Academics

Visual Arts

BA • Major, Minor

Student painting on canvas

Are you fascinated by the ways art conveys curiosity, feelings and reflects our society? Turn your artistic vision into a professional path with Montclair’s Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts. Our dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum prepares you for a wide range of creative careers—or continued study at the graduate level. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students who study Visual Arts learn to create using traditional and innovative 2D, 3D and 4D media, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and metalwork, lens-based media and 3D printing. Students exhibit their work on and off campus, culminating in a capstone exhibition and digital portfolio.

Note: A portfolio is not required for entry to the BA Visual Arts program. 2.75 minimum GPA for internal students.

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Program Highlights

  • Advanced Integrative Studios merging analog and digital skills
  • Portfolio development across 2D, 3D, and 4D media
  • Preparation for careers or graduate-level study in the arts
  • Opportunities to build professional relationships available through exciting weekly speaker series with renowned artists and arts professionals.
  • Real-world experience through internships, guest critics and trips to exhibitions.
  • Accredited: Montclair State University’s art and design programs are among the region’s most competitive, and meet the rigorous standards of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
two students in a gallery, one student holding a sculpture up


Explore Concentrations and Minors

As an artist with a Visual Arts degree, you’re prepared for the collaborative nature of today’s creative industries and can pursue diverse opportunities. Many combine artistic pursuits with entrepreneurial or arts-related roles, ensuring creative impact and adaptability across multiple fields.

General Concentration

The Visual Arts concentration combines studio practice in ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and more with a broad liberal arts education. Students exhibit work on and off campus while preparing for creative careers as artists, art directors, photographers, educators and professionals in diverse art-related fields.

See the curriculum.

Visual Arts Minor

The Visual Arts Minor is designed for undergraduates who want to explore art alongside their non-studio major. Offering an introduction to art history, design and hands-on studio work, the minor builds creative skills that can complement a related field, expand career opportunities, or satisfy an independent passion for the arts.

See the curriculum.

Teach Students Art!

You can choose to teach art to students in P-12 or students with disabilities. Embark on a rewarding career that allows you to use your talents to teach others.

Art Education Concentration

Visual Arts BA with Art Education Concentration (P-12)

This professional degree within Montclair State’s Teacher Education program prepares you to inspire the next generation of artists. The Art Education concentration leads to initial certification to teach art in grades P–12 in New Jersey and beyond, and opens doors to teaching in museums, cultural centers and community organizations.

Students begin with foundation courses in art and design, along with general education requirements, before applying to Montclair’s Center of Pedagogy. Once accepted, you’ll engage in rigorous education coursework paired with hands-on student teaching experiences. By graduation, you’ll have the creative expertise, pedagogical skills, and practical experience to lead engaging, meaningful art programs for diverse learners.

See the curriculum.

Subject Area Specialization, Teaching Students with Disabilities

Visual Arts BA/MAT with Teacher Certification in Art (P–12) & Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification (P–12)

The Combined BA/MAT program offers an accelerated path to earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Designed for future art educators, this program prepares you to teach art in preschool through grade 12 while equipping you with the skills to support students with disabilities.

You’ll begin with undergraduate foundation courses in art and education before advancing to graduate-level coursework focused on best practices in art instruction. Clinical experiences and student teaching provide hands-on preparation for real classroom settings. Upon graduation, you’ll hold dual New Jersey certifications in P–12 Art Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities, ready to lead inclusive, dynamic art programs in schools and community settings.

See the curriculum.


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Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The office of Undergraduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.

Department of Art and Design

For more than five decades, the Department of Art and Design has educated artists and designers who interpret, impact and often shape the world as we experience it. Through exposure to all facets of the visual arts, you will develop a portfolio of work that will enable you to live and work as an artist, designer, historian, arts manager or educator.

Program Coordinator: Sandra Lee

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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Learn on Campus

Immersive classes, vibrant campus life and hands-on experiences that put you at the center of it all.

Explore Majors & Minors The Campus Experience

Learn Online

Montclair Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.

Explore Majors & MinorsThe Online Experience