching positions at the college level. Contemporary curatorial practice has expanded to embrace creative modes of selecting, presenting, and framing a vast array of cultural products, including artworks.   Through internships, online courses, and residential seminars, students gain direct experience in exhibition development and design, art event planning, catalogue design and writing, fundraising, grant writing, conducting studio visits, promotion and marketing, community-based programming, and similar activities related to careers in visual arts organizations.  With courses in art history, art studio, art education, and arts administration, among others, the M.F.A. offers a dynamic interdisciplinary degree that prepares students to be highly competitive in a diverse job market. 

    Disciplines

    College of Fine Arts

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    Entry Requirements

    • Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
    • An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
    • Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
    • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
    • Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.

    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Curatorial Studies

    Why Study Here?

    • Individual mentorship by distinguished faculty 
    • Opportunities for local, national, and international internships
    • Dynamic visiting artist, curator, and critic series 
    • State-of-the-art facilities in an historic building 
    • Urban campus in the heart of the Bluegrass 
    • Central location within driving distance of Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta 
    • Accessible network of partners for independent projects: 21C Museum Hotels, Parachute Factory, Lexington Art League, Living Arts & Science Center, Institute 193, Lyric Theatre, among others.  
    • Funding available for research projects 
    • Financial aid available, including tuition-waivers & paid teaching assistantships

    Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    Application Fee 75

    How to Apply for Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky

    1. Complete UK Graduate Application

    2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)

    3. Official transcripts in English 

    4. English proficiency directly from testing center:

    • TOEFL: 79 iBT
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • Duolingo: 115

    Deadline to Apply

    • April 15 for Fall semester 
    • August 22 for Spring semester
    • Some programs have earlier deadlines
    Master of Curatorial Studies at University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky
    University of Kentucky
    United States of America

    United States of America, Lexington

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