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.