Towson University

What is the history of Towson University?

Towson University began in 1866 as the Maryland State Normal School, established in Baltimore to prepare teachers for the state's public schools. It moved to Towson in 1915, and teacher education remains an important part of a university that now offers programs across business, health, science, the arts and humanities.

Its names trace that expansion. It became Maryland State Teachers College at Towson in 1935, Towson State College in 1963, Towson State University in 1976 and Towson University in 1997. The university is a public institution in the University System of Maryland, not a separate Baltimore campus of another university.

What are the faculties and departments at Towson University?

Towson organizes its academic programs into six principal colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Fine Arts and Communication; Health Professions; Liberal Arts; and the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. It also has an Honors College and graduate programs.

Undergraduates can study subjects ranging from accounting, computer science and nursing to psychology, music, communication and teacher education. The college structure matters because admission to Towson does not necessarily settle entry into every major: programs with clinical placements, auditions, portfolios or professional accreditation requirements may have additional steps or capacity limits. Students considering those fields should check the requirements for the specific major, not just general university admission.

What is the location of Towson University?

Towson University's main campus is in Towson, Maryland, a suburban center north of Baltimore. Its location offers access to Baltimore-area employers and cultural institutions while allowing students to live on campus or commute from the surrounding region.

Commuting is a significant part of campus life: institutional figures indicate that about 65% of students commute. Prospective commuters should account for travel time, parking rules and transit schedules when planning classes or jobs. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is the most relevant major airport for many students traveling longer distances.

What is the mission and vision of Towson University?

Towson describes its mission as providing education, scholarship and public service as a public university serving Maryland and a broader community. Its stated priorities include student learning, research and creative activity, inclusion, and engagement beyond campus.

Those are institutional aims rather than guarantees about an individual student's experience. For applicants, the practical question is how a particular program puts them into effect - for example, through field placements, undergraduate research, community projects or access to faculty. Towson is a public university and has no institutional religious affiliation.