• Architectural Design BFA

    Student's architectural model project
    Student presenting work-in-process
    Architectural project being constructed on the street in front of the University.

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    Martina Kohler, Program Director

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    • Architectural Design
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  • The BFA Architectural Design program at Parsons combines the concepts and creativity of the fine arts with the material and making disciplines of architecture and urban design. In this pre-professional major, you investigate architecture’s environmental, cultural, and theoretical foundations using methods ranging from full-scale construction to digital animation. You study form, tectonics, structure, energy, and urban dynamics and create sustainable, socially engaged, globally oriented work.

    Program Highlights

    • Thinking through Making

      Learn architectural design methods for exploring and investigating the ways people interact with space and the cultural factors influencing design.

    • Environmental Perspectives

      Develop an understanding of sustainable and resilience-fostering methods of construction, nontoxic materials, and building operations in a range of site and cultural contexts, from the urban to the rural.

    • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

      Study and work alongside students in related programs—such as interior, product, and lighting design—to broaden your design knowledge.

    • Real-World Insights

      Immerse yourself in leading-edge architectural practice through guest lectures from working professionals; visits to sites of cultural, ecological, and material significance; and engagement with studios and industry partners.

    • Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
    • Format Full-time, on campus
    • Credits 120
    • Duration 4 years
    • Other program status STEM-designated

  • Curriculum

    Your BFA begins with Parsons’ first-year curriculum, which serves as the academic foundation for all undergraduate programs at Parsons. From your second year on, you dive into courses in your major field of study. Art and design history and theory courses develop your research, writing, and critical reasoning skills, and university electives broaden your perspective.

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  • Career Paths

    Graduates of the BFA Architectural Design pursue careers and advanced education in architecture, landscape architecture, environmental art, and urban, exhibition, and interior design. Some students continue their study in Parsons’ Master of Architecture, with the opportunity to complete the MArch in only two additional years of study.  

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    Discover what our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide.

    sce.parsons.edu

  • Parsons faculty represent a broad range of expertise and are acknowledged as leading practitioners and scholars in their fields.

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    • Beyond the Classroom

      • TNS_Website-042015_ALT_Student_Life_014

        Internships

        New York City’s thriving creative industry and cultural institutions are part of your Parsons education. Our Career Services Office is deeply connected to the art and design industries and can help you advance your career with industry-oriented internships.

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        Industry Engagement

        Connect to the organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving global creativity and commerce. In classes, internships, and extracurricular projects, you gain marketable problem-solving skills in sectors ranging from government and nonprofits to tech and creative industries.

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        Study Abroad

        Enrich your learning and prepare for work in global contexts with study abroad that exposes you to new perspectives and settings in which to apply your creativity. Our study abroad destinations include, Paris, London, Florence, and more.

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        Making & Academic Resources

        Enjoy access to extensive resources including New School libraries, computer labs, archives, and studios, along with Parsons’ state-of-the-art Making Center, facilities offering a broad array of tools to support your creative and academic growth.

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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.