Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary graduate program in Women’s and Gender Studies provides students with a solid academic foundation to pursue their unique goals. As the only applied master’s program in Women’s and Gender Studies in Maryland and the only Women’s and Gender Studies master’s program in Baltimore, the program emphasizes applied research methods and skills, preparing students for careers in a variety of public and private organizations both national and international, for-profit and nonprofit. It also prepares students to enter doctoral programs in a variety of fields.

The constantly changing nature of public policy provides an opportunity to study the role that interest groups, government leaders, the media and others play in framing policy debates that affect women. In this concentration, focus on a particular policy area and/or look at that area from a comparative perspective.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, who have no formal teacher training and wish to enter the teaching profession. It is well suited to recent graduates and to those seeking to change careers.

Graduates of the MAT program are eligible for teacher certification in the general education tracks of early childhood, elementary and secondary education.

• Early childhood education prepares students to teach Pre-K through grade three.
• Elementary education prepares students to teach grades one through six.
• Secondary education prepares students to teach grades seven through 12 in biology, chemistry, earth-space science, English, mathematics, physics, or history/social studies. 
• World Languages prepares students to teach Pre-K through grade 12 in French or Spanish.

Women’s and Gender Studies majors are required to complete 39 units with a grade equivalent of 2.00 or higher from among the following courses. In addition, all Women's and Gender Studies majors must complete a minimum of 18 units toward the major at Towson University, with at least 12 units at the upper (300-400) level.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the physical, social, economic and political factors that shape the development of metropolitan areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the array of current challenges facing metropolitan areas.
• Critically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of policies designed to address the challenges facing metropolitan areas.
• Conduct and present sound research on metropolitan issues.

The program of study in Athletic Training is designed for students who are interested in a career in allied health care specializing in injury and illness of the physically active population. Athletic trainers function as integral members of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports organizations, industrial settings, military, occupational health, performing arts, public safety, and other health care settings. The athletic trainer specializes in evidence based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, health care administration, and professional development and responsibility. 

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is designed to provide an effective blend of ­theoretical and practical learning experiences in athletic training by incorporating extensive academic and clinical education experiences. The ATP is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Successful completion of the Athletic Training Program prepares an individual as a candidate for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of ­Certification examination.

Communication Studies courses give students a foundation in communication theories and their interrelated contexts, the application of theories to contemporary issues and the scholarly methods of studying communication. The Communication Studies major has a three-fold function:

1. It allows students a greater understanding of the role that communication plays in shaping culture and identity.
2. It looks at the ways in which the process of meaning-making (whether through the use of words, images, symbols or technology) is used strategically to influence human judgment and actions.
3. It sharpens students’ critical thinking abilities, thus enabling them to become ethical producers and consumers of messages.

This three-fold function is accomplished through a theoretical and practical focus on argument development and through a close examination of the ways ideas are discussed, advocated for, and circulated in public and private life. These emphases give students the opportunity to develop speaking, writing, and analytical thinking skills that will allow them to become better ethical participants in the process of creating, critiquing, and disseminating meaning.

• READ: Interpret written materials flexibly: understand that although multiple meanings are possible, textual evidence needs to support individual interpretations of the literature being read as well as the implications drawn from it.
• WRITE: Write in a variety of forms (e.g. expository, argumentative, imaginative, business/technical) as appropriate to audience, purpose, and occasion, using evidence to support interpretations.
• RESEARCH: Use research skills that include understanding of methods, technology and conventions.
• REFLECT: Be reflective and lifelong learners.
• INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCE: Use software as appropriate to writing and research.
• GLOBAL AWARENESS: Engaging intellectually in the experiences and views of people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Religious Studies majors must complete 33 units of coursework, including 12 units from a set of Area Requirements. Three courses (9 units) at the introductory level are designed to provide students with broad, working knowledge of Western and Asian religious traditions. An advanced course at the 400 level (3 units) assumes knowledge and skills students will have acquired in their course work in Religious Studies. It engages students in critical reflection on religious phenomena broadly conceived and represents the culmination of their experience as Religious Studies Majors. Students are also required to complete 21 units of electives. 

Towson University’s Master of Arts in Professional Studies, Art History Concentration, is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the profession by looking at the history of art, in addition to the philosophy, role, operation and multiple functions of museums and visual arts institutions in American society. Topics include museum management, care and handling of objects, museum education, development and grant writing, marketing and public relations for cultural institutions, history and theory of exhibition design, and curatorial vision. A wide range of specialized art history courses are available as well, including the art and architecture of the ancient Mediterranean world, the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque, US art and architecture, non-western and modern and contemporary art and theory. Students with degrees from other related areas of study beyond art history are also encouraged to apply; related areas of study include history, philosophy, anthropology, English, studio art and art education.

Gain expert knowledge and relevant experience in applied geographic methods and technologies. Tailor your master’s degree to your academic and professional goals as you prepare for positions in the public and private sector.

Choose from specialized topics, including:

• Area studies
• Geographic information systems
• Cartography
• Environmental and urban planning
• Environmental assessment
• Energy resources
• Policy issues
• Urban studies

All students enrolled in the graduate program must demonstrate proficiency in research. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option. All non-thesis students must complete a final research project.