Art & Design Program Admission

 

Department Admission Contacts -

Area Specialization Contacts -

Contact respective Program Coordinators listed on the Faculty & Staff page.

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Undergraduate Applicant Instructions

For most freshman and transfer applicants, applying to the Department of Art & Design is a two-step process that requires first submitting an application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Additional requirements vary by major or concentration:

Graduate Applicant Instructions

For most graduate applicants, applying to the Department of Art & Design is a two-step process that requires first submitting an application to the MSU Office of Graduate Admissions. Additional requirements vary by major or concentration:

Admission requirements for graduate programs in the Department of Art & Design are available through the Graduate Office of Admissions and Support Services:

 

 

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Admitted Students

Applicants to the Department of Art & Design may qualify for one of the scholarships available for incoming university students. Information may be found on the Office of Admissions Scholarship Information webpage. Additional sources of aid, including loans and student work -study are available through the Office of Financial Aid.

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Undergraduate Portfolio Review
Dates

 

2009-2010 Portfolio Reviews will take place on the dates listed below. 

Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.)

Studio (Non-specific)*
& Art Education

Nov. 21, 2009; Jan. 30, March 27, May 1, 2010

*Applicants who have not yet determined a specific specialization within the Studio major should attend a portfolio review on one of the above dates.

Studio (Specific)**

**Applicants who have pre-determined a specialization within the studio major (Ceramics, Drawing, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration, Metalwork & Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture) will be invited to schedule an individual week-day appointment.

Fashion Studies, Art History -

No portfolio review required

Admission Requirements By Undergraduate Concentration

Admission to |ART EDUCATION (undergraduate)

Freshman Instructions

  • Admission to the Department of Art & Design: Prospective undergraduate students for Art Education must first submit an application to the Undergraduate Admissions Office, indicating Art Education as their intended Concentration. After a preliminary application review, students may be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview, which is an opportunity to present artistic work as well as meet with faculty, tour the facilities and learn more about the Department of Art & Design. (Note: Prospective students are also invited to take a tour of the campus while here.) Applicants are advised to review the Studio Portfolio Preparation Guidelines prior to scheduling their appointment and to bring a photocopy of their high school or previous college transcript to the interview. Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.) Note to out-of-town applicants: Where long- distance travel for an in-person interview is prohibitive, the department will sometimes explore alternative options with an applicant. Special circumstances should be addressed with the department's portfolio review coordinator.
  • Subsequent Admission to Art Education : Art Education students begin the program as BA Studio majors their freshman year, taking foundation courses that are common to all Art & Design majors. At the end of their sophomore year, students apply for admission into the Teacher Education program, and at that time submit a separate Art Education portfolio to the Art Education Coordinator .

Department Admission Contacts

Transfer Instructions

Transfer students seeking admission to the Art Education program for their junior year of college should contact the Art Education Coordinator directly. An application packet, which includes information about prerequisites and supporting materials may be obtained from the Teacher Education Admissions Office or by contacting Linda Gonzalez at 973-655-4139 .

For Fall or Summer provisional matriculation admission, completed applications should be submitted to the Teacher Education Program by the second Monday in January; for Spring admission, by the second Monday in September.

  1. Eligibility for Matriculation
    Decisions about matriculation into the Program are made by the Department of Art & Design Teacher Admission and Retention Committee, which reviews the applicant's ability and potential success as a public school art teacher. Candidates for matriculation are required to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 in the major, and 2.50 overall. (Some provisional acceptances may be made).

    Once the application and supporting materials have been submitted to the Teacher Education Admissions Office, students should contact the Department of Art & Design Art Education Coordinator for further information about next steps, which include a pre-interview to discuss portfolio requirements, production of an on-site writing sample, and an admissions committee interview. A copy of the student's application will be forwarded to the Art Education Coordinator by the Teacher Education Admissions Office.
  2. The Portfolio
    Students should be prepared to bring a portfolio to the admissions interview; portfolios should not be submitted with the application to the Teacher Education Program. The portfolio should generally consist of 15 to 20 pieces of 2D and 3D artworks.

Department Admission Contacts

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Admission to | ART HISTORY (undergraduate)

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Admission to | BFA & BA PROGRAMS WITH A STUDIO SPECIALIZATION (undergraduate)

  • Applicants to the undergraduate program with a Studio specialization must first submit an application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After a preliminary application review, students may be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview with the Art & Design faculty. The portfolio interview is an opportunity to present artistic work as well as meet the faculty, tour the facilities, and learn more about the Studio program. (Note: Students may also wish to tour the campus while here.)

    The     portfolio interview is required for all studio specializations: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, metalworks & jewelry, printmaking, ceramics, film/video, papermaking, graphic design, industrial design and illustration. Guidelines vary for BFA programs in animation/illustration, filmmaking, graphic design and industrial design.

    Applicants are advised to review the department's Portfolio Preparation Guidelines carefully prior to attending the interview and to bring a photocopy of their high school or college transcript to their appointment.      Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.)

