Master's Degree in Curatorial Studies
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A Master of Fine Arts program in Curatorial Studies is ideal for individuals passionate about art, culture, and organizing exhibitions, with a focus on museum work, gallery management, or cultural heritage preservation. Graduates often pursue careers as curators, exhibition designers, museum directors, or art consultants, developing expertise in art history, collection management, and curatorial practices.
Program Overview
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.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Deadlines
Domestic
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Fall
- 07/25/2025
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Spring
- 12/12/2025
International
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Fall
- 04/15/2025
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Spring
- 09/15/2025
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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