The MFA Fine Arts program is guided by the belief that artists perform an essential role in society. The program is rigorously interdisciplinary and enables you to develop diverse studio practices while pursuing related scholarship and research. You can explore various modes of study, ranging from formal and aesthetic investigations to social and political engagement. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and work in media including painting, drawing, sculpture, video, performance, digital media, installation, and photography.

The Fine Arts is a Master degree offered by The New School on the On Campus campus in New York City, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 2 years to complete. Students study at the On Campus campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 28, 2027.
About Master of Fine Arts
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Creative Collaboration
Engage in collaborative projects with students in other Parsons programs to explore the connections between art, technology, design, and social critique.
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Inspired Connections
Interact with artists of varied practices. Recent visitors include Christine Sun Kim, Nicole Eisenman, Carlos Motta, Xu Bing, Mark Dion, Taryn Simon, and Tschabalala Self.
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Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Access courses throughout the university, combining your fine arts practice with study of topics such as gender, social science, philosophy, creative writing, and more.
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NYC Art Capital
Access exceptional opportunities for artists in New York City, home to roughly 1,500 art galleries, museums, world-class art fairs, and diverse residency programs.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Fine Arts at The New School
Entry Requirements
- 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.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 68
- IELTSMin 7.5
- TOEFLMin 100
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Fine Arts
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in fields such as fine arts practice; arts administration; curation; museum and gallery management; art criticism; art consulting, and post-secondary art education.
Learn more
Explore Our Community
Discover what our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide.
amt.parsons.edu/finearts
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Fine Arts at The New School
How to Apply for Master of Fine Arts at The New School
- Select your college. Not sure which program at The New School is right for you? Explore your options.
- Follow the specific application instructions. Once you've selected your program, review its application instructions and requirements.
- 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.
- 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.

United States of America, New York City