Black Students' Experience At Montclair State University

Montclair State University (MSU) is a public research university located in Montclair, New Jersey, with parts of its campus extending into Clifton and Little Falls. MSU offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities for its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of Black students. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, as reflected in its African American Studies minor, which explores the contributions and experiences of people of African descent. With its focus on education, social issues, and respect for diversity, MSU provides a well-rounded and engaging learning experience for its Black students.

African American Studies minor

The African American Studies minor at Montclair State University is an 18-credit interdisciplinary programme that complements any undergraduate major. The programme examines the contributions of people of African descent to human and world history, including their philosophies, cultural experiences, social issues, leadership models, and solutions to social problems. It builds on the African American Studies' scholar-activist tradition, emphasising education as a means to personal success and the development of stronger societies rooted in respect for diversity and human rights.

The programme offers foundation courses that explore the evolution and theories of African American Studies, as well as required courses and electives across various disciplines. These include the arts, history, literature, psychology, sociology, political science, religion, and Black Women's Studies. Most courses also satisfy General Education Requirements.

• Introduction to Black Studies
• Introduction to African Civilization
• African American History
• Psychology of the Black Experience
• Racial and Ethnic Relations
• The Black Woman: An Introductory Course
• African-American Art
• African Art: Sub-Saharan
• Geography of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Economic Development of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Black Writers in the United States: A Survey
• African Myth and Literature
• Poverty and Families
• Africa in Classical Antiquity
• History of Black Americans
• Minorities in Business
• Influence of Afro-American Culture on Music
• Introduction to Jazz
• Rap and Rock as Cultural Phenomena
• Government and Politics of Africa
• Black Politics in the United States

Montclair State University is located in Montclair, New Jersey, about 14 miles west of New York City. With a large and diverse student body, the university offers a wide range of academic programmes and extracurricular activities to enhance the overall student experience.

Student clubs and societies

Montclair State University has a wide range of student clubs and societies that cater to various interests, cultures, and identities. The Student Government Association (SGA) is an independent, student-run non-profit organisation that organises and oversees student-run clubs and organisations. The SGA is independent of the university administration and is responsible for creating and enforcing rules regarding the functioning and funding of clubs.

Social Activism and Political Clubs

The Political Science Club and Pre-Law Society hosted an Election Night viewing party, and there is also a Black Student Union (BSU) and a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Multicultural and Language Clubs

There are numerous multicultural and language clubs, including the Arab Student Association, the Chinese Culture Association, the French Club, the German Club, the Japanese Circle, the Korean Culture and Language Association (KCLA), the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), the Mexican-American Student Association (MASA), and the Russian Club.

Academic and Professional Development Clubs

Students interested in journalism can join The Montclarion, the student-run newspaper. There is also the Future Educators Association (FEA), which provides tools and resources for students aspiring to become educators. Other academic and professional clubs include the Accounting Society, the Biology Club, the Computer Club, the Exercise Science Club, the Finance Society, the Marketing Club, and the Psychology Club.

Honor Societies

Honor societies include Lambda Alpha, Phi Alpha Theta, Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX) National Paralegal Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors Society), and Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honor Society).

Performing Arts Clubs

MSU Players is a student-run theatre organisation that produces various dramas, comedies, musicals, and more. There is also the Montclair State Dance Company (MSDC) and the Montclair State Food Systems club, which explores food and dance within different cultures. Additionally, the Music Therapy Student Organisation (MTSO) combines an interest in music with a desire to positively impact the community.

Recreational Clubs

Recreational clubs include the Audio Production Club, the Culinary Club, the Entertainment Club, the Fashion Club, the Montclair State Dietetics Organisation (MSDO), the Montclair University Gamers (MUG), the Photography Club, the Robotics Club, the Video Production Club (VPC), and the Voices of Unity Gospel Choir (VOU).

Sports and athletics

• Women's Cross Country
• Men's Swimming and Diving
• Women's Swimming and Diving
• Men's Indoor Track and Field
• Women's Indoor Track and Field
• Men's Lacrosse (Coastal Lacrosse Conference)
• Men's Outdoor Track and Field
• Women's Outdoor Track and Field
• Baseball
• Men's Lacrosse (National College Lacrosse League, NY Metro Conference, Division II)
• Men's Ice Hockey (ACHA Division II)
• Women's Ice Hockey (ACHA Division II)
• Men's Rugby (MetNY RFU Division II)
• Men's Volleyball (Middle Atlantic Collegiate Volleyball Conference)
• Men's Soccer
• Women's Soccer

The Red Hawks have won five NCAA Division III national championships.