    Note regarding BA vs BFA Admission: Except for those applying for animation & illustration, filmmaking, graphic design, or industrial design, all applicants enter the studio program initially as BA students. At the end of their sophomore year, those who wish to enter the BFA program may submit a portfolio for consideration. Applicants may contact the portfolio review coordinator for additional information.

    Note to out-of-town applicants : Where long-distance travel for an in-person interview is prohibitive, the department will consider alternative options with an applicant. Special circumstances should be addressed with the department's portfolio review coordinator.

    Department Admission / Portfolio Review Contacts

 

 

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Admission to | FASHION STUDIES (undergraduate)

Department Admission Contacts

 

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Admission to | BFA in ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION (undergraduate)

  • Applicants to the BFA in Animation & Illustration must first submit and application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  After a preliminary application review, students may be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview with the Department of Art & Design.  The portfolio interview is an opportunity to present artistic work as well as meet the faculty, and learn more about the Filmmaking program.  (note: Students may also wish to tour the campus while here.) Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.)

 

       The animation & illustration portfolio differs from other studio areas and should consist of the following:

  • A one page biographical statement of who you are and your goals for studying Animation & Illustration.
  • A portfolio of 15-20 pieces of artwork.  This may include illustration and animation work, but may also consist of any 2-D or 3D artworks.
  • A sketchbook.
  • Students should also bring a photocopy of their high school of college transcript to the interview appointment.

Department Admission Contacts

 

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Admission to | BFA in FILMMAKING (undergraduate)

  • Applicants to the BFA in Filmmaking must first submit an application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After a preliminary application review, students may be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview with the Department of Art & Design. The portfolio interview is an opportunity to present artistic work as well as meet the faculty, and learn more about the Filmmaking program. (note: Students may also wish to tour of the campus while here.) Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.)

    The filmmaking portfolio differs from other studio areas and should consist of the following:

    A one page biographical statement of who you are and your goals for studying film.

    A writing sample, e.g. a fictional short story, film script, and/or documentary treatment, or an analytical paper from school with comments and grades from your teacher.

    A Film/Video sample , e.g. a film or video you've made. Students who have never shot film or video should note this and instead submit the following assignment: Renting or borrowing a camera, make a portrait film of yourself without showing yourself on camera. Formats: DVD, VHS, and/orMiniDV (NTSC); Quicktime, Doc files, Final Draft Files, photo formats (JPG, TIFF, PICT.)

    Optional: Students may also include additional artwork such as drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture or installation. Large works may be shown in the form of digital images (JPEGs, PDFs or TIFF files), slides or photographic prints. Additional writing can also constitute art work, but should be no longer than 10 pages and sent in advance, to be received BEFORE the interview, to film@montclair.edu.


    Note to out-of-town applicants: Where long-distance travel for an in-person interview is prohibitive, the department will accept portfolio materials by mail. Send work to: Filmmaking Program; Dept. of Art & Design (Calcia Hall); Montclair State University; 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, NJ 07043. Applicants are encouraged to call to confirm receipt of their materials: 973.655.7295; 7200; Nussbaumk@mail.montclair.edu.

     

  • Materials sent by mail should be copies, NOT originals. The Department will not be responsible for the safety of one of a kind work samples.
  • For materials to be returned, applicants must provide a self-addressed envelope with proper postage.

 

The Interview

    Applicants will interview with a committee of faculty members who will review the portfolio of art works and film/video sample (note: a total of 5-10 minutes footage will be viewed.  Candidates will have opportunity to discuss their work, aspirations within the field of film/video as well as ask questions about the program.

Admissions Note:  Only students who have submitted an application to the university and have been invited to a portfolio review may be considered for the Filmmaking program.  Following the portfolio interview, the Filmmaking Program will forward results to the Office of Admissions which in turn will notify students of their admission status.  Questions about your application and admission status may be directed to the Office of Admissions.  Call 973-655-7063.

 Department Admission / Portfolio Review Contacts

 

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Admission to | Graphic Design (undergraduate)

  • To apply to the BFA in Graphic Design major, you must first submit an application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Upon meeting the university admissions standards, you will be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview with the Graphic Design faculty. The portfolio interview is an opportunity to present your work as well as meet the faculty, tour the facilities, and learn more about the major. (Note: You may also wish to tour the campus while here.) Since admission to the program is highly competitive, you are strongly urged to complete your application and, when notified to do so, schedule a portfolio review for the earliest possible date. Portfolio reviews for the BFA in Graphic Design major are not held during the summer months of July and August, so be sure to have yours completed before then (During the summer, you may schedule a portfolio review for acceptance to the BA in Studio major, and then apply to the BFA in Graphic Design during the fall semester, but this does not guarantee acceptance to the BFA major).

