• Architectural Design BFA

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    Students conversing with one another inside structure that is under construction.

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  • The BFA Architectural Design (BFA AD) program at Parsons combines comprehensive education in design methodology, coursework to develop creativity, and training in the material, spatial, and making practices of architecture and urban design.

    As a program housed in a school that offers an accredited MArch degree, BFA AD prepares students for a pathway to licensure in the state of New York. Many students choose to pursue graduate study in architecture, some through Parsons’ 4+2 program, which enables undergraduate students to take graduate courses in their senior year and shortens the typical three-year MArch course of study to two years.  

    Program Highlights

    • Thinking through Making

      Learn architectural design methods for exploring and investigating the ways people interact with space and the cultural factors influencing design.

    • Environmental Perspectives

      Develop an understanding of sustainable and resilience-fostering methods of design and regenerative construction aimed at a systematic remaking of the built environment.

    • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

      Work alongside students in related programs such as Interior, Product, and Lighting Design and engage in cross-disciplinary collaborative work in a range of elective courses. 

    • Real-World Insights

      Study with leading professionals and scholars in the field and within a diverse student community. Engage with partners within and outside the university. 

    • Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
    • Format Full-time, on campus
    • Credits 120
    • Duration 4 years
    • Other program status STEM-designated

  • Curriculum

    The BFA Architectural Design (BFA AD) program begins with Parsons’ interdisciplinary First Year, in which students are introduced to creative and critical ways of making and thinking while developing an in-depth understanding of the systems, structures, complexities, and contexts of design. Following the First Year, Architectural Design students spend three years in the BFA AD program while continuing to take courses offered at Parsons and other schools of The New School.  

    Explore the curriculum

  • Career Paths

    Graduates of the BFA Architectural Design pursue careers and advanced education in architecture, landscape architecture, environmental art, and urban, exhibition, and interior design. Some students continue their study in Parsons’ Master of Architecture, with the opportunity to complete the MArch in only two additional years of study.  

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    Explore Our Community

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

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  • Parsons faculty represent a broad range of expertise and are acknowledged as leading practitioners and scholars in their fields.

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    • Beyond the Classroom

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        Internships

        New York City’s thriving creative industry and cultural institutions are part of your Parsons education. Our Career Services Office is deeply connected to the art and design industries and can help you advance your career with industry-oriented internships.

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        Industry Engagement

        Connect to the organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving global creativity and commerce. In classes, internships, and extracurricular projects, you gain marketable problem-solving skills in sectors ranging from government and nonprofits to tech and creative industries.

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        Study Abroad

        Enrich your learning and prepare for work in global contexts with study abroad that exposes you to new perspectives and settings in which to apply your creativity. Our study abroad destinations include, Paris, London, Florence, and more.

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        Making & Academic Resources

        Enjoy access to extensive resources including New School libraries, computer labs, archives, and studios, along with Parsons’ state-of-the-art Making Center, facilities offering a broad array of tools to support your creative and academic growth.

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