![[photo, Administration Building, Towson University, 7720 York Road, Towson, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25univ/towson/images/1198-1-472.jpg)
The University originated as the State Normal School, which was authorized in 1865 (Chapter 160, Acts of 1865). At that time, "normal" meant "standard", and described schools that promoted standardized teaching methods. "Normal" came from the French ecole normale, and the Prussian normal schools, that influenced American educators to establish norms or standards for the training of teachers. Opened in Baltimore in January 1866, the State Normal School was the first institution devoted exclusively to the preparation of teachers for the public schools of Maryland.
Administration Building, Towson University, 7720 York Road, Towson, Maryland, August 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
As the State Normal 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). Later, an arts and sciences program was introduced in 1946. Formerly under the State Board of Education, the College was placed under the Board of Trustees of State Colleges in July 1963 (Chapter 41, Acts of 1963). At that time, it increased its offerings in the arts and science, and was renamed Towson State College. Two years later, it began expanding its graduate program.
![[photo, Richmond Hall, Towson University, Towson, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25univ/towson/images/1198-1-469.jpg)
Towson State College was designated as Towson State University in July 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 in July 1997, the University was renamed Towson University (Chapter 114, Acts of 1997).
Towson University is organized into five divisions: Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, Student Affairs, University Advancement, and University Marketing and Communications.
Richmond Hall, Towson University, Maryland, August 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Division of Academic Affairs oversees seven colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Fine Arts and Communication; Health Professions; Honors; Liberal Arts; and Science and Mathematics. Also under the Division are the Albert S. Cook Library and the Office of Graduate Studies.
ALBERT S. COOK LIBRARY
Cook Library holdings include federal government reports and publications received under the Federal Depository Library Program, and library subscription databases. These holdings are available in person and through the website. Students, faculty, and staff within the University System of Maryland and its affiliates may access materials. Interlibrary loan service is available.
To each department in the University, librarians are assigned to assist with student research projects. Library staff also offer tutoring services and writing support.
Under the Cook Library, Special Collections and University Archives focus on collecting materials related to Towson University History, Jewish Studies, History of Education in Maryland, Performing Arts, and World War II.
OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
The College of Business and Economics traces its origins to the creation of the departments of economics (1966), business administration (1970), and accounting (1981). These departments were restructured to form the School of Business and Economics in 1982. The School was renamed College of Business and Economics in 1996.
Within the College are the Business Excellence Program and six departments: Accounting; Business Analytics and Technology Management; Economics; Finance; Management; and Marketing.
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 are offered by the College of Education. Graduate degrees also are offered in these areas, and in reading, teaching, instructional technology, and human resource development. The College also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching for individuals with a bachelor degree in noneducational fields, but no formal teacher training. The program is designed for recent graduates and those seeking career changes.
Within the College are six departments: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Instructional Leadership and Professional Development; Learning Technologies, Design, and School Library Media; Secondary Education; and Special Education.
The College of Fine Arts and Communication contributes to the cultural life of the University and community through its art exhibitss, concerts, plays, dance performances, films, debates, and lectures.
Within the College are seven departments: Art and Design, Art History, and Art Education; Dance; Communication Studies; Electronic Media and Film; Mass Communication; Music; and Theatre Arts.
In 1981, the College of Health Professions began as the College of Allied Health Sciences and Physical Education. In 1996, it reformed as the College of Health Science Professions, and assumed its present name in 2001.
In a wide range of health professions and sport-related areas, the College offers educational programs and fosters the integration of health, wellness, and education.
Within the College are five departments: Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Nursing; Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science; and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
To bring all of the College’s departments and programs to one site, construction began on a six-story College of Health Professions building in April 2021. Scheduled to open in summer 2024, the new facility will enable the College to accept more students, and help fill current gaps in Maryland’s health professions.
The College of Liberal Arts is the University’s largest college. Within the College are ten departments: English; Family Studies and Community Development; Geography and Environmental Planning; History; Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; Philosophy and Religious Studies; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice; and Women's and Gender Studies. The College also offers interdisciplinary programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics formerly was the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. By 2001, it was called the College of Science and Mathematics. In June 2005, it became the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics.
