Frequently Asked Questions

When was Parsons founded?

Parsons was founded in 1896 by the American impressionist painter William Merritt Chase. Chase led a small group of Progressives who seceded from the Art Students League of New York in search of freer, more dramatic and individual expression. In 1906, Frank Alvah Parsons joined the faculty of what was then known as the Chase School, and six years later became its President. Under his direction, the school — which would later take his name — became a pioneer in design education, launching the nation's first programs in fashion design, interior design, and graphic design and advertising. In 1920, Parsons was the first art and design school in America to found a campus abroad. From the socially conscious 1960s to the digital revolution of the last twenty years, Parsons has grown with the times and continues to provide a cutting edge education in art and design to thousands of students each year.

How many students attend Parsons?

As of the beginning of the 2007-08 academic year, Parsons has almost 3,600 undergraduate students and more than 400 graduate students are enrolled in Parsons. Some 2,000 continuing education students take single courses and certificate programs. And over 2000 children and young people attend weekend and summer pre-college programs.

Where is Parsons located?

Parsons' main campus is located downtown in Greenwich Village, an historic neighborhood with a style and atmosphere found nowhere else in New York City. The Village is home to design and art studios, galleries, shops and restaurants, as well as avant garde artists, musicians and writers.

With rich cultural resources, international sophistication, and cutting edge attitude, New York City is a vibrant environment that has inspired and challenged artists and designers throughout its history. To Parsons' faculty, the city is an extension of the classroom and is incorporated into the basic fabric of the curriculum. New York is home to more than 80 museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Parsons faculty teaches the architecture of the city, the fabric of its populations, and the language of its commercial and private communication. In short, Parsons faculty uses New York City as an urban design laboratory to teach students to look, learn, and feel the world around them.

Visit Parsons and discover what it feels like when art and life meet face to face.

Are there many international students at Parsons?

Nearly one-third of our degree students are international, hailing from 68 different countries. The largest international groups come from Asia, followed by the European continent.

Does Parsons have residence halls?

Yes, there are a number of residence hall options within walking distance or a short subway ride from our Greenwich Village location. Learn more about housing accommodations for undergraduate and graduate students.

How many faculty members teach at Parsons?

As of the beginning of the 2007-08 academic year, Parsons has 128 full-time faculty members and more than 1000 part-time members give Parsons students the unique advantage of learning from New York's successful working artists and designers. Faculty members and visiting critics — like installation artist Brian Tolle and architect David Lewis hold key positions in the art and design community, and frequently have their work published. Parsons' strong ties to industry bring numerous guest lectures and critics into forums and classrooms. Visiting critics include: Richard Meier, Donna Karan, Mayer Rus, Arthur Corwin and Paula Scher.

What can I do with a degree from Parsons?

Parsons graduates are in high demand in the professional marketplace. Design is a competitive field, and employers are looking for artists with the ability to express themselves both visually and verbally. Parsons faculty, administration, and career advisors are committed to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and professional industry contacts to succeed.

Graduates can pursue many different career paths, from freelance careers to executive positions and partnerships at some of the largest corporations in the world. Many have also started their own businesses. From film and television to public relations, teaching to web design, urban planning to publishing, our departments prepare students for a range of creative professional opportunities. Notable alumni include Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns, Norman Rockwell, Steven Meisel, and Joel Schumacher.

How can I find out about visiting artists or other upcoming events?

To enhance the educational experience of Parsons students, each department brings in visiting artists at frequent intervals throughout the year. Along with sharing their own work and research, visiting artists often speak to the students individually and critique student projects.

Events at Parsons and New School University are always happening. At the Parsons Galleries, exhibitions are ongoing and are curated by leading national and international artists and designers, students, and Parsons faculty. University-wide events include music, dance, theater, poetry and fiction readings, film screenings, panel events, and lectures featuring some of the most thought provoking scholars and artists in the world today. Many events are free or discounted for students.

To view the event board online, including a listing of upcoming visiting artists, click here.

What transportation options are available in New York City?

Getting around Manhattan via public transportation is cheap and easy. Both uptown and downtown locations are at the center of major public transportation hubs. Subway stations and bus stops are within one to two blocks of campus buildings, enabling students to easily travel nearly anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. For detailed fare and schedule information about public transportation around the city, visit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's official website.

What is a typical student workload?

The degree programs at Parsons are academically challenging, time demanding, and ultimately, professionally rewarding for emerging designers. On average, students register for 16 to 18 credits, or six classes, per semester. Most students are in class for 20 to 30 hours per week and will spend an equivalent amount of time in preparation. Studio critique sessions and Critical Studies seminars depend upon thoughtful student input and discussion. All courses require active attendance and regular participation.

Is it possible to study abroad?

In 1920, Parsons School of Design was the first art and design school in America to found a campus abroad. Today the School offers its students the possibility to expand their horizons by studying abroad at various art and design schools around the world. Parsons also has affiliations with schools that operate independently but embrace Parsons' philosophy and teaching methodology, including:

• Parsons Paris, France
• La Escuela de Disenso at Altos de Chavon, Dominica Republic
• Kanazawa International Design Institute, Kanazawa, Japan

What internship opportunities does Parsons offer?

Internships are an important way of gaining experience for future employment possibilities. Many undergraduate departments include a professional internship as part of their degree requirements. Others grant credit for internships that students obtain independently or through the Office of Career Services. Several departments assist students in securing non-credit internships that provide valuable work experience and professional contacts. Current and past internships include: Marc Jacobs, Polo-Ralph Lauren, HBO, MTV, the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, Marvel Comics, and the Museum of Modern Art, among many others.

How can I receive financial aid?

Almost 75 percent of Parsons students receive some kind of financial aid, awarded on the basis of financial need and merit. The University's Financial Aid Office is open year-round to assist students and their families with the task of meeting educational costs. For important information on specific kinds of assistance, amounts of funding, loan repayment, and scholarships for students meeting certain criteria, click here.