Degree Programs

What degrees are offered at the BGC?

We offer programs leading to MA and PhD degrees in the history of the decorative arts, design, and culture. Students are able to explore the cultural history of the material world in a wide range of courses and approaches. We offer a general concentration for the MA degree, as well as the possibility of specializing in course work areas such as New York and American material culture, modern design history, history and theory of museums, early modern Europe, and comparative medieval material culture (China, Islam, Europe). All students must take a one-year survey course, two courses that concentrate on work before 1800, and one non-Western course. Every student must write a master’s thesis. Doctoral students follow a one- or two-year program of courses, take three qualifying exams, and write a doctoral dissertation.

When is the deadline for filing an application?

The deadline is January 15, 2010, for both the master of art and doctoral programs for admission in the fall of 2010.

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 nonrefundable $65 fee to: ADMISSIONS, Att: MA or PhD Program, Bard Graduate Center: Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture, 18 West 86th Street, New York, NY 10024. The candidate is responsible for making sure that all materials are received in a timely manner.

Is the GRE required of all applicants?

Yes, all candidates must submit their GRE results. Candidates must take the GRE by January 15 of the year in which they are applying. Applicants who have not submitted 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 cutoff for scores; the GRE exam is one of the many ways that the committee reviews 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

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 MA and PhD levels. However, it is not possible to complete the degree by taking only evening classes. All entering students must take one required class, the Survey of the Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture in their first year. In addition, there is a required course for entering doctoral students to be taken in the first term. There is also a required Research Methodologies Course (in the first year of study) and a Thesis Tutorial (in the final year).

What are the language requirements?

All MA students must pass an exam in one language—French, German, or Italian. The language examination, offered during the August Orientation Session and again in the fall, tests reading and translation skills with a dictionary. All doctoral students must show proficiency in two languages, typically French and German. The language requirement must be fulfilled by April 15 of the first year that MA students are at the BGC. Doctoral students must satisfy two language requirements.

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 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. Prospective applicants are also welcome to join us at an open house on October 26, November 16, or December 6, 2009. To make a reservation for an open house, call 212.501.3019.

I am an international student. Am I eligible for admission to the 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). The Educational Testing Service should send TOEFL scores to the BGC.

How does the Graduate Committee determine acceptance?

All submitted materials are carefully reviewed, and after a first-round review, a number of applicants are invited to come to the BGC for an interview in person or, if necessary, by telephone, with the Graduate Committee. Applicants are urged to come for their interview in person if at all possible. Applicants are usually contacted during early February to arrange an appointment. Please note that an application is considered incomplete and will not be acted upon until all materials have been received. Materials submitted are not returnable.

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.

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 MA thesis. Since the BGC is a research institution and the programs are writing intensive, the academic or scholarly work submitted is a very important part of the candidate’s application. All doctoral candidates must submit a thesis.

What documents should be sent with my completed application?

The nonrefundable fee, in the form of a check or money order in U.S. funds ($65), made payable to the Bard Graduate Center; the personal statement; a resume; and a sample of written scholarly work must arrive with the application. Official transcripts, three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional colleagues, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores, where appropriate for international applicants, 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.

Is there an internship program at the BGC?

All MA students are required to 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. Internships are selected by working in conjunction with the Dean of Academic Administration.

Is student housing available?

Bard Hall, located at 410 West 58th Street, provides housing for students. There is a variety of furnished studios, as well as one- and two-bedroom apartments. Apartment leases usually begin in August and run through June 15. More information about housing is available online. There is also a summer rider period.

What other programs and outreach does the BGC sponsor?

The BGC has a full range of exhibitions, symposia, and conferences. These events run throughout the academic year and give students a broad exposure to work and professional activities in their chosen fields. There are also events in gallery education that are open to students. In addition, the travel program offers students the opportunity to take a course at one of our consortium schools. The BGC also has an exchange program and selects one student a year to attend the Royal College of Art in London and Humboldt University in Berlin. Please contact Academic Programs for more information.

Does the Bard Graduate Center offer financial aid?

Yes, the BGC has a generous amount of aid to offer students at both MA and PhD levels. All students who wish to be considered for aid must file a FAFSA online by January 15, 2010. Aid at the BGC is based on need and merit, and scholarships range from three credits to full tuition coverage. Please direct any financial aid questions to Dean Elena Pinto Simon.

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 and deadlines or to download an application.

Need more help with your application?

Call admissions at the BGC at 212.501.3019 or e-mail us at admissions@bgc.bard.edu. For any specific questions, please call Dean Elena Pinto Simon at 212.501.3057 or e-mail her at simon@bgc.bard.edu.