William Paterson

William Paterson offers both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art. The BFA is a more intensive studio program and has a mandatory portfolio review for admission. The BA in Studio Art does not require a portfolio for entry into the major. The focus here is on the BFA requirements.

• Number of Pieces: You should prepare 12 to 15 pieces that represent your best and most recent work.

• Media: A variety of media is highly recommended to showcase the breadth of your skills and interests. This can include:

  • Drawings (self-portraits, still lifes, landscapes, figure drawing)

  • Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor)

  • 2D and 3D design work

  • Collages

  • Photography

  • Examples of graphic design

  • Sketchbooks

• Key Focus: The admissions committee at William Paterson is evaluating your portfolio for creativity, originality, and technical skill. They want to see your artistic potential and a willingness to explore different forms of art-making. Including drawings from direct observation is a good way to demonstrate foundational skills.

How to Submit: The portfolio review is a direct part of the application process for the BFA. After you apply to the university, you will receive information on how to schedule your portfolio review. Reviews are typically conducted by appointment. You can present your work as original pieces, high-quality photographs, or digitally on a CD, DVD, or a personal website.