Your first year at Bard begins with the Language and Thinking Program—a three-week intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences with a focus on writing. It is attended by all incoming students and is required for matriculation into the College. Watch this video to discover how first-year students typically spend their first three weeks on campus.
First-Year Seminar is a two-semester course taken by all first-years at Bard. Its goal is to create a basis for shared conversation among the first-year class and build foundational skills for success in college: attentive close reading of challenging texts; respectful and inclusive dialogue with others; the ability to ask profound and interesting questions about what you read; and developing your academic voice through writing.
Citizen Science is an innovative program for all first year students. Through two weeks of intensive study during the January intersession, students develop a core understanding of both the conduct and the content of science. This foundation allows them as citizens to grapple with the ever-increasing number of national and global issues influenced by science.
Sophomores at Bard College establish a major program and transition from the Lower College to the Upper College through a process called Moderation. In Moderation, students write papers identifying their academic progress and goals and submit a sample of work done in the program. Each student meets with a board of three faculty members who evaluate and advise the student as he or she moves forward into the Upper College. Learn More
Visit the COVID-19 Response website for comprehensive information about arrival on campus and the fall semester.