The New School - Program in Theories of Urban Practice - Overview
A New Urban Design Program at a Top-Ranked University
The MA in Theories of Urban Practice at Parsons the New School for Design is a research-driven graduate program aimed at students who want to pursue careers in urban design, city planning, academics, or public policy.
The Theories of Urban Practice master's program is housed within Parsons's School of Design Strategies. Parsons the New School for Design is home to several top-ranking art and design programs. According to "US News and World Report," the New School is ranked among the country's top 150 universities.
Parsons's Theories of Urban Practice program, which will launch in fall of 2012, is pending approval by the New York State Education Department and review by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
History, Theory, and Analysis: An Academic Approach to Urban Design
Parsons's Theories of Urban Practice master's program places an emphasis on research and analysis of the political, economic, social, and environmental factors that shape the development of cities worldwide.
The program represents a departure from many urban design and planning programs, which focus on studio work rather than academic research. Students enrolled in the 36-hour Theories of Urban Practice MS program at Parsons focus on developing research and writing skills as they work to develop and complete original thesis projects.
Coursework and Thesis Requirement for the Theories of Urban Practice Master's Program
Students in the 2-year program participate in a wide variety of learning activities, including academic coursework, small group discussions, readings, guest speakers, field trips, and collaborative projects with students in other programs.
During the first year of the program, each student in the Theories of Urban Practice program at Parsons the New School for Design will complete 2 core courses in urban design, plus a studio, lab, or workshop elective that relates to the student's area of interest.
The second year of the program is dedicated to the development and completion of the thesis. All students in the program are required to submit theses that demonstrates their skills in research, critical thinking, problem solving, and writing.
A Variety of Career Paths
The MS in Theories of Urban Practice program at Parsons is designed for students who wish to work in leadership roles in private design firms, educational institutions, development corporations, government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks.
The research-focused program also prepares students for academic careers. Graduates of the program may choose to pursue PhDs in fields closely related to architecture, city planning, or urbanism.
A Program for Students with Diverse Interests and Backgrounds
Although many students in the Theories of Urban Practice master's program have backgrounds in closely related fields such as architecture or design, the program is open to students from any academic backgrounds, including liberal arts, sociology, media, and environmental studies.
Distinguished Faculty Members
The Theories of Urban Practice master's degree program is home to several noted experts in the fields of architecture, urban design, urban studies, and landscape architecture.
Dr. Aseem Inan, the program director for the Theories of Urban Practice program, has taught at MIT, UCLA, and the University of Michigan. Professor Inan has worked on planning projects around the world, including projects in California, Idaho, India, Canada, and Morocco. He has published several award-winning papers and is the author of a book titled, "Planning for the Unplanned: Recovering from Crises in Megacities."
Professor Brian McGrath is an expert in urban design and has worked on projects with a wide range of corporations and organizations, including the USDA Forest Service, the Institute for Ecosystem Studies, and the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. Assistant Professor Victoria Marshall is the founder of TILL, a Newark-based landscape architecture and urban design office.
Cutting-Edge Resources at the New School
Students at Parsons the New School for Design have access to a variety of technology and equipment. The New School is home to more than 1,000 computer workstations; a high-quality printing center; and specialized facilities and laboratories for jewelry making, metalworking, modeling, recording, and animation.
The New School is home to several libraries, including the Gimbel Art and Design Library, the Kellen Archive, and the Fogelman Library. Additionally, all students at Parsons the New School for Design have access to a citywide network of research libraries through the Research Library Association of South Manhattan.
Costs and Financial Aid Options
Fees for a semester of Parsons the New School for Design include tuition, books, room and board, supplies, and transportation. Parsons offers several grants and scholarships for graduate students, and all students are considered for financial aid when they apply for admission. Graduate students may also apply for other sources of aid, including loans and work-study programs.
An Iconic Design School in the Heart of New York City
Parsons the New School for Design has earned a reputation as a leading art and design school. Parsons was founded in 1896 and joined the New School in1970. Notable Parsons graduates include fashion designers Donna Karan and Narciso Rodriquez, painter Edward Hopper, and filmmaker Joel Schumacher.
Parsons is located in New York City's Greenwich Village, just minutes from some of the country's most notable museums, art galleries, and theaters.