William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey is a public, residential institution that offers an outstanding and affordable education to a diverse student body of more than 11,500 through baccalaureate, masters and doctoral programs. Located in the suburbs of northern New Jersey, the 370-acre campus is just 20 miles from New York City, adjacent to 1,200 acres of woodlands and hiking trails, and only three miles from the Great Falls Historic Park in the city of Paterson. The University challenges students to high levels of intellectual and professional accomplishment and personal growth in preparation for careers, advanced studies and productive citizenship. Faculty and staff use innovative approaches to research, learning and student support to expand students awareness of what they can accomplish. The newly developed University Core Curriculum will prepare students for personal well-being, expression, ways of knowing, diversity and justice, community and civic engagement, and global awareness before advancing to a choice of 48 undergraduate degrees offered by five colleges: Arts and Communication, Cotsakos College of Business, Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Health.
The University added seven new degree programs this year, most notably in environmental sustainability, which helped the institution garner a place among the 20 collegiate finalists in the Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards sponsored by the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Proud of housing one of the largest collegiate solar panel instillations in the country and of its recently opened new $85 million Science Complex, the University is committed to programs that foster global responsibility and scientific inquiry. With strong programs in business, education, music and the arts, nursing, communication, and the sciences, students are well prepared to pursue careers with major broadcasting, data processing, technology and health care firms that dominate northern New Jersey as well as pursue post-graduate studies in law, medicine, the arts, business and the social sciences and humanities.
With more than 380 full-time faculty, including 38 recipients of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, students have an opportunity to work with professors on research, internships, performances and other creative work. The faculty include poets, writers, television and radio broadcasters, scientists, entrepreneurs, historians, artists, musicians and noted authors in their fields. Speaking over 20 languages, the faculty encourage international experiences with programs in China, the Netherlands, England, Wales, Spain, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Japan, India, and Kenya.
The University fosters a supportive environment for faculty and student collaboration, particularly in the area of research. An annual Research and Scholarship Day features more than 100 individual faculty and student presenters. In addition, this year's sixth annual Undergraduate Research Symposium included 300 students and faculty mentors from 20 institutions who presented their research in oral and poster sessions. Both programs provide a significant opportunity for students to engage with peers as well as faculty to discuss their research findings while learning about the research activities and interests of others.
We actively encourage experiential learning and practical opportunities for students. This year, William Paterson's student-run FM radio station was named the Best College/University Station with more than 10,000 enrollment in the 2012 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards. In addition, the University ranked among the top ten financial planning programs in the country, earned recognition for the diversity focus of its teacher preparation programs, and was reaccredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2021.