An object of the present invention is to provide a negative photosensitive resin composition, which is capable of forming projections for controlling liquid crystal alignment that exhibit a higher level of precision than that attained by projections formed mug a positive photosensitive resin composition, as well as a photosensitive element that uses the above negative photosensitive resin composition, which can be used in a transfer method (laminate system), is easily stored, can be used with no wastage, and exhibits excellent film thickness stability. The present invention relates to a negative photosensitive resin composition comprising an alkali-soluble resin (a), a reactive monomer (b), and a photoreaction initiator (c), wherein 50% or more of the total mass of the blended reactive monomer (b) is a monofunctional reactive monomer, and a negative photosensitive element comprising a negative photosensitive resin composition layer that uses the negative photosensitive resin composition positioned on top of a support.