• Design Studies MA

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  • Contact Us

    [email protected] 
    212.229.5150 (U.S. only)

    Program Contact
    Caroline Dionne, Program Director

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  • The MA in Design Studies draws on both analytical and practical modes of inquiry, recognizing the increasing importance of design in the 21st century. Design Studies is a fundamentally cross-disciplinary endeavor, drawing on the unique range of fields available throughout Parsons and other colleges within The New School. Together, students and faculty explore design's capacity to transform everyday experience and examine means of effecting social change through design processes. 

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

    • Degree Master of Arts (MA)
    • Format Full time, on campus
    • Credits 42
    • Duration 2 years

  • Curriculum

    The interdisciplinary curriculum draws on courses taught at Parsons and other courses throughout the university, such as in the School of Media Studies and at The New School for Social Research. Students develop the concepts and skills they need to become informed design researchers, consultants, advisors, scholars, activists, and strategic and reflective designers.

    Learn more

  • Career Paths

    Graduates are prepared to work in design-led entrepreneurial creative industries, applying their knowledge to support product development; guide the work of consulting firms, think tanks, and start-ups; lead new approaches to curating and criticism; and work in policy development. The program also provides a foundation for those who want to pursue doctoral studies and an academic career in design.


  • Student Work

      See Our Work

    • Students learn from and work with design thinkers, practitioners, and researchers from a range of industries to explore design as a phenomenon whose analysis, insights, and history offer tools for addressing the human-made world.

    • 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.