FAQ
ACADEMICS QUESTIONS
ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
ACADEMICS QUESTIONS
How many students attend Parsons?
Parsons enrolls nearly 5000 undergraduate and graduate students. An additional 2,000 students take single courses and earn certificates in Parsons’ Continuing Education program, and more than 2,000 children and young people attend weekend and summer pre-college programs. 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.
What is Parsons’ accreditation?
Parsons and The New School 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 offers a Master of Architecture degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and 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.
How many students at Parsons are of international background?
About 32 percent of the student body at Parsons is international. The top countries represented are India, China, 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 undergraduate first-year options?
Depending on your area of interest, you can enter the Foundation program (see below) or enter directly into certain majors as a first year student.
The four direct-entry options are: Design and Technology (BFA), Design and Management (BBA), Environmental Studies (BA or BS) and Photography (BFA). The direct-entry options permit students to begin working in a specific design field in the first year. Therefore, students interested in majoring in Design and Management, Design and Technology, Environmental Studies or Photography are encouraged to consider the direct-entry options. In addition, applicants interested in majoring in Communication Design may either apply for direct entry to Design and Technology or elect to take the Foundation program during their first year of study."
What is the Foundation Program?
The Foundation program is designed to introduce you to broad concepts, skills, and critical practices in art and design while preparing you to select a major. Foundation students take studio classes such as Drawing, Three Dimensional Design, Two Dimensional Design, and Laboratory.
The Foundation program is normally the first year of study for students who intend to major in: Architectural Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Integrated Design, Interior Design, and Product Design. Applicants interested in majoring in Communication Design may either apply for direct entry to Design and Technology (see above) or elect to take the Foundation program during their first year of study.
When do I have to choose a major?
Freshman BFA students taking Foundation must declare their majors in the second semester. All students may attend presentations that will help them decide on a major. 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 animation can pursue it as a concentration regardless of their major. Students interested in a more in-depth liberal arts experience can apply to the BA/BFA program, a dual-degree program offered jointly by Parsons and Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts.
Can I change majors?
Pending space and availability, yes. BFA students can switch majors as sophomores regardless of their first-year program, and students who take Foundation in their first year can declare a Design and Technology or Photography major at the end of the first year. Students who expect to major in Communication Design have the option of applying for direct entry to Design and Technology and declaring a Communication Design major at the end of the first year. Student who change majors may need additional time to complete their degree. Students should consult with a Parsons advisor before declaring a major or changing majors.
What internship opportunities does Parsons offer?
Many undergraduate departments include a professional internship as part of their degree requirements. Some grant credit for internships that students obtain independently or through the Office of Career Services. Several departments assist students in securing noncredit internships that provide valuable work experience and professional contacts. Parsons students have served as interns at Marc Jacobs, Polo-Ralph Lauren, HBO, MTV, the New York Times, Rolling Stone magazine, Marvel Comics, the Museum of Modern Art, and many other companies and institutions.
Can I take classes outside my major at Parsons?
Yes. Parsons students are encouraged to broaden their expertise by pursuing art outside their majors. A number of electives are available in each major, and a variety of additional classes are offered by Eugene Lang The New School for Liberal Arts.
What is a typical academic year schedule?
The Parsons academic year is divided into fall and spring semesters. The fall semester typically runs from late-August through mid-December, with a Thanksgiving recess in late November. Students break again for the holidays in mid-December and return for the spring semester in January. The spring semester begins around the third week of January and runs through the end of May, with a weeklong break. 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. Additionally, some academic programs periodically organize short-term classes which take place off-campus in an international setting.
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 coursework needed for a bachelor’s degree. Among the liberal arts requirements are Critical Reading and Writing as well as Perspectives in World Art and Design. Students can also fulfill the liberal arts requirements by taking courses in math, science, foreign languages, history, literature, psychology, sociology, and other areas.
Will I have an advisor to help me pick classes?
