• School of Design Strategies

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  • Programs offered at Parsons’ School of Design Strategies (SDS) engage with design from diverse perspectives, ranging from integrated and transdisciplinary design to strategic design and management to urban ecologies. Programs actively embrace a variety of research and studio skills. As a strategic designer, you address shifting social, political, and urban contexts, developing radical art, design, and business solutions at the nexus of service design, management, and creative social innovation.

  • School Highlights

    Study Paths and Options

    Flexible curricula lets you develop a range of research methods, conceptualization techniques, and theoretical frameworks. You formulate creative strategic responses to complex scenarios like climate change, urbanization, and evolving global markets.

    Cities, Services, Systems

    In SDS labs, you test new ways of improving urban environments, business models, and social systems while conducting innovative, human-centered design research to meet needs ranging from elder care to e-commerce to transportation alternatives.

    Resources Across the University

    The New School’s libraries, research institutes, and galleries anchor your investigations. Resources like the Tishman Environment and Design Center (TEDC) provide rich learning opportunities including internships and a range of public programs.

    Solutions For Urban Centers

    A global center of design, business, and innovation, New York City offers a range of services, systems, and collaboration partners. Field trips, projects, and courses with corporate sponsors connect you to service designers, urban practitioners, and incubators. 

    Multifaceted Careers

    Whether you intend to become an entrepreneur, join a firm or nonprofit, or pursue advanced studies, SDS elevates your creativity and your professional potential. Career services staff offer counseling and help you arrange internships and develop job-seeking skills. 

  • Programs

  • Student Work

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    • SDS Faculty

      At Parsons, your mentors include leading strategists, influential policy advocates, and designers who are at the forefront of their fields. Every day, you’ll benefit from their real-world experience and expertise in small collaborative classes.  

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    • SDS News

      • Take The Next Step

      Submit your application

      Undergraduates

      To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

      Undergraduate Adult Learners

      To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

      Graduates

      To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.