How many students attend Parsons?
Parsons currently enrolls nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. An additional 2,000 students each year take single courses or study for certificates in Parsons' Continuing Education program, and more than 2,000 children and young people attend weekend and summer pre-college programs each year. The average class size for all programs is 15.
How many faculty members teach at Parsons?
Parsons has more than 125 full-time and 1,000 part-time faculty members. Most Parsons teachers are working New York artists and designers, offering students a unique educational perspective.
Is Parsons an accredited college?
The New School and Parsons are fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Our credits and degrees are recognized and accepted by other accredited colleges, universities, and professional schools throughout the United States. The New School, a privately supported institution, is chartered as a university by the Regents of the State of New York.
Parsons is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Parsons Master of Architecture degree program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Parsons is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.
What percentage of students graduate from Parsons?
Although it varies from year to year, on average 90 percent of Parsons freshmen complete their studies and receive a degree within six years.
Do many students at Parsons come from other countries?
About 32 percent of the student body at Parsons is international. The countries most represented are China, India, South Korea, Canada, and Mexico.
What is a typical student workload?
The degree programs at Parsons are academically challenging. On average, bachelor's and master's students register for 16 to 18 credits, or six classes, per semester. Most students log 20 to 30 class hours per week and devote an equal amount of time to preparation. Studio critique sessions and critical studies seminars in particular require thoughtful student input and discussion, although regular attendance and participation are expected in all courses. Because associate's (AAS) programs can be pursued part-time, average workloads can vary.
What are my first-year options?
Depending on your area of interest, you can enter the Foundation program (see below) or enter directly into your major.
The five first-year options are: Foundation Program, Design and Technology (BFA), Design and Management (BBA), Environmental Studies (BA or BS), Photography (BFA), and Urban Design (BS). Students who are sure they want to major in Design and Management, Design and Technology, Environmental Studies, Photography, or Urban Design are encouraged to consider the direct-entry option, which will enable them to begin working in their chosen design field in their first year. Applicants who plan to major in Communication Design have the choice of direct-entry to Design and Technology or the Foundation program for their first year of study.
What is the Foundation Program?
The Foundation program introduces broad concepts, skills, and critical practices in art and design as a way of preparing you to select a major. Foundation students take studio classes in Drawing, Three Dimensional Design, Two Dimensional Design, and Laboratory.
The Foundation program is the normal first year of study for students who intend to major in Architectural Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Integrated Design, Interior Design, or Product Design. Applicants interested in majoring in Communication Design have the choice of direct entry to Design and Technology (see above) or the Foundation program.
When do I have to choose a major?
Freshman BFA students taking the Foundation Program are expected to declare their majors in the second semester. There are presentations by the major departments that will help them make a decision. Academic advisors are also a valuable source of guidance.
Can I double-major at Parsons?
The work of each major is demanding, and students generally pursue one major full-time at Parsons. Students interested in a particular medium, such as animation, can pursue it as a concentration regardless of major. Students interested in a combining a complete liberal arts education with a design major can apply to the BA/BFA program, a five-year dual-degree program offered jointly by Parsons and Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts.
Can I change majors?
Depending on open places in programs, yes. BFA students can switch majors during their second year regardless of their first-year program. Also, students who take Foundation in their first year can declare a Design and Technology or Photography major, even though these are normally direct-entry programs. Students who entered their first year as Design and Technology majors can declare a Communication Design declare a Communication Design major at the end of their first year. Student who change majors in their sophomore year may need additional time to complete their degrees. Always consult with your academic advisor before declaring a major or changing your major.
What internship opportunities does Parsons offer?
Many undergraduate departments include a professional internship as part of the degree requirements. Some also grant credit for internships that students obtain independently or through the Office of Career Services. Parsons students have recently interned at Marc Jacobs, Polo-Ralph Lauren, HBO, MTV, the New York Times, Rolling Stone magazine, Marvel Comics, the Museum of Modern Art, to name a few of many companies and institutions.
Can I take classes outside my major at Parsons?
Yes. Parsons students are encouraged to broaden their experience by pursuing studies outside their major requirements. A range of electives is always available in every Parsons program, and Parsons students have the choice of many courses offered by Eugene Lang The New School for Liberal Arts and other undergraduate divisions of The New School.
What is a typical academic year schedule?
The academic calendar is divided into fall and spring semesters. The fall semester typically runs from late August through mid-December. There is a break in late December, and students return for the spring semester in mid-January. The spring semester begins the third week of January and runs through mid-May, with a week's break in March. Visit the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Is it possible to study abroad?
In 1920, Parsons became the first art and design school in the United States to establish a campus abroad. Today students expand their horizons by studying abroad at art and design schools in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and around the world. Some programs periodically organize short-term off-campus classes at an international location.
Will I get a well-rounded liberal arts education at Parsons?
Parsons requires students to complete 42 credits in the liberal arts, or almost a third of the total coursework needed for a bachelor's degree. There are a number of required liberal arts courses, such as Critical Reading and Writing and Perspectives in World Art and Design. Students complete the liberal arts requirement by taking elective courses in math, science, foreign languages, history, literature, psychology, sociology, and many other areas.
Will I have an advisor to help me select courses?
You are assigned an academic advisor upon entering Parsons. All advisors keep walk-in office hours and otherwise are available by appointment and email. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisors regularly to discuss academic choices and progress including course selection and degree requirements.
How do I register for courses?
