History of Design & Curatorial Studies

• History and Practice

  Gain practical and theoretical instruction in researching and displaying interiors and design objects such as furniture, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and works in other media. 

• Hands-On Experience

  Develop essential skills in museum and curatorial practices at Cooper Hewitt by curating exhibitions, creating public programming, and producing interpretive materials.

• Interdisciplinary Research

  Take courses and participate in collaborative projects throughout Parsons and The New School, opening up new avenues in curatorial practice and historical research.

• Research Facilities

  Access the Smithsonian's Design Library, The New School's library holdings, and a library consortium including other major NYC universities to enrich your object-based research.

• Professional Exploration

  Pursue for-credit internships that enable you to explore professions in museums, auction houses, and galleries and on new online platforms.

• 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 program work in some of the world's most prestigious nonprofit, commercial, cultural, and academic institutions. Alumni hold specialist and management positions in auction houses, museums, and historic houses; enter fields such as criticism and journalism, consulting and e-commerce, and post-secondary teaching; and pursue advanced study.

Learn more

Explore Our Community

Discover what our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide.

adht.parsons.edu/historyofdesign

1. Select your college. Not sure which program at The New School is right for you? Explore your options.
2. Follow the specific application instructions. Once you've selected your program, review its application instructions and requirements.
3. Complete the application for your intended degree. All applicants to MA, MS, MFA, MArch, MPS, MM, and PhD degree programs; professional studies diploma programs; and graduate certificate programs should submit The New School’s Online Application. 
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.