Towson University

towson university accreditation

Towson University Degrees

Towson University appears in our ranking of the 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Northeast.

Towson University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare graduates for success in their field of study. The school offers small class sizes and an inspiring faculty, putting the tools in each student’s hand to excel. All programs are firmly grounded in liberal arts with a focus on community service, civic engagement, internships and the ability to study abroad. Popular programs at the University include undergraduate degrees in Business Systems and Processes as well as an online Allied Health program. Popular graduate programs include Communication Management and an online Occupational Science program.

The Business Systems & Processes program focuses more on the process of bringing a product to market than the product itself. Processes help companies gain an advantage in the marketplace and individuals with an understanding of business systems and processes are in high demand. The program provides a strong technical background as well as an emphasis on business knowledge and analytics. Students gain an understanding of state-of-the-art software that helps businesses compete and thrive. Students learn to integrate processes and make decisions while gaining both the technology and business skills necessary to succeed. Instruction is provided in market-leading SAP enterprise resource planning software as well.

Towson University offers an Allied Health program that is available completely online that prepares students to work with physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers. It is designed for those who already hold an associate’s degree in allied health or who have been working in the industry. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in:

  • Administration/Management
  • Advanced Respiratory Therapy
  • Education
  • Family Studies
  • Health Promotion, Wellness, Prevention, and Community Health Education
  • Science and Professional Preparation

The program is interdisciplinary providing instruction in areas such as health, liberal arts, science, humanities, fine arts, and education. The degree prepares students for managerial or supervisory roles in health practice.

The graduate program in Communication Management is designed for those who wish to research, plan, implement and evaluate communications strategies designed to achieve the goals of an organization. The Master of Science degree emphasizes public relations and integrated communication. The courses provide the academic tools necessary to work in a wide range of organizations. Students may choose a comprehensive examination or a thesis. The curriculum covers topics such as crisis communication, social media and content strategies, corporate communication as well as media and politics. The program is available on campus, online or in a hybrid version.

Occupational Science is the study of human occupation using scientific methods. The program is related to the purposeful and meaningful activities that make up everyday life. The doctoral program is designed for occupational therapists with a master’s degree or higher in a social-science related field. The program prepares students for advanced-level research as well as for positions in academia, practice, advocacy, and administration. The program is available online, on-campus or in a hybrid version.

About Towson University

In 1865, the Maryland State Normal School was established by legislation. The goal of the school was to educate teachers and was part of substantial education reforms during the Reconstruction Era. Initially, the school held classes in the Red Man’s Hall on North Paca Street in Baltimore with 11 students and 3 faculty members. Enrollment grew rapidly and the school soon outgrew its initial location. In 1873, they moved to the northeast corner of North Charles and East Franklin Street, holding classes in the former William Howard mansion. The mansion was owned by the son of Colonel John Eager Howard who served on the “Maryland Line” in the Continental Army. The Howard family was developing the area and laying out streets.

In 1876, the Normal school moved to West Baltimore on land facing Lafayette Square on Carrollton and Lafayette Avenues. The demand for teachers grew and, by the turn of the century, the need for qualified educators was overwhelming. However, the Maryland State Normal School only graduated approximately 100 students per year as the facilities were inadequate for teaching. State legislators made the decision to locate a new area for the campus and reviewed lands in Roland Park, Lutherville-Timonium, Mount Washington, Pimlico, Glencoe, and others. An 80-acre site in Towson was chosen and the new school opened in 1915.

When the state decreed that all public school teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree, the Normal school revised its curriculum and the name was changed in 1935 to Maryland State Teachers College at Towson. A junior college was added in 1946 and graduate programs in 1958. By 1960, the school was offering four-year programs in arts and sciences, leading the name to change once again to Towson State College. In 1976, the school gained university status.

Today, Towson University is ranked by US News & World Report as one of the best colleges in the country while Money ranks the school in the top best colleges for the cost.

Towson University Accreditation Details

Towson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Accreditation is a voluntary process that requires Towson University to undergo periodic review to confirm the programs offered are of the highest quality. During that review, any areas that are identified as needing improvement are addressed by the school as soon as possible. Programs throughout the school are accredited by:

  • ABET
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician
  • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology
  • Forensic Science Education Programs Accrediting Commission
  • Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
  • National Association of Schools of Dance, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Towson University Application Requirements

In order to apply for the undergraduate in Business Systems and Processes, applicants must successfully complete a set of required courses with a GPA of 2.7 or higher and must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher. Official transcripts from high school as well as all colleges and universities attended must be provided.

Applicants to the Allied Health program must hold at least an Associate of Applied Science degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided.

In order to apply for the Communication Management degree program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree must be in mass communication, public relations, advertising, communication studies or a related field. They must have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be provided. One letter of recommendation, a current resume, and a 1,000-word statement are also required.

Applicants for the Occupational Science program must have an overall GPA of 3.25 in graduate work although conditional admission may be granted to those with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants who are Occupational Therapy providers must provide proof they hold a degree from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education or by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. They must also provide proof they have completed all prerequisites and a copy of a valid license to practice occupational therapy. They must submit to an interview and provide three letters of recommendation. Transcripts from all colleges and universities must be provided along with a 1,000-word statement of purpose.

Towson University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition for Maryland residents is $10,198 per year and for non-residents is $24,334 per year. Graduate tuition for Maryland residents is $585 per credit hour and for non-residents is $1,054 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available and Towson University is among the top 100 value public institutions according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and Forbes. The school is committed to providing a solid return on educational investment. All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for grants, scholarships, loans or work-study programs.

Towson University prepares graduates who will serve as effective, ethical leaders, providing a foundation in liberal arts with an emphasis on rigorous academic standards that create leaders.