The William Paterson University Department of Art teaches students visual literacy within a broad cultural and historical context. The department provides students the opportunities to explore self-expression and scholarship, build knowledge and acquire skills, and develop an understanding of how creativity is articulated through fine art and design. Our purpose is to empower students with lives rich in artistic expression and professional achievement that will contribute to a diverse and democratic society.
Degrees We Offer Career Outcomes Learn more about each of our programs: BA in Studio Art Within the BA, majors are offered in art history and studio art. Certification for teaching is also offered. Both our BA and BFA degrees are planned to enhance visual perception, cultivate independent thinking, and prepare students for a variety of careers that require a keenly developed sensitivity in the visual arts. University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » BA in Art History The BA in art history degree fosters critical thinking through a sustained focus on research and writing about visual art in all its forms. Its foundation is grounded in historical context and visual analysis of works of art and architecture from across cultures and time periods. The ability to read visual images, as well as to conduct research and to speak and write clearly and convincingly about art, prepares students for a wide variety of twenty-first century careers, both within and outside the art world. University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » BFA in Fine Art The BFA degree is oriented for those students whose objectives are inclined toward liberal arts training within a most rigorous professional studio arts program. Both our BA and BFA degrees are planned to enhance visual perception, cultivate independent thinking and prepare students for a variety of careers that require a keenly developed sensitivity in the visual arts. Concentrations: Sculpture and 3D Design - Photography - Painting, Drawing and Printmaking - Graphic and Interactive Design - Animation and Multimedia - Interdisciplinary University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions; Sculpture and 3D Design » View requirements and course descriptions; Photography » View requirements and course descriptions; Painting, Drawing and Printmaking » View requirements and course descriptions; Graphic and Interactive Design » View requirements and course descriptions; Animation and Multimedia » View requirements and course descriptions; Interdisciplinary » Minor in Visual Communications The minor in visual communications enhances visual perception, cultivates independent thinking, and introduces students to the visual arts, specifically in the areas of graphic and interactive design. University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » Minor in Art Studio The minor in art studio enhances visual perception, cultivates independent thinking, and introduces students to the visual arts. University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » Minor in Art History University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » MFA in Visual Arts The MFA degree encourages the enhancement of imagination through the creation and interpretation of meaningful work in art, design, sculpture, graphic media and the visual arts. University Catalog: View requirements and course descriptions » A William Paterson University degree from the art department will prepare you for a career in a variety of exciting creative fields or for graduate study. Our students translate the skills gained in our curriculum and through hands-on experience in internships, exhibitions, study abroad, and publications opportunities into real world employment and success. Our department fosters strong mentorships between students and professors in every area and level of study. In addition to attending graduate school to further their studies, graduates have pursued careers in computer animation and computer game design; advertising and graphic and web design; photography, film, and video; certified art education; fine artistry and arts advocacy in galleries and museums; and textile and wallpaper design.
