Ramapo College of New Jersey

What you'll study

The Visual and Performing Arts degree is built around hands-on studio and performance work complemented by courses in art history, theory and arts management. Students take a mix of core and elective modules covering drawing, painting, digital media, sculpture, design, acting, voice, movement, ensemble performance and stagecraft. Coursework emphasises process, collaboration and public presentation: expect studio practicum, rehearsals, juried critiques, gallery exhibitions and theatre productions.

Typical module areas include:

• Foundations in Visual Arts – drawing, colour theory, two- and three-dimensional design, introductory digital imaging.
• Performing Arts Practicum – acting techniques, voice and speech, movement, ensemble work and production participation.
• Media and Digital Art – photography, video, animation, web and interactive media tools.
• Art History and Critical Studies – survey courses in Western and global art, theatre history, aesthetics and contemporary criticism.
• Professional Practices – portfolio development, arts entrepreneurship, grant writing, curating and arts administration.
• Capstone Project – a final-year exhibition, performance or research project that synthesises studio or performance work with critical reflection.

The programme is typically structured to combine studio/ rehearsal courses with liberal-arts electives over four years; students may also take internships with local arts organisations and participate in campus galleries and performance seasons.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification. Successful candidates typically demonstrate prior experience in one or more artistic disciplines through coursework, extracurricular activity or self-directed practice. The department commonly requests a visual portfolio or performance audition/recording as part of the selection process; specific submission guidelines are provided by the college.

Other typical expectations include:

• Academic record showing readiness for undergraduate study (e.g. GPA equivalent demonstrated by transcripts).
• Portfolio of creative work for visual arts applicants or an audition/recording for performing applicants; written artist statement or resume is often recommended.
• Letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing artistic interests and goals.

International applicants must meet the college's general requirements for undergraduate admission and language proficiency; check Ramapo College admissions for the precise documentation requested.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across creative industries, education and arts administration. Typical pathways include working as studio artists, performers, theatre technicians, designers, curators, gallery coordinators, arts educators, multimedia designers and community arts organisers. The programme’s emphasis on professional practice and internships also prepares students for roles in cultural institutions, nonprofit management, arts marketing and production.

Many students continue to postgraduate training—such as conservatories, MFA or MA programmes—or combine creative practice with teaching certification or business-oriented study to expand career options.

Why study at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College offers a liberal-arts environment with small classes, frequent faculty interaction and access to on-campus performance venues and gallery spaces. The college’s proximity to New York City and regional arts organisations provides opportunities for internships, collaborations and exposure to professional arts networks. The interdisciplinary curriculum encourages cross-disciplinary experimentation and supports both practical skill-building and critical thinking, suitable for students aiming to work professionally in the arts or to pursue advanced study.

Students benefit from faculty who are practicing artists and performers, hands-on learning in studios and theatres, and institutional support for public presentations of work, helping to build a professional portfolio and real-world experience before graduation.