Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Design

The BFA Architectural Design (BFA AD) program at Parsons combines comprehensive education in design methodology, coursework to develop creativity, and training in the material, spatial, and making practices of architecture and urban design.

As a program housed in a school that offers an accredited MArch degree, BFA AD prepares students for a pathway to licensure in the state of New York. Many students choose to pursue graduate study in architecture, some through Parsons’ 42 program, which enables undergraduate students to take graduate courses in their senior year and shortens the typical three-year MArch course of study to two years.

"Complete the Required Essay Essay 1 What social issue or construct would you choose to affect change through your study or work at The New School? (200-400 words) Essay 2 What specific aspects of The New School's academic programs or community drew you to apply? Please pay particular attention to the college and program that you have applied to in your essay. (200-400 words) Submit Your Portfolio and/or Parsons Challenge We require applicants to submit their Common Application before uploading their portfolio and/or Parsons Challenge. In order to review your application, we will need to receive all required materials. You must submit your portfolio and Parsons Challenge through your Admission Hub after submission of the Common Application. After submission of your Common Application, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your Admission Hub. The portfolio and/or Parsons Challenge must be submitted within seven days of the application deadline or within seven days of submission of the Common Application (if the application was submitted after our posted deadline). You must use the same email address that you used to complete your Common Application when you create your portfolio. For guidance on submitting and uploading these pieces, review our instructional video. Submit Letters of Recommendation First Year Applicants Applicants applying directly from high school must submit one counselor recommendation and one recommendation from a teacher. The Common Application School Report is also required. Submit Official Transcripts All applicants must provide official high school and/or college transcripts from all institutions attended. Undergraduate applicants who have attended multiple high schools can submit only the graduating school’s official transcript as long as all prior coursework is listed on that transcript. International Baccalaureate (IB): Students can pursue either the IB Diploma Program (DP) or IB Career-related Program (CP). Applicants who are taking individual IB courses as a supplement to a national curriculum are permitted to pursue individual IB courses rather than the DP or CP. Minimum required scores are: TOEFL iBT- 92 IELTS - 7