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TOWSON UNIVERSITY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, Administration Building, Towson University, 7720 York Road, Towson, Maryland] In 1865, Towson University originated as the State Normal School (Chapter 160, Acts of 1865). Opened in Baltimore City in 1866, the School was the first and, at that time, only institution devoted exclusively to the preparation of teachers for the public schools of Maryland. The School occupied four different sites in Baltimore City before moving to its present suburban location in 1915. When the school was renamed the Maryland State Teachers College at Towson in 1935, the Bachelor of Science degree in education was established (Chapter 554, Acts of 1935). In 1946, an arts and sciences program was introduced. The College increased its offerings in the arts and sciences and became Towson State College in 1963 (Chapter 41, Acts of 1963). Two years later, it began expanding its graduate program. The College was designated as Towson State University in 1976 and became part of the University of Maryland System in 1988 (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988). When the System was renamed the University System of Maryland, the University became Towson University in 1997 (Chapter 114, Acts of 1997).

Administration Building, Towson University, 7720 York Road, Towson, Maryland, August 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Richmond Hall, Towson University, Towson, Maryland]

Towson University is a liberal arts-based university. On a campus of over 300 acres, the school lies just north of Baltimore City. The University offers over 40 majors and 60 concentrations leading to the bachelor's degree. The Graduate School offers 26 master's degree programs.

The University is organized into five divisions: Academic Affairs; Administration and Finance; Economic and Community Outreach; Student Affairs; and University Advancement.

Richmond Hall, Towson University, Maryland, August 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

The Division of Academic Affairs oversees seven colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Fine Arts and Communication; Graduate Studies and Research; Health Professions; Liberal Arts; and Science and Mathematics.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Stephens Hall
Towson University

Under the College of Business and Economics are five departments: Accounting; Economics; Finance; Management; and Marketing and E-Business.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Hawkins Hall
Towson University

The College of Education offers the baccalaureate degree in education with certification in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education, as well as programs for certification in secondary education and kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) education. Graduate degrees also are offered in these areas and in reading, teaching, instructional technology, and human resource development.

Four departments make up the College. They are: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Reading, Special Education; and Instructional Technology; and Secondary Education.

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION

Center for the Arts
Towson University

The College of Fine Arts and Communication consists of six departments: Art; Dance; Electronic Media and Film; Music; Mass Communication and Communication Studies; and Theatre Arts.

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES & RESEARCH

The College of Graduate Studies and Research began as the College of Graduate and Extended Education and Research, and reformed as the College of Graduate Education and Research in May 1999. In 2005, it reformed as the College of Graduate Studies and Research. It consists of the Graduate School, and the Office of University Research Services.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Towson Center
Towson University

The College of Health Professions was formerly the College of Allied Health Sciences and Physical Education. By 2001, it had been renamed the College of Health Professions.

Five departments make up the College of Health Professions: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health Sciences; Kinesiology; and Occupational Therapy and Nursing.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Linthicum Hall
Towson University

The College of Liberal Arts consists of nine departments: English; Geography and Environmental Planning; History; Modern Languages; Philosophy and Religious Studies; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice; and Women's Studies.

FISHER COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS

Smith Hall
Towson University

The College of Science and Mathematics formerly was the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. By 2001, it had adopted the name College of Science and Mathematics. In June 2005, it became the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. The College includes departments of Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer and Information Sciences; Mathematics; and Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences.

DIVISION OF ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Division of Economic and Community Outreach formed in 2004. In addition to addressing economic and social issues, the Division oversees the adult education component of the University, formerly in the College of Extended Programs.

DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

The Division of University Advancement started as the Division of Institutional Advancement and was renamed the Division of University Advancement in 2005. The Division is responsible for: Alumni Relations; Development; and University Marketing.

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