The Student Recreation Center is a hub for fitness, health and wellness on campus. It offers 10,000 sq. ft. of dedicated fitness space, two racquetball courts, two multipurpose rooms, a 25-yard / six-lane heated indoor pool, locker rooms and showers, and multiple lounge areas with free wi-fi, TV and gaming consoles. The Department of Campus Recreation organises several special events throughout the year, including off-campus trips for kayaking, hiking, archery and river tubing.

Intramural sports are also available for students who are not members of a varsity team. These include baseball, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball.

Career services and job prospects

Montclair State University's Center for Career Services and Cooperative Education helps students plan for their future, gain jobs and internships, and research the industry they will likely enter after graduation. The Center for Career Services and Cooperative Education is a valuable resource for all students, including Black students, as it provides guidance and support in exploring career options, developing professional skills, and making connections in their field of interest.

The University offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 300 majors, minors, and concentrations to choose from. This includes master's degrees in fields such as business, education, and fine arts. The University's location, about 14 miles west of New York City, also provides students with access to a variety of career opportunities in the region.

In addition to career services, Montclair State University also has a strong focus on research, with a classification of "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". This means that students have the opportunity to get involved in research projects and develop valuable skills that can enhance their employability. The University offers a range of research-focused programs, including PhDs in areas such as Teacher Education, Environmental Science, and Clinical Psychology.

The University's alumni network includes successful individuals in a variety of fields, such as business, entertainment, and athletics. This network can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for current students as they navigate their career paths.

Montclair State University also offers an African American Studies minor, which complements any undergraduate major. This interdisciplinary program explores the contributions of people of African descent to human and world history and covers topics such as cultural experiences, social issues, and leadership models. The program's focus on education and respect for diversity and human rights can help prepare students for a variety of careers, particularly those in fields such as education, social work, and community development.

Diversity and inclusion

Montclair State University (MSU) is a diverse and inclusive campus with a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all its students, including Black students. The university offers a range of initiatives, programs, and support services to promote diversity and inclusion.

Student Demographics

MSU has a diverse student population, with approximately 21,005 students in total, including 14,543 undergraduates and 1,690 graduate students. The undergraduate population consists of 63% women and 37% men, while the graduate student population is made up of 73% women and 27% men. The university has a high percentage of female students and teachers, with approximately 13,432 female students and 1,925 female teachers.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, MSU has a significant proportion of students from diverse backgrounds. According to the latest data, the racial/ethnic breakdown of undergraduates includes 13% Black or African American students, 36% Hispanic/Latino students, and 52% racial/ethnic minorities overall. MSU also has a diverse faculty, with Black or African American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander representation among its teachers.

Academic Programs and Support

MSU offers a variety of academic programs that promote diversity and inclusion. The African American Studies minor is an 18-credit interdisciplinary program that examines the contributions of people of African descent to human and world history. The program includes courses in the arts, history, literature, psychology, sociology, political science, religion, and Black Women's Studies. It encourages students to explore education as a means of creating personal success and developing stronger societies rooted in respect for diversity and human rights.

Student Life and Activities

MSU provides a range of opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom and promote diversity and inclusion. With over 200 clubs, Greek life, and traditions like "Red Hawk Friday,," students can show their school spirit and connect with others. MSU also offers more than 15 intercollegiate sports teams, providing opportunities for students to participate in athletics at the intramural, club, and varsity levels.

Recognition and Rankings

MSU has been recognised for its diversity and inclusion efforts by various organisations. In 2016, it was designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, Campus Pride named MSU a "Premier Campus" in its 2020 Campus Pride Index, awarding it the maximum of five stars for being LGBTQ-friendly.

Location and Accessibility

MSU's main campus is located in Montclair, New Jersey, with parts extending into Clifton and Little Falls. The university is about 14 miles west of New York City and is easily accessible by public transportation. The MSU Station, opened in 2004, provides a direct link to New York Penn Station, the city's main transportation hub.

Student Support Services

MSU offers a range of support services to ensure the well-being and success of all its students. The Center for Career Services and Cooperative Education assists students in planning their future, finding jobs and internships, and researching their chosen industry. The university also prioritises mental health support, as evidenced by a $3.5 million grant received in 2024 to expand mental health services in partnership with local school districts.

Frequently asked questions