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Undergraduate admissions is a two step process:

1. Apply to William Paterson University

Admission office, click here

Early application is recommended, but final deadlines are November 1 for the spring semester and May 1 for the fall semester. Freshman must submit an official high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores to the Admissions Office.

For information on Financial Aid, click here

2. Apply to the Art Department

Call the Art Department at 973-720-3732 to schedule a portfolio review.

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend the Art Department's Open Houses held every Spring and Fall.

Representatives from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid are present to facilitate the admissions process.

Admissions Requirements:

Students accepted for admission into the MFA program must have successfully completed at least a Bachelor of Arts program in studio arts from an accredited four year institution with a minimum of 60 credits in studio arts, 12 credits in art history or art criticism including at least 3 credits in contemporary or twentieth century art, and a grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

In certain cases where an applicant has a Bachelors degree and a number of years of professional art activity, admittance can be granted by the committee based on the quality of the work and the sponsorship of a faculty member.

The Portfolio Package

Portfolio is to be submitted directly to the Visual Arts Graduate Program Director at the time of application.

In addition to the above requirements, all Visual Arts applicants must submit a portfolio of 20 slides and/or a VHS, CD, DVD or 3/4" animation reel, a written statement, a resume, and an Art Department Information form directly to the Art Department at the time of application. Portfolio submission deadlines are the same as application deadlines.

For detailed instructions on the portfolio package, please contact the Graduate Art Office, Room 120, Power Center, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ tel: 973-720-3284, email: gradart@wpunj.edu.

Application deadlines:

Application deadline for fall admission is April 1.

Application deadline for early decision is February 1.

Financial Aid

Scholarship and financial aid information may be obtained by contacting the William Paterson University Financial Aid Center at 973-720-2202 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships, offering a $6,000 stipend and tuition waiver are also available. Interested students may contact office of Graduate Studies and Research at 973-720-2237.