Admission FAQs
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What is the ideal preparation for acceptance to the Bard MAT Program?
What is the ideal preparation for acceptance to the Bard MAT Program?
The ideal candidate will have a BA or BS degree from an accredited liberal arts institution with a major or concentration in the subject they intend to study in the Bard MAT. Transcript reviews for non-majors encouraged. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is also required. -
How should I proceed if I am concerned about meeting Bard MAT Program prerequisites?
How should I proceed if I am concerned about meeting Bard MAT Program prerequisites?
All interested students, especially those who did not major in one of the five subject areas we offer, are encouraged to contact the Bard MAT admission office for a review of qualifications before applying.
Transcript review requests and other questions regarding qualifications for admission can be sent to [email protected]. -
Does the Bard MAT require GREs for admission?
Does the Bard MAT require GREs for admission?
No. The Bard MAT does not require the GRE for admission. -
What are the age ranges of applicants and accepted students in the Bard MAT Program?
What are the age ranges of applicants and accepted students in the Bard MAT Program?
Applicants and accepted students to the Bard MAT Program are of different ages and backgrounds. The MAT enrolls students who are recent college graduates, as well as career changers, and returning students from all walks of life. -
Are applicants to the Bard MAT required to have formal teaching experience prior to entering the Bard MAT Program?
Are applicants to the Bard MAT required to have formal teaching experience prior to entering the Bard MAT Program?
Applicants to the Bard MAT Program do not have to have had any formal teaching experience. Applicants should, however, have worked with young people in some capacity such as tutoring, camp counseling, substitute teaching, etc.
Program FAQs
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What degrees does the Bard MAT offer?
What degrees does the Bard MAT offer?
The Bard MAT Program offers Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees in Biology, History, Literature, Mathematics, or Spanish. -
What areas of certification does the Bard MAT offer?
What areas of certification does the Bard MAT offer?
The Bard MAT offers New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Secondary Education (grades 7–12) in Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Spanish. TESOL Certificates are also offered to interested students who complete a 10-hour workshop offered by the College. -
When does the Bard MAT Program begin?
When does the Bard MAT Program begin?
The MAT Program begins in June and runs through the following May. -
Where and how are Bard MAT Program student teaching placements assigned?
Where and how are Bard MAT Program student teaching placements assigned?
The Bard MAT has relationships with many partner schools within a 30 mile radius of Bard College. Each MAT student gets two placements during their time in the Program, one in the fall and one in the spring. Placements are determined by the MAT faculty and are based on many factors including mentor availability and best placement fits for MAT apprentice teachers. A list of our partner school districts can be found here. -
Is it possible to work while attending the Bard MAT Program?
Is it possible to work while attending the Bard MAT Program?
Students enrolled in the one-year (full-time) program can work part time or less during the year in the program. Two-year (part-time) students can work full time during the first year of the program and part time during the second. -
Do I need a vehicle during my time in the Bard MAT Program?
Do I need a vehicle during my time in the Bard MAT Program?
Ideally, yes, students in the Bard MAT Program should have access to their own vehicle. Bard College is in a rural location, so public transportation cannot be relied upon to get students to and from their classes and student teaching placements. -
Is there graduate housing available on Bard's campus?
Is there graduate housing available on Bard's campus?
Yes. There is limited on-campus dorm housing for graduate students, which is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Many graduate students choose to live off campus in one of the neighboring towns.
Tuition, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants FAQs
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Does Bard MAT offer scholarships and/or other forms of tuition assistance?
Does Bard MAT offer scholarships and/or other forms of tuition assistance?
Yes. The Bard MAT offers need-based scholarship aid to all qualified students. In addition to scholarship aid, the Bard MAT offers fellowships through the Peace Corps and Americorps. Students are also eligible to take out federal and private loans to cover remaining tuition costs and other costs associated with the Program. -
Are there other fees, aside from tuition, associated with the program?
Are there other fees, aside from tuition, associated with the program?
There are additional fees associated with the New York State Education Department teacher certification requirements. More information can be found here.
Certification and Credentialing FAQs
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What other requirements must be met to become a certified teacher in New York State?
What other requirements must be met to become a certified teacher in New York State?
The New York State Education Department has additional requirements that candidates must fulfill in order to be issued certification. All of these requirements can be fulfilled during the course of the Program. Additional costs associated with certification are the responsibility of the student. Information about additional certification requirements can be found here. -
Is New York State certification transferable to other states?
Is New York State certification transferable to other states?
Yes. New York State has interstate reciprocity agreements with 44 other states and jurisdictions. Bard College is included as one of the teacher preparatory programs acceptable for the purposes of interstate recognition. Contact the MAT Program for more information about reciprocity.
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How soon after completion of this program will I be certified?
How soon after completion of this program will I be certified?
During their time in the Program, MAT students work to complete all NYSED required certification requirements. Once a student has completed the MAT degree they are recommended for initial certification by the Bard MAT Program. Once all state requirements have been met, certification will be issued by the State of New York.
Graduation and Beyond
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Upon completion of the Program, how do I obtain an official copy of my graduate transcript?
Upon completion of the Program, how do I obtain an official copy of my graduate transcript?
Official copies of graduate transcripts can be ordered through the Bard College Registrar's Office.
PDFs of official transcripts can be obtained through the MAT office by emailing a request to [email protected]. -
When I am applying for teaching jobs, whom should I contact to have my placement file sent?
When I am applying for teaching jobs, whom should I contact to have my placement file sent?
Placement files for all MAT graduates are kept on file with the MAT Program. To request placement files to be sent to a school district on your behalf, email a request to [email protected]. -
Where are MAT graduates teaching?
Bard MAT graduates teach all over the United States and internationally.
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How successful are your graduates in finding teaching jobs?
How successful are your graduates in finding teaching jobs?
The Bard MAT has a 90% hiring rate the first year after graduation. 83% of our graduates since 2004 are still employed in the field of education. -
What kind of help does the MAT provide to its students in their job search?
What kind of help does the MAT provide to its students in their job search?
The MAT provides career development support, resume and cover letter preparation, practice interviews, and general job search support during the program and postgraduation.