William Paterson University of New Jersey - Overview
Experience a Facilitated Transition from High School to College Life at William Paterson University of New Jersey
William Paterson University is located in the town of Wayne, New Jersey, just 20 miles west of New York City. It is a popular choice for undergraduate degrees in New Jersey with more than 10,500 full- and part-time students enrolled at the university.
The campus is set on 370 acres of woodland and incorporates student residences, sports fields, and recreation areas. The park-like setting encourages a home away from home environment where students can enjoy a multi-faceted college experience. Nearly 2,600 students reside on campus and the balance commute daily by means of bus, train, or private vehicles.
Freshmen in particular benefit from the First Year Experience - a department dedicated to assisting students with the various aspects of adjusting to college life. The first year seminar is a compulsory course for the first semester that helps to introduce the university campus and its facilities.
In addition, freshman students get the opportunity to meet and integrate while learning about the various athletic, arts, cultural, and special interest clubs and societies. The course also covers basic skills such as note taking, research, and critical thinking that will help students to get the most out of their chosen study programs.
William Paterson University has Five Colleges Where Undergraduate Students Can Study the Majors of Their Choice
Located in the Middle Atlantic region, William Paterson University is one of nine state colleges and universities offering undergraduate programs in New Jersey. There are currently 43 study programs at the university's five colleges including several specially designed pre-professional courses.
The School of Arts and Communication has a strong student contingent. Students can explore the fields of music engineering, television, film or theatre, English literature and writing, jazz studies, or art.
The Cotsakos College of Business focuses on commercially-oriented programs that provide students a solid foundation in business science.
Students enrolling at the College of Education can choose to specialize in special needs education, elementary school education, pre-school education, or specific-subject secondary school education.
Students interested in pursuing a career in law, social sciences, or humanities can choose their area of specialization at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The College of Science and Health accommodates a broad range of pre-med students including dentistry, optometry, and physical therapy students. Other degree programs in the field of health and science include majors in speech pathology or nursing.
William Paterson University Has Financial Aid Packages in the Form of Scholarships, Grants, and Work Study Programs
There are many partial and full scholarships and grants available as part of financial aid packages offered at William Paterson University. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and genuine financial need. In addition, various work-study programs exist on campus to help students pay for their tuition.
It is the expectation when scholarships or grants are awarded that students retain a high academic standard, and results are carefully reviewed at the end of each semester. Students are encouraged to send in applications early as grants and scholarships are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.
Students studying arts or communication may be awarded scholarships if they show particular artistic promise. Students enrolled in the university honors college receive a merit scholarship, but because these scholarships are very competitive, the award criteria are very high with students achieving excellent grade scores.
It's important when applying for financial aid for students to include their class ranking. If they do not have this information, they can ask the school guidance office to forward the information directly to the university.
Students Get Involved in the Athletics, Arts, or Cultural Programs at William Paterson University
Athletics at William Paterson University are an integral part of college life because they allow students to further develop social, physical and emotional skills. Sportsmen and women representing the university in various sports are known as Pioneers, and can be recognized at sporting events on the East Coast by their distinctive orange, white, and black colors.
The basketball and baseball teams are strong competitors and have won state titles over the years. Many WPU students who have excelled on the sports field are honored in the Pioneers Hall of Fame.
There are other on-campus special interest clubs and societies such as the Outdoors Club, the Spanish Club, or the Music Education Club, where students can meet and make friends who have similar interests. Students are also encouraged to start new clubs and interest groups if they feel there isn't a student organization that meets their interest.
Student events, concerts, and public debates are often held on the university campus so there are always activities happening where new students can get involved. In addition, the Centre for Closely Held Business provides educational forums, workshops, and research support for nearby businesses.