After reviewing options for fulfilling your degree requirements and looking at course descriptions, you register online for classes through MyNewSchool. Your advisor will help answer any questions you may have about navigating online registration, including where to find course descriptions and how to determine if a course is available.
Are AP or IB courses accepted for credit?
Yes, transfer credit can be awarded for AP and IB exams, depending on the exams taken. Credit can be awarded toward English, Art History, and Liberal Arts elective requirements.
Students can transfer 3 credits for each AP exam with scores of 4 or 5. AP credit is not accepted for studio art.
Students who attended schools outside the United States can receive appropriate transfer credit for academic credentials such as: the International Baccalaureate (IB), taken at the higher level only with a score of 4 or above; A-Level exams, taken at the GCE level only with a grade of A, B, or C; the French Baccalaureate; and the German Abitur. Transfer credits awarded vary depending on which exams were taken.
How is an admission decision made, and who makes it?
All undergraduate applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee, which includes Parsons' Office of Admission and faculty members. All graduate applications are reviewed by the graduate departments.
How can I schedule a tour and meet with an admission counselor?
Please see Admission Events for available times for tours and the schedule for information sessions.
You can also contact the Office of Admission with your questions: call 212.229.5150 or 800.292.3040 or email thinkparsons@newschool.edu.
What should be in my portfolio? How should my portfolio be formatted?
There is no standard format for portfolios as most students have worked in more than one medium. In any case, portfolio requirements vary according to degree program. Please visit the application instruction page for your intended program to determine specific portfolio requirements.
What is the deadline for submitting my application materials?
Deadlines vary from program to program. See Undergraduate Deadlines for information about bachelor's program deadlines. All others should review deadline information specific to their intended program under Apply.
Is an admission interview required?
Interviews are not required. Please review the calendar for dates and times when interviews may be scheduled. You are encouraged to attend an Information Session to get a sense of whether Parsons is right for you before scheduling an interview.
How can I check if my transcripts and other application materials have been received?
You can check the status of your application credentials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc.) online.
English is not my native language. Do I have to take the TOEFL?
If you are an international student and English is not your native language, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency. You should submit a TOEFL score with your application materials. Minimum TOEFL scores required for admission vary and are described in the application instructions for each program.
As an alternative, applicants have the option of enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered at The New School. Students who pass New School ESL courses at the level required by their prospective program can waive the TOEFL. For more information about New School English courses, visit the ESL website.
Can I defer my entry once I've been accepted by Parsons?
Students accepted to the bachelor's and associate's programs can defer entry for up to one year by paying a $400 security deposit. Accepted students who would like to enroll at Parsons in a higher status than that at which they were first admitted must reapply ; they cannot negotiate a higher status by deferring entry. Students who cannot begin classes at Parsons within one year from the semester for which they were admitted, must reapply.
Is part-time enrollment possible?
Part-time study is possible for students enrolled in associate's programs but not for students in bachelor's programs. If you are interested in taking individual courses at Parsons, please go to Continuing Education.
What is the cost of attending Parsons?
For up-to-date information on tuition and fees, go to Student Services. The cost of living in New York City, as well as books and other supplies must also be factored into your total expenses. A financial aid advisor can help you estimate the annual cost of your education.
How much will my art supplies typically cost?
Students are required to buy most of their own art materials. The cost of art supplies for courses can vary greatly. Typical costs are estimated to range from $920 to $2,050 a year depending on your program of study.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The New School/Parsons school code is 002780. Students who file the FAFSA are automatically considered for all New School and Parsons scholarships as well as federal and state government financial assistance. Scholarships are granted based on the merit of the student's application
materials. If you are an international undergraduate student, you should download and return the International Student Scholarship Application by the deadline stated on the application form.
Visit New School Financial Aid for more information about financial aid opportunities. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can also apply for private student loans. International students can apply to U.S. banks for student loans if they have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer. On the Financial Aid site, select "Alternative/Private Student Loans" for a list of lenders and contact information.
For answers to all your questions, contact the Financial Aid office at 212.229.8930 or sfs@newschool.edu.
Where can I get information about student housing?
The New School maintains a number of residence halls within walking distance or a short subway ride from Parsons' Greenwich Village location. Visit Student Housing, call 212.229.5459, or email UniversityHousing@newschool.edu for more information.
Where can I get information about student health services and insurance?
Visit Student Health Services. All students are required to have health insurance and reasonably affordable insurance is offered by the university for those not otherwise insured.
I am an international student. I have questions about visa requirements. Can I talk with someone?
Visit International Student Services for basic information. Contact the International Student Services office at 212.229.5592 or ISS@newschool.edu.
I scored well on the TOEFL. Do I have to take the English placement test?
All undergraduate students who are not native English speakers must take the English course placement test before they begin classes. Previous English language courses, SAT, and/or TOEFL scores do not exempt students whose native language is other than English from the course placement test requirement. The test is administered before every semester during Orientation Week. Your scores will determine whether you will be required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at The New School and whether any English course transfer credits can be applied to meet Parsons' first-year writing course requirement. The test is offered numerous times during Orientation Week.
Are computers available to students on campus?
Students have access to Mac and PC computer stations located in many New School facilities. Building hours vary, but buildings are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. throughout the academic term and even later during exam and final presentation periods. Nevertheless, you should consider purchasing a computer if you aren't bringing one with you. Substantial discounts are available through The New School, so consider deferring your purchase until you arrive on campus. Then, buy the computer best suited to the kind of work you expect to be doing.
