Bard Graduate Center
university
Bard Graduate Center

Bard Graduate Center

Bard Graduate Center is an advanced graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the cultural histories of the material world.

18 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024, USA

About Bard Graduate Center

Bard Graduate Center (BGC), affiliated with Bard College, is an advanced graduate research institute and gallery located in New York City. Established in 1993, BGC is devoted to the cultural histories of the material world, fostering new perspectives on decorative arts, design history, and material culture. It offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs, emphasizing an object-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning. The curriculum integrates insights from art history, anthropology, history, and archaeology, preparing students for roles as curators, researchers, and educators. Beyond academics, BGC hosts a vibrant gallery with regular exhibitions, supports research initiatives, publishes scholarly works, and provides public programs. The academic and library facilities are at 38 West 86th Street, while the gallery is at 18 West 86th Street.
Program NameDetails
Master of Arts (MA) in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture
Master

This program focuses on the cultural history of the material world, exploring decorative arts, design history and material culture. Students construct their own program of study with required courses, tutorials, independent studies, travel and internships.

2 Years (full-time residency requirement: 4 terms)
English
Tuition for 2025–26 is $1,665 per credit. A full-time student normally takes 26 credits in the first year and 22 credits in the second year for a total of 48 credits.
Deadline: January 8 (for Fall admission)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture
PhD

This program provides advanced study in the cultural history of the material world for students seeking a doctoral degree. Students in the MA and PhD programs take the same courses.

5 years (funded)
English
Tuition for 2025–26 is $1,665 per credit. After completion of qualifying exams, tuition for dissertation registration is $4,750.
Deadline: January 8 (for Fall admission)

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
2
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Bard Graduate Center is an accredited unit of Bard College. Bard College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The MA and PhD degrees in decorative arts, design history, and material culture offered by Bard are registered by the New York State Education Department.
Admissions
46% (for application year 2022)
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
MA applications for Fall 2026 are due March 1, 2026
Requirements
0: Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
1: English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL score, school code 5034)
2: GRE scores are no longer required but can be submitted (report code 2020)
3: International Student Financial Aid Form (for international applicants)
4: Certification of Finances (for international applicants)

Bard Graduate Center Academic FAQ

Bard Graduate Center is Bard Graduate Center is an advanced graduate research institute in New York City dedicated to the cultural histories of the material world.

The acceptance rate for Bard Graduate Center is 46% (for application year 2022), reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL score, school code 5034), GRE scores are no longer required but can be submitted (repo....

Bard Graduate Center provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Master of Arts (MA) in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Not explicitly stated for Bard Graduate Center. However, BGC is noted for its small size, with under 20 core faculty members, suggesting a very low student-to-faculty ratio., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Bard Graduate Center is situated in New York, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Bard Graduate Center holds accreditations from: Bard Graduate Center is an accredited unit of Bard College. Bard College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The MA and PhD degrees in decorative arts, design history, and material culture offered by Bard are registered by the New York State Education Department..