1. What degrees are offered at the BGC?
We offer programs leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in the History of the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture. We offer a general concentration in the decorative arts, as well as a the possibility of doing courses in Landscape Studies and Garden History, American Art and Culture, 19th and 20th Century Studies, Museum History and Practice, Renaissance and Early Modern Studies, the Arts of Asia, the Arts of Antiquity, and the Arts of Islam. All involve an interdisciplinary approach to the decorative arts.

2. When is the deadline for filing an application?
The deadline is January 16, 2008 for both Programs; M.A. and Ph.D.for admission in Fall, 2008.

3. What must I submit with my application?
All applicants must submit a completed application form, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, a resume, a sample of written scholarly work, transcripts from ALL previously attended institutions of higher education, GRE results, and a non-refundable $50.00 fee to: ADMISSIONS, Attn: M.A. or Ph.D. program, the Bard Graduate Center, 18 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024. The candidate is responsible to make sure that all materials are received in a timely manner.

4. Is the GRE required of all applicants?
Yes, all candidates must submit their GRE results. Candidates must take the GRE by February 1st of the year in which they are applying. Applications without GRE scores cannot be scheduled for an interview. The GRE is one part of the overall qualifications that are considered by the Admissions Committee. The BGC does not have a cut-off for scores; the exam is one of many ways for the committee to review candidates. The GRE submitted may not be more than three years old. The BGC score report code number is 2020. Only official copies of the exam results will be accepted. For further information about testing, call 609.771.7670.

5. Is it possible for me to do my graduate degree part-time?
Yes, the BGC acknowledges that many working professionals and others in the process of changing careers might need to work on a part- time basis. This may be done at both the M.A. and Ph.D. level. There is one required afternoon class, the Survey of the Decorative Arts, which all entering students must take in their first year.

6. What are the language requirements?
All M.A. students must pass an exam in one language—either French, German, or Italian. The language examination is offered during the August Orientation, and again in the fall, and tests reading/translation skill with a dictionary. All doctoral students must show proficiency in two languages, typically French and German. The language requirement must be fulfilled by April 15th of the first year M.A. students are at the BGC.

7. May I visit The Bard Graduate Center?
Yes, students in the area are welcome to arrange a visit, and tour the facilities. It is also possible to arrange for you to meet with a faculty member or senior administrator. To arrange such a visit, call Dean Elena Pinto Simon at: 212.501.3057. Inquiring applicants are also welcome to join us at an Open House in the Fall.

8. I am an International Student. Am I eligible for admission to BGC?
Yes, the BGC welcomes international candidates. All foreign students must demonstrate proficiency in English and should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores should be sent to the BGC by the Educational Testing Service.

9. How does the Admissions Committee determine acceptance?
All submitted materials are carefully reviewed, and all applicants are required to interview either in person or by telephone with a Graduate Admissions Committee. Applicants are urged to come fro their interview in person, if at all possible. Applicants are usually contacted during early February to arrange an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: An application is considered incomplete and will not be acted upon until all materials have been received. Materials submitted are not returnable.

10. What should my personal statement include?
The personal statement is an important part of the total Admissions document, and should be no more than 500 words explaining why the applicant has chosen one of the areas offered by the BGC as a field of graduate study. The statement should be specific, especially as to career goals.

11. What is an acceptable sample of written scholarly work?
The committee will consider a college research paper, published article, exhibition review, or catalogue entries. Doctoral candidates must submit a copy of their M.A. Thesis. Since the BGC is a research institution, and the programs are writing intensive, the academic/scholarly work submitted is an important part of the candidate’s application.

12. What documents should be sent with my completed application?
The non-refundable fee in the form of a check or money order in US funds, made payable to the Bard Graduate Center, the personal statement, a resume, and the sample of written scholarly work must arrive with the application. Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional colleagues, GRE scores, and where appropriate for international applicants, TOEFL scores may be sent separately. All letters of recommendation must be signed across the seal and sent to the BGC directly from the authors. Copies sent by the applicant are not acceptable. All materials are needed for admissions review, and must be submitted in a timely manner.

13. Is there an Internship Program at BGC?
All students do an internship as part of their graduate work. The BGC has an active Internship Program associated with many of New York’s major cultural institutions. BGC students have done internships at more than 250 institutions in the New York area and around the world.

14. Is Student Housing available?
Bard Hall, located at 410 West 58th Street, provides housing for students. There are a variety of furnished studio, one, and two bedroom apartments. Apartment leases begin July 1 and run through June 15. More information about housing is available online.

15. What other programs and outreach does BGC sponsor?
The BGC has a full range of Public Programs, Exhibitions, Symposia, and Conferences that runs throughout the academic year giving students a broad exposure to work and professional activities in their chosen fields.

16. Are there opportunities to visit the BGC and meet faculty? Yes! The BGC is hosting three Open Houses this fall: October 19, November 13, and December 13.; All will be at 38 West 86th Street, Ground Floor Lecture Hall, and each will run from 6 to 8 PM. Faculty and senior staff will be on hand to answer your questions. We invite you to join us! To RSVP, please call 212.501.3019.

17. What is Bard Term Abroad?
Bard Term Abroad is a unique opportunity offered by the BGC. At the end of the regular spring term, the first year M.A. class is invited to travel with two faculty members for three weeks in an intensive study program. The school pays for airfare and housing accommodations for the usual three-week stay. Past trips have been to Scandinavia, Holland, France, Germany, Italy, England and Scotland, China and Japan. Students must have completed at least 18 credits in order to be eligible to participate, and be in good academic standing.

18. Where can I find additional information about the BGC online?
Please go to our website, www.bgc.bard.edu, for more detailed information about our programs, deadlines, and to download an application if you do not already have one.

Need more help with your application? Call admissions at BGC at 212.501.3078 or email us at: admissions@bgc.bard.edu

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