Chairperson: Scott Gordley

The Department of Art and Design at Montclair State University has been developing aspiring artists and designers for nearly 50 years. The philosophy of the department hinges on the principle that students should be exposed to all facets of the visual arts, no matter what their primary focus. To this end, students are encouraged to explore studies in many arts areas, building toward a portfolio of work that will assist them in establishing lives as artists/designers, historians, arts managers or educators.  Graduates of the programs go on to impact all areas of the arts, interpreting and giving shape to the visual world around us.

The Department of Art and Design offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs including several majors, concentrations, specializations and a minor.

Undergraduate Programs

On the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree combines a broad liberal arts education with a rich experience in the major, while the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) provides a more intensive experience in the major to prepare students for careers as professional artists in their respective fields.

The B.A. degree is offered in Fine Arts (with concentrations in Studio, Art History and Art Education) as well as in Fashion Studies.  While the Studio program explores a range of art-making experiences, the Art History program focuses on the historical development of art.  The program in Art Education leads to certification to teach in the public schools as well as trains students to teach in museums and community centers; whereas the Fashion Studies program addresses all facets of the fashion industry.

The B.F.A. degree provides intensive pre-professional experience, preparing students as artists and practitioners in Animation and Illustration, Filmmaking, Fine Arts Studio, Graphic Design and Industrial Design. 

Those majoring in the B.F.A. in Fine Arts/Studio may specialize and/or take course work in a wide range of studio areas including ceramics, drawing, metalwork/jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

Applicants to the programs, except those interested in Fashion Studies and Art History, must complete a portfolio review for admission, in addition to satisfying Montclair State’s academic requirements.  B.F.A. candidates must satisfy an additional portfolio review once accepted into the Department. 

Graduate Programs

On the graduate level, the Master of Arts in Fine Arts (M.A.) degree allows for concentrations in Museum Management and Studio. The Museum Management concentration prepares students for work in museums, auction houses, historical societies and virtually any type of cultural institution. The Studio concentration includes several areas of specialization including painting, sculpture, ceramics, metalwork/jewelry, among others, giving students the opportunity to advance an existing skill or pursue a new direction, and/or to develop a portfolio for application to an intensive M.F.A. program.

The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (M.F.A.) addresses the needs of students preparing for careers as professional artists in the contemporary art world. The full-time program combines the flexibility of an independent-study based curriculum with a broad, interdisciplinary studio experience. 

The Department also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Art Teacher Certification program for candidates with or without an undergraduate art degree who wish to obtain certification to teach art K-12.

Admission to Programs and Further Information

Additional information, entrance requirements as well as the dates for portfolio reviews, where applicable, may be obtained by visiting the Art and Design webpage or calling the Department at 973-655-7295.

The Department of Art and Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD.)