The New School - Program in Photography - Overview
Parsons The New School for Design
Founded in 1896 by famous American painter William Merritt Chase, Parsons The New School for Design is a leading center for teaching and research in the fields of art, design, and new media. The program provides students with extensive studio practice, an awareness of important concepts in contemporary art, and an understanding of the role of art in today's global society.
Parsons's students and faculty members use New York City, one of the world's cultural and artistic capitals, as an urban design laboratory. The city's world-famous museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Representatives of New York's local galleries and private studios, e-commerce, technology start-ups, and design houses are members of Parsons' faculty.
Parsons The New School for Design is divided into 5 specialized schools: the School of Art, Media, and Technology; the School of Art and Design History and Theory; the School of Constructed Environments; the School of Design Strategies; and the School of Fashion.
An MFA for Photographers
Parsons's MFA in Photography is offered through the School of Art, Media, and Technology. This degree program combines rigorous studio work with theoretical studies. Students have opportunities to develop their own styles and points of view through regular studio critiques and one-on-one meetings with faculty members and visiting photographers. Students also learn about visual theory and explore trends, issues, and influences in contemporary photography.
The MFA in Photography degree enables students to work collaboratively with developing and established visual artists, and it prepares students for future work as teachers, scholars, or professional photographers.
The MFA Curriculum
The MFA in Photography program operates on a trimester system, with summer, fall, and spring sessions. The complete program is 27 months long, and includes 7 terms, starting with an 8-week residency in the summer. Students are required to take classes at Parsons during the summer term. In the spring and fall terms, students pursue independent studies. They have the option of remaining in residence at Parsons or connecting with peers and teachers at a distance, using distributed-learning technologies.
The curriculum includes a series of studio courses and academic electives that explore the history and possible future of photography as well as the relationship between theory and practice. Other academic courses introduce students to relevant intellectual property laws and provide a background in instructional methods that will enable students to effectively teach photography classes.
In order to graduate, third-year (summer) students must complete written statements about their work, present final thesis exhibits, and pass an oral exams with the Graduate Advisory Committee.
Community Collaboration and Internships
Parsons has a long history of civic engagement and collaboration. By maintaining relationships with more than 50 corporate and nonprofit organizations, Parsons offers students chances to collaborate with professionals in a variety of sectors through both collaborative projects and internships.
Students have interned with companies such as the "New York Times," "Rolling Stone Magazine," Marvel Comics, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Students work on artistic projects that address real-world issues. As a result, they gain experience interacting with clients, and they are able to begin assembling professional portfolios.
Parsons recognizes the powerful role of collaboration in arts education. In order to support collaborative activity among its students, Parsons encourages its MFA in Photography candidates to collaborate with students and faculty members in Parsons' other divisions.
Experienced Mentors
Parsons The New School for Design is home to over 100 full-time and over 1,000 part-time faculty members, all of whom are accomplished artists and designers themselves. Parsons recognizes the value of mentorship in the arts, and as a result, faculty offer students a great deal of individualized instruction. Faculty members not only help students develop their creative and critical skills, but also help prepare them to enter the art world and launch careers as professional photographers.
In addition, students are encouraged to work with an array of visiting photographers who represent a range of creative practice.
Available Funding
Parsons offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships to incoming graduate students. MFA candidates are automatically considered for scholarships when they gain entrance to the program; they are not required to submit scholarship applications. Available funds range from several hundred dollars to full tuition.
Parsons encourages its incoming students to pursue financial support from organizations outside of the university. Student Financial Services helps students locate additional funding sources.
A Fully-Accredited Institution
Parsons is part of The New School, a leading university in New York City. A privately-supported institution, The New School is chartered as a university by the Regents of the State of New York. The New School and Parsons are accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Parsons is also an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD). Parsons' degrees are recognized by other accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States.