          Your Graphic Design application portfolio must include the following:

  • A one page biographical statement that tells us who you are, how you became interested in graphic design, your goals for studying graphic design, and your goals for a career in the field.
  • A portfolio of at least 15 and no more than 20 pieces of original art and design work. Applicants are advised to review the department's overall Portfolio Preparation Guidelines for studio applicants prior to attending the interview. Ideally, your portfolio should include some graphic design work, but may also contain original 2-D or 3-D artwork. Graphic design portfolios should be presented in book form or as separate pieces mounted on the same-sized boards. Professional presentation of work will be considered as part of the application. Transfer applicant?s work should consist primarily of graphic design projects.
  • A sketchbook or loose sketches showing preliminary ideas for projects. This is used to show us your thought processes in the development of your ideas. Transfer applicants should include thumbnail sketches and preliminary comps for each of their graphic design pieces.
  • Applicants should also bring a photocopy of their high school or college transcript to the portfolio interview appointment.

          The Interview:

  • Portfolio interviews are held between the applicant and one or more graphic design faculty. Interviews generally run for thirty minutes and provide an opportunity to discuss your work with our professors, see our graphic design facilities, and ask questions about the program. Parent and/or friends are not allowed to be a part of the actual review, but may come along and ask any questions they have after the portfolio review has been completed. Transfer applicants who bring a copy of their transcripts with them will be provided with advisement on where to start in our program.

    •           There are three potential outcomes of the portfolio review:

    • Candidates that show strong potential for success in the program will be accepted as BFA in Graphic Design majors.
    • Applicants that show strength in art but do not have sufficient graphic design work in their portfolio will be accepted to the BA in Studio major and may apply again to the BFA in Graphic Design after taking beginning-level classes in graphic design at MSU.
    • Applicants that do not show potential for success in the major will not be accepted.

          NOTES TO TRANSFER APPLICANTS:

  • A maximum of nine credits of 100- or 200-level graphic design coursework taken at other institutions may be accepted as Major Studio Courses in the BFA in Graphic Design major. Equivalent transfer courses for New Jersey Community Colleges can be found at http://www.njtransfer.org.
  • After being notified of a request for a portfolio review, transfer applicants are encouraged to email a link to their portfolio web site, their biographical statement, and their college transcripts for a preliminary review. This is not a requirement, but will help us in evaluating your work and abilities, and determine the best place for you to start in our program.
  • Admissions Note: Only students who have submitted an application to the university and have been invited to a portfolio review will be considered for the Graphic Design major. Following the portfolio interview, the Graphic Design program will forward results to the Office of Admissions, which will then notify students of their admission status. Questions about your application and admission status should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 973-655-7063.
 

 

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Admission to | INDUSTRIAL DESIGN (undergraduate)

  • Applicants to the BFA in Industrial Design must first submit an application to the MSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After a preliminary application review, students may be contacted with instructions for scheduling a portfolio interview with the Art & Design faculty. The portfolio interview is an opportunity to present artistic work as well as meet the faculty, tour the facilities, and learn more about the Industrial Design program. (Note: Students may also wish to tour the campus while here.) Since admission to these programs is highly competitive, students are strongly urged to complete applications and schedule appointments for the earliest possible dates. (Intended freshman should do so for no later than March.)

    Applicants are advised to review the department's overall Portfolio Preparation Guidelines for studio applicants prior to attending the interview. Those applying for Industrial Design should include in their portfolio works that demonstrate their interest and aptitude for the field. Works may include drawings of industrial objects and/or initiatives in product development. Work should demonstrate an understanding of proportional aesthetics, structural construction and applied knowledge of perspective. It should also include clear line-drawn studies of objects in space. Photos of models and technical drawings may also be included.

    Applicants are to bring a photocopy of their high school or college transcript to the interview.

Note to out-of-town applicants : Where long-distance travel for an in-person interview is prohibitive, the department will sometimes explore alternative options with an applicant. Special circumstances should be addressed with the department's portfolio review coordinator.

Department Admission / Portfolio Review Contacts

 

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Important Information for Future Transfer Applicants

 

If you are planning on transferring from a NJ community college into the department of Art & Design at Montclair State University as a BA or BFA Studio major, or into one of the Department's specialty BFA programs (e.g. Animation & Illustration, Filmmaking, Graphic Design, or Industrial Design), please follow the guidelines suggested on the NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org). NJ Transfer's Plan Academic Program (RTP) feature allows you to choose the institution at which you are currently enrolled and the program at MSU into which you may wish to transfer, and lists the best courses for you to take while at your current institution. Web site (

While at the community college level, it is important for you to concentrate on your Foundations classes (e.g. 2D and 3D Design, Color Studies, and Life Drawing), rather than taking too many classes in an area of specialization. It is highly recommended that Transfer students come to Montclair with no more than two beginning-level courses in the area of specialization (note: specializations at MSU include Ceramics, Drawing, Film & Video, Graphic Design, Animation/Illustration, Metalwork & Jewelry, Photography, Printmaking/Papermaking, Sculpture).

 

 

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