• Interior Lighting Design

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  • Contact Us

    Continuing and Professional Education 
    66 West 12th Street
    New York, NY 10011
    Tel: 332.239.2295
    [email protected]

  • “Good architecture poorly lit is poor architecture.” Those are the words of a famous architecture critic, and they apply to almost any type of environment. We need light to see well enough to perform functions and activities and to render the architecture of the environment. This certificate program is focused on creating a foundation for designing successful lighting by helping participants understand light and human vision, lighting technologies and performance, lighting design as a discipline, and the impact of light on an environment.

    Students typically complete this certificate in four months.

    After successful completion of the Parsons Interior Lighting Design Certificate, students who apply and are admitted to the MFA Lighting Program are eligible for three transfer credits. If you are interested in applying to the MFA Lighting program after finishing your certificate, please contact our team for admission and program requirements at [email protected].

    • Format Online
    • Price $1,815
    • Total Courses 3
    • Course Length 5 weeks

  • Courses 

    Lighting Fundamentals and Technologies

    This course covers the fundamentals of lighting. Students develop a basic understanding of light and human vision, lighting measurement, and color.

    Lighting Design Criteria and Considerations

    How much light we need to see and perform a task and how that light can best be delivered are some of the design considerations addressed in this course.

    Designing a Lighting System

    This course focuses on the tools and techniques needed to create a layout that meets design criteria and allows for successful implementation of the design concept. 

  • “Many interior design programs address lighting to some degree, but none to the depth of the Parsons MFA Lighting Design program, one of the few lighting degree programs in the world. This certificate program taps into Parsons’ expertise to establish a strong foundation for understanding and implementing lighting design, with the opportunity to build on that foundation.”

    —Craig Bernecker, PhD, Director, Interior Lighting Design Certificate Program

  • Program Highlights

    Who Should Enroll

    • Architects, interior designers, engineers, contractors, decorators, electrical distributors, and sales agents

    What You’ll Gain

    • An understanding of basic concepts of the science of light and vision
    • Foundational knowledge of basic lighting technologies (lamps, luminaires)
    • The ability to carry out fundamental analyses of lighting systems and create lighting layouts
    • The ability to conduct basic assessment of installed lighting systems
    •  A sense for the balance between design and technology in lighting design

    How You’ll Learn

    • Engaging video lectures and interviews with industry experts
    • Direct interaction with faculty practitioners at the top of their field
    • Online collaboration and video conferencing 
    • Project-based learning focused on developing real-world skills and portfolio assets

  • Why The New School?

    The professional landscape as we’ve known it has changed dramatically, and ongoing learning is more important now than ever before. At The New School, we champion every student’s creativity and growth. By combining integrated disciplines with collaborative problem solving, we deliver an immersive, transformative learning experience. With the leadership of Parsons School of Design—a globally top-ranked design school—our faculty imparts the critical expertise students need to advance their careers or pivot to a new one in a constantly evolving world.

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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.