• Curriculum

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    Caroline Dionne, Program Director

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  • The Master of Arts in Design Studies is awarded for completion of 42 credits of coursework, including a master's thesis, oral exam, or capstone project. A maximum of six credits of graduate-level coursework may be transferred from another institution. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and fulfill all requirements in a timely manner.

    In addition, as the student has completed or is in the process of completing a minimum of 33 credits, the student determines whether to petition to write an academic thesis, write a capstone paper and undertake a project/proposition, or take the MA oral examination. Students should consult the program guidelines provided at orientation for specific requirements and a process outline.

    For a complete listing of courses and course descriptions, visit the university course catalog.

    Parsons is not currently admitting new students to this master’s degree program. Learn more about the Graduate Minor in Design Studies, which is designed to complement the MA History of Design and Curatorial Studies. 

  • First Year Fall
    PGDS 5005 Discourses in Design Studies 3
    PGHT 5600/5601 Design for this Century: Lec/Rec 3
    6
    Subtotal 12
    First Year Spring
    PGDS 5006 Discourses 2: Research and Methods 3
    PGDS 5010 Writing for the Public Realm 3
    3
    3
    Subtotal 12
    Second Year Fall
    PGDS 5200 Capstone 1 3
    6
    Subtotal 9
    Second Year Spring
    PGDS 5210 Capstone 2 6
    3
    Subtotal 9
    Total Credits
    42

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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.