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About the Graduate Degree

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. Our graduate students bring diverse experiences to the program, whether they’re practitioners wanting to deepen their expertise beyond their undergraduate design degree, integrate research into their practice, or prepare for roles in academia.  

Based within a Research 1, land-grant university, the Interiors graduate program has access to state-of-the-art design fabrication facilities, world-class lectures, and many cross-disciplinary opportunities within the College of Design and the University of Kentucky. The UK School of Interiors expands the notion of interior design to address larger issues of territories and practices 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. 

Curriculum

Students work closely with a diverse, internationally recognized faculty in design research and studios investigating the social, behavioral, and ecological parameters of design.

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Research Areas

Discover faculty research interests that drive innovative projects, browse recent research topics for inspiration and insights, and explore research labs where students and faculty collaborate.

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Assistantships and Research Fellowships

The School of Interiors offers a limited number of assistantships to graduate students, awarded on a competitive basis, considering academic performance and alignment with our teaching and research needs. Assistantships provide a tuition waiver (partial or full) and a stipend for fall and spring semesters, requiring 10–20 hours per week working with faculty or administrators. To apply for consideration, submit your graduate application by January 15 for international students and March 1 for domestic students. Students accepted into the program will be provided information regarding assistantships in their official acceptance correspondence.

Students are also eligible to apply for fellowships to support graduate research, awarded competitively based on academic performance, research potential, and alignment with our faculty's focus. These fellowships provide funding for research-intensive summer work, allowing students to deepen their expertise and make progress on their thesis or project work.

Graduate Research

The Interiors graduate program a strong foundation in evidence-based design and the ability to explore new areas of specialization in practice. We emphasize innovative research, fabrication, and experimentation, enabling students to engage with interior design in transformative ways. Faculty encourage students to approach design research through diverse methodologies while bridging various scales and contexts. Through hands-on projects, you will develop critical skills that push the boundaries of design practices. 

Career Advancement

Students in the Interiors graduate program have the option to integrate immersive professional experiences by participating in internships that bring classroom and studio learning into real-world settings. These internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, helping students build networks and hone skills for a competitive edge in the field. Through these opportunities, students refine their career paths, expand professional connections, and develop the practical expertise that complements their academic foundation. 

Interiors Graduate Faculty

Aanya Chugh
Assistant Professor | Director of Inclusion

Hannah Dewhirst
Assistant Professor

Lindsey Fay
Associate Professor | Associate Dean for Research

Patrick Lee Lucas
Professor | Director of International Programs

Jennifer Meakins
Assistant Professor

Rebekah Radtke
Associate Professor

Joseph Rey-Barreau
Associate Professor

Ingrid Schmidt
Assistant Professor

Helen Turner
Associate Professor | Director, School of Interiors