Beginning in the late 1990s, Montclair State University began work on a strategic plan that would increase the University's resources to adequately handle a student body of 18,000 by 2008, the University's centennial. The first piece of this expansion project was completed in 1999 with the opening of Science Hall, which houses most of the science labs on campus. Since then, expansion projects have been actively taking place on campus. Some of the projects that have been completed include:

• Red Hawk Parking Deck, opened early 2003
• The Village at Little Falls, opened September 2003
• NJ Transit Montclair State University Station, opened mid 2004
• Alexander Kasser Theater, opened October 2004

In addition, a new academic building located on the northern end of campus is being constructed, which will house the College of Education of Education and Human Services. It will become the largest facility on campus and will contain over 1/3 of the campus' available classrooms when it is completed in late 2005. Work on a new Children's Center along Clove Road is also being constructed and is slated for completion in 2005.

During fall of 2004, additional construction projects were announced. These include an additional parking structure to be located at the northern end of campus, a new recreation center to be constructed alongside Blanton Hall, and reconstruction of Panzer Gymnasium.