Parsons School of Design , New York
Jim Ramer
A pioneer in art and design education for more than a century, Parsons School of Design is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive colleges of art and design in the world. Critical thinking, collaboration, and reflective practice are at the heart of a Parsons education. Located in the heart of New York City, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of design disciplines. A student-centered curriculum allows for both focused and interdisciplinary learning to master concepts, technologies, and research methods that cut across a wide array of fields. By synthesizing theory with craft, and combining art and design studies with the liberal arts and business, Parsons prepares its students to shape scholarship in their field and make art and design that matters. Its faculty of notable artists, design practitioners, critics, historians, writers, and scholars exemplifies an extraordinary breadth of vision. They challenge convention by encouraging experimentation, nurturing alternative worldviews, and joining theory with practice in sophisticated and innovative ways. Outside the classroom, students have access to unparalleled internship opportunities and industry partnerships, which open up many possibilities for entrepreneurship and professional success. Parsons prepares its students to move beyond current paradigms—to anticipate and set trends, rather than follow them, with a focus on how design can improve people’s lives in direct and fundamental ways. An integral part of The New School, Parsons builds on the university’s legacy of progressive ideals, scholarship, and pedagogy. Parsons alumni rank among the leaders in their fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century.
The graduate Photography program functions as a 21st-century studio and think tank. The goal of the 26-month program is to prepare graduates to define the creative role of photography within contemporary culture, as practicing artists and scholars.Challenging participants to move beyond current paradigms—to anticipate and set trends, rather than follow them. A rigorous critique process and regular meetings with faculty, professional artists, and visiting critics help students develop individual points of view and situate themselves and their work within larger historical, theoretical, and contemporary visual contexts.
The BFA in Photography program offers students the opportunity to create multiple bodies of work. Students are challenged bothtechnically and conceptually as they develop their skills through the exploration of analog and digital technology. The goal is to provide students with the visual, technical, conceptual, and professional vocabulary necessary to succeed in their field. Students sharpen their focus by pursuing a specific concentration, gaining technical mastery and deep knowledge of their area of interest. Concentrations include Fashion, Fine Art, Social Documentary, Commercial/Editorial and Photographic Technologies.
Learn more at www.newschool.edu/parsons.