You can fulfill your liberal arts elective requirements with courses offered throughout the university. Below are tips for researching classes and a key to subject codes of liberal arts electives offered at Parsons.
Liberal Arts Elective Subject Codes and Topics
Enter search terms for subjects that interest you on the University Course Catalog page. You can also scan for Parsons classes using the subject codes shown below. Look for the “Liberal Arts Elective” or “Non-Liberal
Arts” tag found at the upper right-hand corner of the course pages or filter for “Liberal Arts” in the course catalog.
Parsons Liberal Arts Elective Codes and Topics
PLAH: History of Art and Design
PLDS: Design Studies
PLFS: Fashion Studies
PLHT: History of Visual and Material Culture
PLSD: Spatial Design Studies
PLVS: Visual Studies
Electives and Course Levels
As you browse electives, you'll notice that each class has a number. The numbers are the course level and reflect how advanced the course material is. Higher course levels are more advanced. The guide shown below can help you choose among your options.
1000-level courses (such as PSAM 1001) are introductory-level courses, designed to acquaint you with the basics. They are particularly suitable for first-year students and anyone looking to acquire a new skill.
2000- to 3000-level courses (such as PLAH 3000) are intermediate-level classes, designed for second- or third-year students.
4000-level courses (such as PSDS 4001) are more advanced classes that cover specialized topics in depth. These courses are best suited to seniors and students who already have a solid foundation in the subject.
Keep an eye out for any restrictions or prerequisites listed in the course descriptions, as some classes are open only to students of designated year levels or those who have completed specific courses.
Advising Support
Advisors can help you select electives throughout your academic journey at Parsons. Make an appointment with your advisor through Starfish. Schedule regular appointments with your advisor so you can stay on track with program requirements and electives and meet your learning objectives.
Electives and Minors
Electives enable you to pursue interests outside of your major, and you can focus on these subjects in even greater depth by pursuing a minor. Minors are sets of courses that develop skills in broadly applicable fields such as writing, psychology, immersive
storytelling, coding, urban studies, and fashion communications. Most classes for minors fulfill elective requirements. By complementing what you learn in your major, minors help you become a well-rounded, adaptable graduate and tailor your own career
path. Visit the undergraduate minors page to learn more about minors.