Parsons School of design | All you need to know

Parsons University thrives on a diverse variety of academic subjects to provide a distinctively multidisciplinary education. This knowledge is reinforced by the resources of the school’s New York City and Paris campuses. The school allows the creative leaders of tomorrow to engage in hands-on learning and grow as critical thinkers. Check out the blog to know more about the Parsons school of design!

History

Since its establishment, Parsons has been a leader in art and design education, championing new movements and teaching methods that have given artists and designers a stage to showcase their creativity.

William Merritt Chase, a well-known American Impressionist, started the school in 1896. He led a small group of progressives who broke away from the Art Students League of New York in a quest for greater autonomous expression, which turned out to be a bold move.

In 1970, Parsons enrolled in The New School (then known as The New School for Social Research), a renowned progressive think tank. Parsons gained significant resources as a result of the merger with The New School, allowing it to expand its educational programs. Additionally, the move enhanced the link between academic understanding and social activity.

The New School and Parsons are now working together to use design thinking to help solve complex global problems in the industry. The school’s forward-thinking approach is best described by Joel Towers, executive dean of Parsons school of design.

Developments in the Parsons school of design

The institution prioritizes continued investment in cutting-edge infrastructure and technology. Parsons is building a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Making Center to enable making across all disciplines and programs. 

The Making Center will feature dedicated spaces for 3D printing, prototyping, modeling, printmaking, fabricating, constructing, physical computing, milling, and engineering. This also includes a variety of other tools and abilities to support the most advanced, sustainable practices in digital technology and physical craft.

Admission criteria and eligibility

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or PTE (Pearson Test of English) results are necessary for applicants who are not native English speakers. 

However, The New School does not require applicants to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE tests. You are required to keep the following rules in mind-

• Your mother tongue should be English
• You should have spent at least 3 years at a high school where English is the primary language of teaching
• You should have studied for at least 3 years at a high school where English is the primary language of teaching
• You should have completed 2 semesters of college-level expository writing in a non-ESL setting
• You should have completed a 4-year degree at a U.S. college or university where English is the major language of instruction (minimum of three years of attendance)

The following are the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores required for degree programs at Parsons school of design:

• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (BBA, BFA): TOEFL Internet-based test score of 100 / IELTS score of 7.0 / PTE score of 68 
• Associate’s degree (AAS) applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 79 / IELTS score of 6.5 / PTE score of 53 
• BA/BFA route applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 100 / IELTS score of 7.0 / PTE score of 68
• Applicants with a master’s degree (MA, MArch, MFA, MS): 92 on the TOEFL Internet-based test / 7.0 on the IELTS / 63 on the PTE

SAT and ACT requirements

Each school has its own set of testing standards. The SAT or ACT is required by most schools, and many also need SAT subject assessments.

To apply to Parsons School of Design, you must take either the SAT or the ACT. Along with your SAT/ACT scores, you are also required to submit a strong application to secure admission to the Parsons School of design.

Online degree programs

Online learning is designed to provide you with a personalized, faculty-led, collaborative experience that is tailored to your academic, professional, and personal objectives. The master’s degree programs can be done partially or entirely online.

Below are some of the Master’s courses that can be studied on an online basis-

• Fashion Management (Online MPS)
• Strategic Design for Global Leadership (MS)
• Strategic Design and Management (MS)

Short courses in the Parsons school of design

Below is the list of the short certificate courses available at the Parsons school of design-

Arts design and architecture

• Clo3D virtual fashion design
• Design leadership for business
• Design thinking in practice
• Digital photography
• Fashion design
• Fashion industry essentials
• Fashion sustainability
• Fine arts
• Future studies and speculative design
• Graphic and digital design
• Human-centered healthcare
• Infographics and data visualization
• Interior design
• Interior lighting design
• Interior and architectural design software
• Motion design and animation
• Screenwriting
• User-centered design
• Web design

Business and management

• Design leadership for business
• Digital marketing
• Digital photography
• Equity, inclusion, and social justice in design
• Graphic and digital design

Applied science and professions

• Fashion business
• Fashion design
• Fashion industry essentials
• Fashion sustainability

Computer science and IT

• Infographics and data visualization
• User-centered design
• Web design

Environmental studies and earth sciences

• Fashion sustainability 

Humanities

• Screenwriting

Journalism and Media

• Illustrated journalism and memoir

Medicine and healthcare

• Human-centered healthcare

Accreditation

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the body that has accredited Parsons and The New School. The Regents of the State of New York have chartered The New School as a university, even though it is a privately sponsored institution.

Parsons is also a National Association of Schools of Art and Design-accredited university (NASAD). It is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design and provides a Master of Architecture program approved by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Key takeaways

• With wholesome exposure, students will be prepared to work in global environments through learning opportunities at the Parsons school of design.
• The school allows you to learn from and connect, leading to a thriving environment.
• This environment can eventually help you with a fruitful career.

Comment below and share your thoughts with us! And if you are seeking admission at top universities like Parson University, get in touch with our study abroad experts.

Like this blog? Read next: Royal College of Art: profile & courses

FAQs

Q1. How should I submit all my transcripts?

Answer – Official high school and college transcripts from all institutions attended are required of all applicants. Applicants who attended numerous high schools may only submit the official transcript of the school from which they graduated, as long as that record contains all of their prior education.

Q2. Is there a deadline to submit the application documents?

Answer – Deadlines vary depending on the term of interest and the type of student (for example – transfer student)

Q3. What is the Parsons challenge?

Answer – The Parsons Challenge allows the Admissions Committee to better understand how prospective students generate ideas, aesthetically express those ideas, and defend their work in writing. Create a new visual work based on a theme found in one of your portfolio pieces.