The Transdisciplinary Design MFA academic program, offered at our New York City campus, addresses pressing social, economic, political, and environmental issues by uniting the theoretical focus of the social sciences and the transformative possibilities of artistic and design practices.
Our curriculum brings together research- and action-oriented approaches in the exploration of political and philosophical questions and develops operational capacities aimed at advancing equity and justice. Our students collaboratively consider issues from multiple perspectives and at a range of scales, generating theoretical discourses that radically critique while proposing alternatives through collective fabulations, strategic propositions, and aesthetic exploration.
Master of Transdisciplinary Design at The New School
Study Transdisciplinary Design at The New School, a Master degree offered on the On Campus campus in New York City, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 2 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 28, 2027.
About Master of Transdisciplinary Design
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Transdisciplinary Social Praxis
Build a practice in which thinking and action are closely integrated. Here the Latin root trans, meaning "across and beyond," defines an exploratory praxis capable of enabling change–not merely critique.
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Transformation-Focused Work
Participate in the collaborative production of social knowledge through equity-, justice-, and sustainability-focused action. Develop partnerships that foster solidarity, decentralize authorship, challenge privilege, and reform social and power relations.
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Dynamic Professional Paths
Prepare to work in emerging areas of artistic- and design-based research, policy, and strategy, contributing to the transformation of healthcare, education, political rights, economic development, sustainable transition, and other fields.
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Multi-Directional Learning
Learn with community activists, creative practitioners, industry and government leaders, scholars, and other leaders, gaining practical experience and creating alliances through which to develop new project approaches–ones that challenge outmoded intrusive, exploitative, and rigid client relationships.
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Opportunities for Research, Teaching, Action
Participate in initiatives of The New School's Consortium for Transdisciplinarity (aligned with Parsons DESIS Lab) and the Graduate Institute for Design, Ethnography, and Social Thought (based at The New School for Social Research).
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Applicant Profile
We welcome students from all areas of academic or professional experience, including the humanities and social sciences, fine arts and design, film, creative writing and journalism, management, and public policy.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Transdisciplinary Design 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 Transdisciplinary Design
Graduates pursue a variety of careers, including design consulting; post-secondary teaching and research, organizational development; international development; service design; in-house design leads within government organizations and other industries;
and other roles related to transformational strategy. Recent graduates have presented at international conferences, opened consultancies, and taken leadership positions within community innovation labs.
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Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Transdisciplinary Design at The New School
How to Apply for Master of Transdisciplinary Design 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