Design History & Practice

• Ideas and Their Application

  Develop an understanding of the historical context in which art and design are created, and approach your own creative practice from that informed perspective.

• Unique Making + Meaning Courses

  Access one-of-a-kind courses that combine studio and seminar learning experiences under the joint instruction of design practitioners and historians.

• Cross-College Collaboration

  Draw on courses from both Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts and Parsons' BFA programs to integrate design practice with the study of history and theory.

• Professional Perspectives

  Work with mentors in the Professional Development Practicum to identify the employment sectors or graduate programs that best match your interests and skills.

• Admission Requirements: International applicants are required to follow all admission procedures for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Please pay special attention to the transcript requirements for applicants with foreign credentials.
• Transcripts: Review the admission procedures for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Please pay special attention to the transcript requirements for applicants with foreign credentials.
• TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, Cambridge English, or Duolingo: A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, Cambridge English, or Duolingo score is not required for applicants whose primary language is English or who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. Test score requirements are outlined in the application instructions.
• English Language Writing Diagnostic Examination: At Orientation, The New School for Social Research will administer an English Language Writing Diagnostic Examination to all newly enrolling international students who do not meet the criteria for exemption from the TOEFL requirement. Based on the results of this examination, students may be asked to take a supplemental writing course at no cost. The New School maintains the right to require English proficiency testing when deemed necessary.

Graduates of the BFA Design History and Practice are prepared to pursue careers in design, art and design research, museum education, and publishing as well as advanced graduate study in the arts, humanities, and related fields.

1. Select your college. Not sure which college at The New School is right for you? Explore your options.
2. Follow the specific application instructions. Once you've selected your college, review the application instructions and requirements for your program of interest.
3. Complete the application for your intended degree. If you're applying to a bachelor's degree program at Parsons School of Design, Parsons Paris, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Mannes School of Music, the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, or the School of Drama, you should submit the Common Application. If you're applying to an associate's degree program at Parsons School of Design or to the Adult Bachelor's Program, you should submit The New School’s Online Application. If you're a former New School student applying for readmission to your former program, you should submit the Application for Readmission. If you're a current New School student applying to a different New School college, you should submit the Internal Transfer Application. Visiting students can find more information on how to apply on our Visiting Students website.
4. Check your application status. Log in to your Admission Hub to check the status of your application materials. Applications become complete and ready for review once all required items have been received by the Office of Admission. Allow at least ten days from the date you submitted your application for the application materials checklist to appear. After reviewing your checklist in the Admission Hub, follow up with schools and recommenders to confirm that your transcripts, recommendations, and other materials have been sent to us.