CART students

Admission to Art + Design Programs

Applying as a new undergraduate?

Prospective students (either freshman or transfer students not currently accepted to Montclair State University) interested in majoring in one of the academic programs in the Department of Art and Design (A+D) should take these steps:

  1. Contact University Admissions

    Email the Undergraduate Admission Office for information about applications and general Montclair State University admission requirements.

    When you are ready: Start your application.

  2. Submit Your Application

    Submit your application for general admission to Montclair State indicating that you would like to major in one of the Department’s programs (review A+D academic programs). Once you select your intended major in the School, you will be prompted to also complete that program’s specific application requirements. In general, competitive applicants to the Department’s programs possess a 3.0 GPA, have a rich record of extra-curricular activities, provide insightful responses to the essay questions and other prompts, and submit a quality portfolio.

Refer to these portfolio guidelines (including additional requirements by major) prior to starting your University application.

Changing your major?

Current Montclair State students wishing to change their major to one of the programs in the Department of Art and Design must apply online as well.

We recommend that applicants carefully review their intended program of study (review A+D academic programs). In general, competitive applicants to the Department’s programs possess a 3.0 GPA, have a rich record of extra-curricular activities, provide insightful responses to the essay questions and other prompts, and submit a quality portfolio.

To begin the process, contact the coordinator or director of your desired program.

Refer to these portfolio guidelines prior to starting your application, then click on the application below when you are ready to begin:

Current Montclair State students wishing to change their major to one of the programs in the Department of Art and Design must apply online.

Transfer to BFA Programs

A portfolio and a 3.0 GPA are required. Refer to these portfolio guidelines prior to starting your application.

To begin the process, contact the Program Coordinator of your desired program:

·         BFA in Illustration Christina Rodriguez-Unalt

·         BFA in Product Design Denis Feigler

·         BFA in Visual Communication Design Jun Hierholzer

Transfer to BA Programs

BA programs do not require a portfolio; however, the BA in Fashion Studies requires a 2.75 GPA.

To begin the process, contact the Program Coordinator of your desired program:

·         BA in Fashion Studies Abby Lillethun

·         BA in Visual Arts Ruth Borgenicht

·         BA in Visual Arts, Art Education Dorothy Heard

We recommend that applicants carefully review their intended program of study (review A+D academic programs). In general, competitive applicants to the Department’s programs possess a 3.0 GPA, have a rich record of extra-curricular activities, provide insightful responses to the essay questions and other prompts, and submit a quality portfolio.

Adding a minor?

Students from any major at the University may add a Fashion minor with a 2.75 GPA or higher. The Visual Arts minor is only available to students majoring outside of the Department of Art and Design.

To add a minor in the Department of Art and Design, contact the Program Coordinator of your desired program:

Admission Decisions

Admission decisions will begin to be issued in early November and, thereafter, typically 3-4 weeks (but up to 6-8 weeks) after a completed application has been submitted. An applicant will be notified that he or she has been granted or denied admission or that the application has been added to the program’s wait list. All admission decisions are final.