The MFA Photography program prepares you to become a practicing artist and scholar, redefining the creative role of photography in contemporary culture. The program challenges you to move beyond current paradigms, anticipating and setting trends rather than following them. Parsons' long-standing ties to New York City's photography and art communities provide access to world-class partners for internships, exhibitions, research, and representation.

The Photography at The New School is a Full Time Master program offered on the On Campus campus in New York City, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 28, 2027.
About Master of Photography
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Intensive Summer Sessions
Begin your studies with an eight-week summer session at Parsons, the first of three, in which you attend lectures by and meet with visiting artists, curators, and critics.
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Connect to Local Practitioners
Benefit from rigorous critiques and program-sponsored conferences that help situate your work in historical and theoretical contexts and contemporary issues.
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Renowned Guest Artists
Recent visitors include Elinor Carucci, Lisa Oppenheim, Eva Respini, Anna Ostoya, Charlotte Cotton, Tehching Hsieh, Matthew Buckingham, Baseera Khan, and Louise Lawler.
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Creative Collaboration
Work alongside students in related programs in Communication Design, Fine Arts, Design and Technology, and Illustration, fostering interdisciplinary projects.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Photography 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 Photography
Graduates go on to publish, exhibit internationally, and work in related positions. They pursue careers such as commercial photography, editorial photography, fashion photography, documentary production, and fine art.
Learn more
Explore Our Community
Discover what our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide.
amt.parsons.edu/mfaphoto
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Photography at The New School
How to Apply for Master of Photography 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