Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School

    Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School

    Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School

    The History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the On Campus campus in New York City, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.

    About Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies

    This prestigious master's degree program, which Parsons offers in conjunction with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, brings an object-focused, practice-based approach to the study of curatorial practice and decorative arts and design dating from the Renaissance to the present. Housed for more than 30 years at Cooper Hewitt – the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design – the program enables you to work directly with the museum's collections, curators, conservators, and educators.

    This master's degree is offered in New York City and at the Parsons Paris campus. In either city, students work directly with museum staff and collections of major decorative arts and design institutions. The NYC-based program is jointly administered with Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, which is devoted to the study of curatorial practice and decorative arts and design from the Renaissance to the present. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is the program's Paris partner. Students can also spend a semester or a year studying at the other campus, taking advantage of the resources of another cultural capital.
    • 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.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies 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 History of Design & Curatorial Studies

    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

    Tuition and Fee Information for Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School

    Application Fee 50

    How to Apply for Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School

    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.
    Master of History of Design & Curatorial Studies at The New School
    The New School
    The New School
    United States of America

    United States of America, New York City

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