Home » University of Kentucky adds 5 new degrees

University of Kentucky adds 5 new degrees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 30, 2018) — Five new academic degrees will be available to University of Kentucky students when the fall 2018 semester begins. The UK Board of Trustees approved establishment of the five new degrees at its last meeting.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in curatorial studies, in the School of Arts and Visual Studies, within the College of Fine Arts.  The MFA in curatorial studies is a three-year, hybrid online and residency program. It is a practice-based degree that prepares students for curatorial positions in a wide variety of community and arts organizations. In addition, the MFA degree will prepare graduates for teaching in postsecondary institutions.

Master of Science (MS) degree in urban and environmental design (UED) within the College of Design. The MS in urban and environmental design program will prepare students for positions in city planning departments and design firms. UED graduates with additional requisite work experience will be eligible to sit for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam and AICP Certified Urban Design (AICPCUD) exam. Currently, there are no urban design programs in Kentucky.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in United States culture and business practices within the College of Arts and Sciences. The program will allow students to complete an interdisciplinary degree that draws together significant training in business with a rich background in the history, politics, arts and culture of the United States. The coursework will be split between classes in the College of Arts and Sciences’ humanities and social science departments and classes in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Through program coursework students will enhance critical thinking skills, develop communicating and other “soft skills,” and develop problem-solving strategies while integrating key aspects of a business degree, including management, marketing, finance and economics.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with a major in secondary STEM education, in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education, within the College of Education.  The program will provide students interested in teaching secondary STEM disciplines with a MA in teaching, allowing them to teach appropriate courses in grades eighth-12 in Kentucky. The required coursework includes a sequence of STEM education methods and seminar courses, as well as courses in core education areas such as educational psychology, special education, education policy, literacy and assessment. The MAT in secondary STEM education will follow a clinical model with a sequence of research and industry externships, diverse field placement and student teaching.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with a major in forest and natural resources (FNRS), in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The PhD in forest and natural resources is designed as an individualized yet comprehensive degree of study in the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment. This PhD program is the first of its kind in Kentucky. Students will be prepared to conduct research in natural resource sciences as well as teach in natural resource-related disciplines, such as forest management and conservation biology. Graduates of the program will be employed in state and federal governments and private industry.