Special Programs

Chase Scholars Program

A rigorous program of academic study and intensive studio, the Chase Scholars program is designed for students who have a strong interest in design, high academic achievement and well developed critical thinking skills but limited studio experience. Students interested in this program must present an outstanding record and possess the discipline, maturity and self-motivation to succeed at Parsons. During the Admissions process, focus will be placed on the student's academic record and the student's statement of intent. The statement of intent will address why the student has decided to pursue their studies at Parsons. Special scholarships are available for successful candidates.

BA/BFA Degree Program

Parsons and Eugene Lang College together offer a five-year program in which undergraduate students are allowed to simultaneously complete both the professional Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at Parsons and the liberal arts Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at Lang. In this five-year BA/BFA program that is called “BAFA” on campus, students select a Path of Study at Lang from the eleven offered (Cultural Studies; Education Studies; The Arts; Literature; Writing; Philosophy; Psychology; Religious Studies; Science, Technology & Society; Social & Historical Inquiry; or Urban Studies) and major in one of the ten professional areas offered by Parsons (Architectural Design; Communication Design; Design & Technology; Fashion Design; Fine Arts; Illustration; Integrated Design; Interior Design; Photography; or Product Design). Students who participate in the BAFA program tend to have multiple interests in design and the arts, as well as the liberal arts, and would prefer to immerse themselves in both areas of study instead of choosing only one. Upon graduation BAFA students are well-equipped to enter into a variety of professional fields and/or graduate study.

Special Student Status

A limited number of applicants are selected to participate in a special one-year program as non-matriculated students. This program is based on an evaluation of each accepted applicant's respective background. Follow the standard admissions instructions for the program in which you would like to study.

Digital Animation Concentration

The Parsons Animation Sequence is a cross-disciplinary program open to Illustration students and others by special permission. The curriculum provides students with animation skills such as story telling, character design, consistent world design, cinematography, compositing, editing, sound design, motion capture technology and animation for game design. The Animation Sequence is a suite of 10 courses students take throughout their sophomore, junior and senior year. Follow the standard admissions instructions and select 'Animation' in the special program section of the application.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) offers support to students whose college success may not be readily predicted through the use of such traditional methods as high school grades and standardized test scores. Applicants must be residents of New York State. Their family incomes must meet guidelines established by the State Department of Education. Successful HEOP candidates must exhibit the exceptional art and design talent expected of all Parsons students. Students and art teachers interested in HEOP should contact: The Director, HEOP, Parsons School of Design, 66 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011: tel. 212-229-8996.

Early Admission of High School Juniors

A limited number of students are admitted to the first-year Foundation Program after completion of the junior year of high school. If you are interested in being admitted to Parsons early, you must submit PSAT scores if SAT or ACT scores are not available. You must also provide a letter from your high school allowing this program to be substituted for your regular senior year. If admitted to Parsons, you must submit your high school diploma to the Office of Admissions prior to the beginning of the sophomore year at Parsons.