INFORMATION FOR
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is the largest college at William Paterson University, and home to a diverse population of more than 3,000 students. Our programs provide insight into the past and explore solutions for the future, enabling our students to build their careers, pursue advanced academic studies, and empower positive change.
We offer a wide range of outstanding programs in the visual and performing arts, communication arts, and the humanities and social sciences. Students have the opportunity to work closely with a dedicated faculty of teacher-scholars including many Fulbright fellows and others of international prominence who bring real-world experience to the classroom. In our college there are extensive opportunities for artistic creation, performance, scholarship, study abroad, and hands-on learning as a part of your academic experience.
Our internship program is designed to provide career experience that helps you connect your current educational program to your future as a successful professional. Students also benefit from state-of-the-art resources ranging from HD television broadcast studios, animation and game design labs to recording studios and a social media lab, among others. They can also participate in college conferences, academic clubs, and honor societies.
We are home to a number of signature experiences that make us unique in New Jersey and to students around the nation and world, including our internationally renowned—jazz studies program and our award-winning campus radio station, 88.7 WPSC/Brave New Radio (named “College Radio Station of the Year” by the National Association of Broadcasters).
Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMAIL: davisw@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2731
OFFICE: Atrium 260
Associate Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMAIL: razzorel@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3282
Interim Associate Dean, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
EMAIL: macdonaldp@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3036
William Paterson music students, who typically spend many solitary hours rehearsing in Shea Center’s practice rooms, now have colorful new murals to inspire them while working on their craft.
The murals, depicting a range of musical themes and genres, now grace seven music practice rooms in the Music Department on the lower level of Shea Center, all painted by undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the University’s summer course in Mural Painting.
This is the second year that students enrolled in the course, taught by Professor Eileen Foti, coordinator of the Art Department’s foundations program, have collaborated with the Music Department to enhance the walls of the practice rooms. The initiative was designed to make the practice rooms “feel more like artistic spaces,” says Payton MacDonald, interim associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and former chair of the Music Department. “The reception has been outstanding. The music students, faculty, and staff love it.”
“Since the Music Department is so diverse, including the curriculum, the genres, and the students, we came up with the theme of world music, and asked each student to explore their own thoughts and relationship to music,” says Foti.
Each student was required to provide a specific proposal, including a written statement and a sketch, about their theme, which they presented to MacDonald for approval. “It was very inspiring to see how much thought they each put into their work,” he says.
Watch William Paterson art students bring new murals to Shea Center’s music practice rooms.
Students focused on a wide variety of genres—disco, hip hop, jazz, rock and roll, country music, pop music—as well as music of different cultures, from Ireland and Puerto Rico and more. For example, Christian Montanez’s mural focuses on the popular artist Bad Bunny, representing his Puerto Rican and Dominican culture. “I want people to feel empowered…and worth more than you think,” he says. “I wanted to share that message.”
Mileny Jiatz’s mural features the famed Blue Note jazz club, where she saw a performance. “It was a memorable night for me,” she says. “I wanted music students to see themselves as artists who might be playing at the Blue Note in the future.”
For Foti, the response from the music students has been the most gratifying part. “I’ve had many students stop me and say, ‘I can’t believe how inspiring it is to sit in this room and play and look at all this wonderful stuff.’ We couldn’t be happier about that.”
The Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University is dedicated to preserving and sharing the artistic heritage of China and integrating its rich tradition into the University's curriculum. Students will not only have the opportunity to view Chinese art, but draw upon its philosophy and incorporate its techniques in order to participate effectively in the increasingly global world of visual arts.
Combining coursework dedicated to the rigorous investigation of art with a broad spectrum of the most current tools and technology yields artworks that push the limits of the imagination. The activities and technology at the Center for New Art support and supplement the Art Department curriculum while also extending to other departments within the University.
"At William Paterson, I had the opportunity to get research experiences during my undergraduate studies, and that's kind of rare. I also have amazing professors who push you because they want you to be successful. They really want to help--they're not just leaving you out there alone. I really like that and feel supported here."
Sidal Yurt Earned her BA in psychology at WP in 2023 and continuing for her MA and PsyD in clinical psychology International Student from Turkey
"William Paterson was such a great force and inspiration to finding what I want to do in life. It's opened so many doors for me and allowed me to see my potential. Now that I see it, I'm going to run with it."
Justyn Chapman Double Major in Popular Music Studies and Public Relations | Class of 2023
"The resources here are top notch. William Paterson has hidden gems throughout the campus and the classrooms—resources that can really help a person grow and develop, not just in academics but also in their professional life."
Hosanna Nitro Communication/ Public Relations Major | Class of 2023
"The professors here have pushed me to grow as an individual. They encouraged me to take part in class discussions and debates, helping me go from shy and reserved to someone who speaks up and is willing to challenge herself. As a result, I was able to take part in a prestigious internship for a U.S. Congresswoman, where I recruited volunteers, participated in voter turnout events, and learned a great deal about re-election campaigns. I cannot thank my professors enough."
Dhruvisha Patel Political science, litigation paralegal at DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum, PC | Class of 2023
