A Visit to Parsons School of Design

Work by Kara Walker on display in passageway to student lounge at Parsons School of Design - photo: Suzie Castello

In June, I visited the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Parsons is part of The New School, a university that also is home to the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, The College of Performing Arts, The New School for Social Research, the Schools of Public Management, and Parsons Paris. Parsons School of Design is one of the top institutions in the US for arts education and is well regarded around the world for the strength of its programs and alumni network, which includes notable artists and designers Ai Wei Wei, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs and Robert Wong.

New York City is an important center for creative work and artistic culture, home to museums, art galleries, design firms, performance spaces, ad agencies, media companies, and other drivers of creative culture, and plays a large part of the world’s creative economy. Parsons is in the heart of it all. Most of its learning spaces are located in the leafy neighborhood in between Union Square and Greenwich Village, scattered around The New School’s main building located at 5th Ave and 13th Street. 

Spacious facilities filled with light provide numerous and ample areas for making, collaborating and exhibiting. At every turn there are design labs, building shops, printing facilities with oversized printers, and colorful lockers for students to store their supplies and works in progress. A sophisticated visual aesthetic ties the learning and making spaces together. Common areas are filled with, or are themselves works of art, and it is routine for students to pass a work by Chuck Close or a Kara Walker as they go from class to class. 

Degree programs include graduate, undergraduate, and associates degrees for professionals. The undergraduate programs are intensive BFA degrees, which include Architectural Design, Communication Design, Fashion Design, Design and Technology, Design History and Practice, Fine Arts, Illustration, Photography, Integrated Design, Interior Design, and Production Design. Also offered is a BBA in Strategic Design & Management. 

All undergrads share a first-year experience in which they obtain learning skills and hands-on training to prepare them for the in depth exploration of their major. This experience also allows for students to feel part of the larger creative community at Parsons, beyond their specific discipline. 

The many creative workshops and labs immerse students in hands-on experiences across technologies and media. Students participate in running the facilities, which allows are great opportunity to develop first time work experience. In addition, Parsons supports students in partnering with creative industries through internships. 

Parsons offers student housing and a meal plan. The student dining hall is located in the main building along with a library, many learning spaces, and an auditorium. Housing is scattered throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Parsons student body is diverse and 35% of students are international. Class sizes are small.

Admissions to Parsons is selective. Application rounds include binding Early Decision, and non-binding Early Action admissions rounds via the Common Application. The application asks for two essays and two letters of recommendation. A portfolio of creative work is required for all BFA programs, and encouraged for applicants to the BBA. International students should check English language proficiency requirements for their situation. All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. 

For high school students looking for a short term experience, the Parsons Summer Intensive Studies is an introductory art and design program for juniors, seniors and recent high school grads. It is an excellent opportunity to gain immersive studio experience, engage with new media and techniques, and generate portfolio pieces. 

If you are interested in applying to Parsons, I can help. Explorers educational consulting services include orientation and guidance with the Common Application, essay advising, and help with curating your portfolio. Reach out to get started.