In the next installment of the C-Suite Series, we have a special feature: an in-depth conversation between Editor Randy Reid and Dr. Craig Bernecker of The New School’s Parsons School of Design. Known for his pioneering work in lighting education, Dr. Bernecker offered insight into Parsons’ renowned graduate lighting design programs and the broader state of the profession.
A Unique Graduate Program in Lighting Design
Parsons is one of the few institutions worldwide to offer graduate degrees dedicated specifically to lighting design. Dr. Bernecker explained that the school currently offers three distinct academic tracks:
-
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Lighting Design
-
MFA in Lighting Design and Interior Design (Double Major)
-
Dual Degree: Master of Architecture and MFA in Lighting Design
Lighting design serves as the core of all three programs. Based in New York City, Parsons’ location offers students opportunities to work with top-tier lighting design firms. In addition to a strong focus on professional practice, the program emphasizes research and innovation. Students engage in experimental thesis projects that teach them to understand and apply new information—a critical skill in a constantly evolving industry.
Support from Industry Partners
The Parsons lighting program is significantly enhanced by its Lighting Design Partners Program, which includes design firms and industry manufacturers who contribute funding and resources to support student learning.
These contributions have enabled the purchase of advanced equipment, including a goniophotometer—a device used to measure luminaire performance. The photometer is now a central component in the school’s newly renovated light lab, giving students hands-on experience with the tools used in professional analysis.
In addition to equipment, partner contributions help fund scholarships and financial aid, further supporting student success.
Preparing Students for Real-World Careers
One of the standout initiatives of the program is “ProTango,” a reverse career fair that flips the traditional job-search dynamic. Instead of companies showcasing themselves, students display their work in a uniform, curated format. Employers—primarily lighting design firms—then circulate and initiate conversations with the students they find most compelling.
According to Dr. Bernecker, the event has also attracted representatives from sales agencies and manufacturers, offering students a wider range of career paths. While most graduates begin their careers in design firms, some eventually transition to roles in the industry or research, including positions with organizations like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory under the U.S. Department of Energy.
Graduation Numbers and Program Duration
Looking ahead to the Class of 2025, Dr. Bernecker shared the following expected graduation figures:
-
12 students from the Lighting Design MFA program
-
6 students from the Double Major program
-
2 students from the Dual Degree program
These numbers are consistent with previous years, reflecting steady interest in the field. The duration of each program varies:
-
MFA in Lighting Design: 2 years
-
Double Major: 3 years (compared to 4 if taken separately)
-
Dual Degree: 4 years (compared to 5 if pursued individually)
When asked about the earning potential of graduates, Dr. Bernecker estimated that those with a specialized degree from Parsons may start with salaries 15% to 20% higher than peers entering the profession without a formal lighting design education.
Reflections on LEDucation 2025 and Industry Outlook
Dr. Bernecker praised the atmosphere at LEDucation 2025, citing strong engagement from manufacturers and a high level of attendance. Though he had limited time to explore the show floor due to his commitments representing both Parsons and the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), he noted the enthusiasm and energy among attendees.
On the future of lighting design, Dr. Bernecker remains optimistic. He pointed to a noticeable increase in the number of firms hiring Parsons graduates—some firms that once hired one or two students now take on four or five.
Randy Reid echoed that sentiment, noting that The Edison Report continues to receive a high volume of job postings from lighting firms, further indicating a healthy job market.
Honoring a Legend in Lighting
As the interview concluded, Reid acknowledged Dr. Bernecker’s extraordinary contributions to the industry. A former president of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Dr. Bernecker is the only individual to have received two Lifetime Achievement Awards: one from EdisonReport and another from the LIT Lighting Design Awards in Athens.
His dedication to education, research, and industry advancement continues to influence generations of lighting professionals. Reid closed the conversation by thanking Dr. Bernecker for his service and calling him what many in the profession already know him to be—a true legend in lighting.