Along with the School of Emerging Technologies, the College includes five departments: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer and Information Sciences; Mathematics; and Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences.
CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE & INTERDISCIPLINARY CYBERSECURITY (CYBER4ALL CENTER)
The Honors College formed in 1998.
For the most academically qualified and motivated students who seek intellectual and personal growth, the Honors College involves students and faculty throughout the University in a community of scholars that explores questions within and beyond their disciplines.
Some 750 students from all degree-granting colleges and major departments participate in the Honors College. Students live together on campus and are offered smaller class sizes in a variety of disciplines in addition to those in their chosen college major. Honors College course work is recognized on transcripts, on diploma, and at graduation.
Admission to the Freshman class is based on high school academic record; standardized test scores; participation in leadership, extracurricular and community service activities; and an essay included with the student application.
Under the Division are three departments: Financial Affairs; Financial Planning, Analysis and Auxiliary Services; and University Police. The Division also oversees five offices: Budget, Human Resources, Management Advisory and Compliance Services, Public Safety, and Technology Services.
In 2004, the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research was initiated as the Division of Economic and Community Outreach. In 2013, it reformed as the Division of Innovation and Applied Research, and in July 2018 as the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.
For businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and the Towson community who are interested in collaborating with the University, the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research serves as a point of entry.
Continuing Education. 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. The Division serves Baltimore's workforce and employers by providing professional certification courses designed to address critical skill gaps in high growth industries. Courses are offered that prepare students for certification to jump start careers in business management, information technology, health and medical administration, and digital marketing. Courses are offered in class as well as on-line.
Under oversight of the Division are Applied Research and Technical Services; the Center for Professional Studies; Entrepreneurship; and the Office of Partnerships and Outreach.
As the Division of Student Services, the Division of Student Affairs began. It reorganized as the Division of Student Life in 1996 and received its present name in 2001.
The Division oversees programs and services designed to enhance and support student learning and development outside of the classroom. Programs within the Division promote an inclusive and diverse campus community; engage students in activities, which encourage responsible decision-making and risk reduction; and create opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through civic engagement.
Under the Division are four departments: Campus Life; Engagement, Inclusion, and Student Success; Housing and Residence Life; and Student Development Programs and Services.
The Division of University Advancement started as the Division of Institutional Advancement, and was renamed the Division of University Advancement in 2005.
Under the Division are Alumni Relations, and Development.
In 2012, the Division of University Marketing and Communications was established.
Five main components constitute the Division: Communications and Media Relations, Creative Services, Digital Strategy, Enrollment Marketing, and Marketing and Brand Strategy.
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The Albert S. Cook Library is the main library for Towson University. In 1957, it was dedicated and named for Albert Samuel Cook (1837-1952), first President of the Maryland State Teachers Association in 1908, who served as State Superintendent of Schools, 1920-1942.
The Office of Graduate Studies began as the College of Graduate and Extended Education, and reformed as the College of Graduate Education and Research in May 1999. It became the College of Graduate Studies and Research in 2005, and by September 2023 had reorganized as the Office of Graduate Studies.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Stephens Hall, Room 218, Towson University
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Hawkins Hall, Towson University
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION
Center for the Arts, Room 3001, Towson University
COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Towson Center, Towson University
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Liberal Arts Building, University Avenue
FISHER COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS
Science Complex, 4th Floor
In April 2022, the College opened the Cyber4All Center for cybersecurity education and research. Towson University is one of just 21 universities nationwide designated by National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security Cyber Operations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.
HONORS COLLEGE
Stephens Hall, Towson University
DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
The Division of Administration and Finance is responsible for the University’s budget, managing daily operations, and developing financial plans.
DIVISION OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & APPLIED RESEARCH
401 Washington Ave., Towson, MD 21204
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Administration Building, Room 237, Towson University
DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Administration Building, Room 325, Towson University
DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Administration Building, 4th floor, Towson University
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