Montclair State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Montclair State University Introduction

Montclair State University is an accredited educational institution in Montclair, New Jersey. Originally founded as a teacher’s college, Montclair State University now offers baccalaureate and master’s degrees in a wide range of concentrations, as well as three doctorate degrees in Education.

Montclair State University History

Located in Montclair, New Jersey, Montclair State was founded in 1908 as a Normal School and was transformed into the Montclair State Teachers College in 1927. Accreditation was received from the Middle States ACS in 1937. Through the forties and fifties MSU changed its name to Montclair State College and began offering a comprehensive array of degrees.

Montclair State University’s mission statement says that it “is committed to serving the educational needs of New Jersey with programs characterized by academic rigor and currency in the development of knowledge and its applications.”

Montclair State University Academics

Montclair State offers over 250 majors, minors, and concentrations through six different schools and colleges: Education and Human Services, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Arts, Business, and the Graduate School. MSU offers a well-rounded array of undergraduate majors, including such traditional fields as Classics, Economics, and History, but also incorporating seven different concentrations within the Human Ecology program as well as four concentrations in Justice Studies, for example.

Montclair State University has several different colleges : the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of the Arts, the School of Business, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the College of Education and Human Services. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in all these colleges, and include fields such as anthropology, English, human ecology, justice studies, music, athletic training, business administration, health education, mathematics, and science information. Many of the programs have specific concentrations. A bachelor of fine arts is offered in dance, fine arts/studio, and theatre. There is also a five-year joint bachelor of music and bachelor of arts degree in music.

Master’s degrees are offered in all colleges. They include counseling, human services and guidance, environmental studies, fine arts, human ecology, legal studies, music, physical education, psychology, teaching, and education, among others. A master of fine arts (MFA) is offered in studio art. There is an MBA program with several concentrations.

There are three doctoral degrees: an Ed.D. with a concentration and mathematics education, an Ed.D. with a concentration in philosophy for children, and a doctor of environmental management (DEnvM).

Montclair State University Unique Programs

MSU’s Justice Studies program offers a concentration in Child Advocacy that prepares graduates to work with children as advocates in a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on law, sociology, and psychology to prepare graduates for skillful employment and marketability.

The Music Therapy program combine strict and attentive study of music theory with applications in psychological and sociological settings that prepare graduates for working with people with disabilities. Students have the opportunity to serve a six-month internship to become a Board Certified Music Therapist.

Montclair State University Financial Aid

Montclair State participates in the Pell grant, SEOG, and Stafford Loan programs. The Educational Opportunity Fund is a unique opportunity offered by the State of New Jersey for students with exceptional need from disadvantaged backgrounds. Also available are programs like the Bloustein Distinguished Scholars/Urban Scholar program for academically qualified students; the Outstanding Scholar Recruitment Program for state residents; and the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), which is also a state grant.

Montclair State University tuition for undergraduate New Jersey residents was $2583.95 per semester in 2004-2005. Graduate tuition is calculated at a per credit rate, and varies with the program and with residency status.

Montclair State University Students

MSU is currently undergoing significant renovations and improvements that will make it a comfortable and state-of-the-art home for nearly 18,000 students within the next few years. Improvements include the new Village at Little Falls, a residential complex for 850 students that has been featured on Mtv and Inside Edition; a new softball stadium; the 500-seat Kasser Theater; a New Jersey State transit station; the Children’s Center for pscyhoeducational care; and a $54 million instructional building to house the College of Education and Information Technology Department, among others.

In addition to dormitories, classroom buildings, athletic facilities, and administration buildings, Montclair State University is home to art galleries, a theater, and a natural stone amphitheater. The University is 14 miles away from New York City, and the New York skyline can be seen from the Montclair State University campus.

The Montclair State University Library offers electronic databases, journals, and catalogs, books and periodicals, and interlibrary loan services. There are also government documents, and the multimedia resources department maintains videotapes microfilm, CDs, and so on.

Montclair State University Traditions

One of Montclair’s proudest assets is the Yogi Berra museum, which honors the often-quoted Montclair resident through film, photos, and other memorabilia. The museum is located on the Montclair campus and sits next to Yogi Berra Stadium. The museum’s mission includes promoting “the values of respect, sportsmanship, social justice and excellence” that Berra has stood for.

Montclair State University Local Community

The population of Little Falls, home to Montclair State, is just over 10,000. The town stretches across only 2.8 square miles. The majority of residents are white, non-Hispanic and approximately 40 years-old. The town has been “A Proud Community” since it was established back in 1711.