Master of Arts in Professional Studies with Concentration in Individualized Plan of Study

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

The Asian Studies Concentration within the Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed to offer students an interdisciplinary program of study of various dimensions of the Asian world. Students may plan a course of study that concentrates on a particular aspect of Asian civilization or on a particular sub-region of Asia. One might, for example, focus on the art and philosophy of various Asian peoples, or instead, one might concentrate on Chinese, Indian or Japanese civilization, studying both the traditional and modern society, its physical setting, and its political and economic development. In order to build a sound program of study, which meets both the individual student’s needs and the Interdisciplinary Studies requirements, it is essential that students work closely with an adviser in planning the program and selecting courses.

Students may elect to become certified in both Early Childhood and Special Education by selecting this integrated major. This program, specially designed to integrate both early childhood and special education, prepares students as early childhood classroom teachers, as well as infant/primary special education teachers.

The Early Childhood – Special Education program is provided at Towson University and Towson University in Northeastern Maryland (TUNE). 

The Master of Science in Actuarial Science and Predictive Analytics (ASPA) will prepare students to succeed in a market landscape that has greatly adopted risk management practices and data analytics. The program combines theory, practice and predictive modeling, providing students with critical analytical tools that will enable them to have the right skills to succeed in the marketplace and continue to be industry leaders. The program reflects Towson University’s mission, vision and strategic plan and it is designed to:

• Build an interdisciplinary foundation in actuarial science with emerging technology, predictive modeling and curricular content that encourages “thinking critically and meaningfully.” 
• Provide select, high quality programs in professional fields where there is evidence both of need and of corresponding institutional strength. The Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science and Predictive Analytics will produce graduates who can meet the challenges of the actuarial profession today, prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow, and ultimately “enrich the culture, society, economy and environment of Maryland, the region, and beyond.”
• Provide the most current and advanced skill sets and knowledge in the Actuarial Science professional career that align with national trends and span the areas of STEM, business, and finance education.
• Engage students in Maryland, serving communities’ needs and providing our students with varied internship and service learning opportunities through industry relationships, networking opportunities, a capstone and professional practices course and a recommended internship.
• Empower students to achieve their career goals and “enrich the culture, society, economy and environment of Maryland, the region, and beyond” through a careful curricular plan that targets a student’s academic growth while seeking required experiences needed to support career outcomes.

Both full-time and part-time students are encouraged to enroll in the program. Core courses are usually offered in the evening, for the convenience of part-time students.

The Master of Education degree in Elementary Education is an advanced curriculum and instruction program that provides leadership skills needed for teachers to navigate an ever more complex school and social system. The program is designed for those involved in instructional and curricular decision-making in schools and districts and those committed to quality professional growth. Course, program goals and learner outcomes are based on the professional setting to ensure transfer of theory to practice. The program of study helps the student achieve the following goals:

• Develop advanced capabilities in cultural competency, design thinking, action inquiry, equity, creative curriculum design and innovative data-focused instruction.

• Understand the diverse nature of learners, society and the impact on learning.

• Assume specialty roles in areas identified as important to the school community and the changing educational landscape.

• Use technology and media to enhance teaching and learning.

• Understand and use appropriate assessment and evaluation within the teaching process.

• Engage in scholarly activities to promote student achievement as well as one’s own professional development.

• Think, reflect, and critically analyze the educational processes and professional practices.

The goals and objectives of the degree program are based on MSDE Professional Development Standards and the core propositions endorsed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The areas addressed by the standards are reflected in the required and elective courses.

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.

• In the production of art and/or design work, students will demonstrate a working knowledge of the elements of art and the principles of design.
• In the production of art and/or design work, students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the materials and processes of their chosen discipline.
• In creating and/or evaluating art and design work, students will recognize and demonstrate understanding of perspectives of people from cultures and situations other than their own.
• Students will articulate, through writing, verbally and through the production of a body of work, their personal aesthetic and/or professional direction.

The Master of Science in Health Science is designed to meet needs within the state of Maryland for graduate-trained professionals to work in health care, community, worksite, and nonprofit settings. The program is intended both for people with academic or work experience in the health sciences or related fields as well as those seeking to expand their expertise to include the field of health science. It is particularly well suited to people who have been in the work force and now wish to receive additional education to enhance their performance as well as their competitiveness on the job.

Students may select a concentration in Community Health or Health Administration. Students may also elect to take a dual concentration.

A graduate of the Community Health concentration might pursue a career as a health education specialist in a variety of public or private sector organizations. Students holding current credentials in pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, dietetics and other professions may wish to combine their skills from prior training and redirect their careers toward community health. A graduate of the Health Administration concentration, on the other hand, is prepared for positions in a variety of settings that require a sound background in the business and organizational aspects of health care.

The Department of Theatre Arts offers a B.A./B.S. in Theatre Arts with a track in either Design and Production or Theatre Studies.

Design and Production Track

The Design and Production track provides a broad foundation in all areas of theatre design and technical production, while preparing the student for graduate study or entry-level professional work in scenic, costume, lighting, or sound design, or technical direction, construction and support. Faculty mentors guide qualified students through design and production projects of increasing responsibility, ­culminating in mainstage designs and leadership production positions for the most advanced students.

The Design and Production Track has an excellent record of preparing students for internship, graduate programs and career opportunities.

Theatre Studies Track

The Theatre Studies track integrates academic inquiry and performance exploration through a comprehensive study of the art of theatre in relation to multiple communities, from local to global. This well-rounded curriculum will provide a strong foundation for graduate study or entry-level professional work to students with interests in areas such as directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, theatre administration or stage management. It is also an excellent choice for students who wish to apply their theatre skills to other fields such as education, law or business.

The Allied Health program is designed to give practicing health care professionals the opportunity to advance their careers by expanding their skills in the health care marketplace. Students enter the program with a completed associate degree from a regionally accredited institution in an allied health field. The program builds on students’ existing associate degrees and clinical backgrounds and prepares them to assume additional responsibilities through advanced learning in health care administration and management, organization and funding, ethical and professional issues, and research findings that affect best practice. Graduates are better positioned for promotions, movement into related positions or job expansion.

The Master of Music is an applied professional degree designed to develop a high level of musicianship, creative development and research skills within the discipline. Admission requires expertise in the area of concentration equivalent to having earned a Bachelor of Music degree in the area of specialization. Students are expected to have completed sufficient undergraduate courses to meet the requirements for admission.