You are assigned an academic advisor upon entering Parsons. Advisors are available through email, appointments and walk-in hours. You are encouraged to meet with your advisor regularly to discuss academic choices and progress including course offerings and degree requirements.
How do I register for courses?
After reviewing options for fulfilling degree requirements and course descriptions, you will register online for classes through MyNewSchool. Advisors will help answer any questions you have about navigating the online system such as where to find course descriptions and how to determine course availability.
Are AP or IB courses accepted for credit?
Yes, transfer credit is awarded for AP and IB exams. Students are awarded 3 credits of transfer for each AP exam with scores of 4, 5, or 6. Depending upon the exams taken, credit can be awarded towards the English , Art History, and Liberal Arts elective requirements. AP credit is not accepted for studio art.
Students from international schools can receive appropriate transfer credits 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, C, or D; the French Baccalaureate; and the German Arbitur, The amount of transfer credit awarded varies depending upon the exams taken.
ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
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.
Can I schedule a tour and speak with an admission counselor?
Please see Admission Events for available times for tours as well as the schedule for information sessions.
You can also contact the Office of Admission with questions at 212.229.8989 or 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 tend to have done work in several different areas. In addition, portfolio requirements may vary according to degree program. Please visit the application instruction page for your intended program to determine your specific portfolio requirements.
What are the application deadlines?
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 Application Instructions.
Is an interview necessary for admission?
Interviews are informal meetings with an admission representative and are not required. They offer the opportunity for a student to have their artwork critiqued and to discuss application processes. Please review the calendar for dates and times. Interview meetings with admission representatives are open to all potential applicants for bachelors and associates programs.You are also encouraged to attend an Information Session before scheduling an interview so that you can get a better sense of whether Parsons is right for you.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
If you are an international student for whom English is not a native language, you must submit a TOEFL score with your admissions materials. Minimum TOEFL scores are described in the application procedures for each program. Applicants also have the option of enrolling in The New School English as a Second Language program (ESL). Students must pass the appropriate level for the program of their interest in order to waive the TOEFL. For more information, visit the ESL website.
Can I defer my entry into the program once I’ve been accepted?
Students accepted to the bachelor’s and associate’s programs can defer entry for up to one year if they send in the required $400 security deposit. Students who wish to attend Parsons at a higher level than that at which they were accepted must reapply and cannot defer entry. Students must also reapply if they cannot attend Parsons within one year from the semester they were accepted.
Is part-time enrollment possible?
Part-time enrollment is possible only for students enrolled in associate’s programs. If you are interested in attending individual classes, please see Continuing Education.
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
What is the cost of tuition?
For information on tuition costs, visit the Student Services site.
This is tuition only; the cost of living in New York City, as well as books, equipment, and student fees, must be factored separately in to your total expenses.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. U.S. citizens and noncitizens eligible for federal aid should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The New School’s federal school code is 002780. Undergraduate international students should complete and return an International Student Scholarship Application by the deadline printed on the paper application. Scholarships are granted based on the merit of the student's application materials. International students may also apply for private loans if they have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-borrower.
Visit New School Financial Aid for more information. Click on “Alternative/Private Student Loans” for a list of additional lenders and phone numbers.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 212.229.8930 or sfs@newschool.edu.
How much do art supplies typically cost per year?
Art supply expenses vary greatly by department of study. Parsons estimates supply costs at $920 to $2,050 a year.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Can you provide me with information about student housing?
There are 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.
Can you tell me about student health insurance?
Visit Student Health Services for information on student health insurance.
I am an international student, and I have questions about visa status and requirements. Can I talk with someone?
Visit International Student Services for basic information. You can also contact the International Student Services office at 212.229.5592 or ISS@newschool.edu.
Are computers available to students on campus?
Students have access to Mac and PC stations throughout The New School. Building hours vary throughout the semester, but buildings are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and later during exams and final presentation times. If a student needs to purchase a computer, discounts are available through The New School. If you don't have a computer yet, consider deferring purchase until you arrive on campus. Then choose the computer best suited to the kind of work you want to do.
