Master’s program applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program, there are no restrictions as to the applicant’s prior field of study. However, applicants are expected to have had previous study, training, or work experience in the history of art, architecture, decorative arts, or garden history and landscape preservation. Some preparation in art history is encouraged, but not required. Prospective master of arts program students should have a reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian.

Ph.D. program applicants are required to hold an M.A. in either the decorative arts or a related field such as art history, history, or cultural studies. Students entering the doctoral program with an M.A. from another institution are required to take additional courses as part of their program of study for candidacy for the Ph.D. Students who have completed the M.A. at the Bard Graduate Center and who wish to continue study toward the Ph.D. must make a separate application to the Ph.D. program. Students applying to the doctoral program should have reading knowledge of two languages from among French, Italian, German, or other languages by petition. After prescreening by a faculty committee, a number of applicants are asked to schedule interviews with the Graduate Admissions Committee. All applicants must be able to communicate effectively in written and spoken English. This ability is assessed by the Graduate Admissions Committee based on an interview—conducted either in person or by phone—and a sample of written scholarly work. Students are encouraged to come for an interview, if possible. Students with deficiencies are expected to rectify them prior to admission to the program. Some students may be able to correct these inadequacies during the first academic year, but such work is not granted credit.

Student Profile
The international student body of the Bard Graduate Center’s degree programs comprises recent college graduates; holders of advanced degrees who wish to pursue studies in the history of the decorative arts, design, museum studies, or garden history and landscape studies; and people employed in arts-related fields who wish to strengthen their academic background and enhance their professional standing.

Approximately 25 students are admitted each academic year to the master of arts program and five to the doctoral program. In some cases, transfer students may qualify for admission to the program with some advanced standing.

International Students
International students must be proficient in English and should submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). In order to receive visa documentation, foreign students must submit proof that income from all sources is sufficient to cover expenses during the period of residency in the United States. To this end, foreign applicants must complete a Certification of Finances. Evidence of financial responsibility must be demonstrated by one of the following: affidavit from a bank, certification by parents or sponsors of their ability to provide the necessary funds, or certification by employers of anticipated income.

Part-Time Study
Part-time study is available to students in both the master of arts and the doctoral programs. Part-time M.A. students normally take the full August Orientation Session in the year they are accepted into the program. All part-time students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits in each fall and spring term.

back to top