• Theories of Urban Practice MA

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  • Contact Us

    [email protected] 
    212.229.5150 (U.S. only)

    Program Contact
    SDS Urban Council

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  • The MA Theories of Urban Practice is an innovative urban research program for students interested in the critical study of design practices in the context of cities, urbanization, and urban ecosystems as well as urban planning, policy, and governance.

    Parsons is not currently admitting new students to this master's degree program. Students interested in this graduate field of study should consider the MS Design and Urban Ecologies program, which shares a 12-credit core curriculum with the MA Theories of Urban Practice.

    Program Highlights

    • Social, Spatial, and Environmental Justice

      Address topics including social movements, governance, racial and gender justice, infrastructure, climate change, securitization, and alternative economies.

    • Urban Research

      Design and engage in urban investigations that merge traditional fields such as urban studies, urban history, and urban theory through a design and spatial approach.

    • Interdisciplinary Perspectives

      Combine urban studies with the study of areas such as politics, visual and social art, critical geography, media, security, and the environment.

    • Inclusive Innovation

      Collaborate with communities and agencies to use design as a catalyst for new progressive, transformative urban practices and planning approaches.

    • Degree Master of Arts (MA)
    • Format Full-time, on campus
    • Credits 36
    • Duration 2 years

  • Curriculum

    The curriculum fosters participatory urban processes, equitable development, feminist urban perspectives, and transdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Guided by faculty mentors, students can personalize their course of study by selecting electives that align with their interests and thesis topic.

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  • Career Paths

    Graduates pursue careers as researchers, critics, policy advisors, journalists, curators, and leaders of public, nonprofit, and design organizations. They are prepared for advanced doctoral study as well as professional roles in urban research and analysis; journalism; academia and research institutes; public housing; urban management and consulting; and social, cultural, and environmental think tanks.

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  • Student Work

    See Our Work

  • Parsons faculty represent a broad range of expertise and are acknowledged as leading practitioners and scholars in their fields.

  • Program News

    • Take The Next Step

    Submit your application

    Undergraduates

    To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

    Undergraduate Adult Learners

    To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

    Graduates

    To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.