Information for Freshmen

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Academic Advising Center

Freshmen complete an Academic Interest Form to be scheduled for classes for their first academic term. Based on your responses, as well as Towson's academic requirements, an academic adviser will select appropriate courses for you. Most schedules will contain four to six classes. Schedules are created in the order we receive the Academic Interest Forms. If you need assistance completing the form, call the Academic Advising Center, 410-704-3678.

Academic Interest Form

Please fill out the form completely, including your preferences for each Core Curriculum category. To help you select courses, you can review the Core Curriculum course descriptions and Course List here.

The academic adviser will register you for 12-16 credits, based on the answers on your Academic Interest Form, major requirements or pre-requisites, course availability, and scheduling conflicts. Courses that you request or major requirements not included on your first-semester schedule can be taken in subsequent semesters.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I get my schedule?

Schedules are created in the order in which the Academic Interest Forms are received. Advisors create, modify and change schedules throughout the summer as test results and additional course options become available.

You will receive your final schedule during orientation when you meet with your First Year Experience(FYE) advisor.

What are Towson’s graduation requirements?

Every student who attends Towson University must fulfill the following requirements in order to graduate:

         • Complete University Core Curriculum requirements
         • Fulfill requirements for a major (and minor, if desired)
         • Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
         • Complete 32 upper-level units (300-400 level)
         • Earn a minimum of 120 units

These requirements must be completed by the time you graduate. Some classes will fulfill both a Core Curriculum and a major requirement. Advisors take these requirements into consideration when developing your schedule.

For best course availability, please complete your Academic Interest Form as soon as possible and by June 1. Schedules are created in the order in which Academic Interest Forms are received.

What are the university Core Curriculum requirements?

The university Core Curriculum requirements are arranged to give you an opportunity to take courses in all of the critical areas that make up a liberal education. University Core Curriculum requirements include 14 courses in four categories:

• Fundamentals: English composition, mathematics, creativity and creative development, and a Towson Freshman Seminar. Fundamentals courses are generally taken in the first two or three terms of a student’s undergraduate program.

• Ways of Knowing: one course in arts and humanities; one course in social and behavioral sciences; and two courses in biological and physical sciences (at least one course must include a lab).

• Writing in a Chosen Field: an advanced writing seminar, typically taken by a student in her/his junior or senior year

• Perspectives: one course in each of the following: metropolitan perspectives; the United States as a nation; global perspectives; diversity and difference; and ethical issues and perspectives.

Students can choose from a variety of classes in each category with the exception of English composition, which is required of all students. Courses taken for Core Curriculum requirements may also be used to fulfill requirements of your major. Specific courses that fulfill each core requirement can be found on the drop-down menu on the Academic Interest Form and at the Academic Advising Center website.

Do I need to know my major now?

You are not required to declare your major when you enroll at Towson. You can be considered as an open/undecided major until you are ready to declare a specific major. Please indicate any majors of interest on your Academic Interest Form. You can change your major at a later time; students must choose a major by the time they have earned 60 units.

Should I take all Core Curriculum courses in my first two years?

While it is generally a good idea to take many of your Core Curriculum courses early in your academic career, often it is best to combine Core courses with major requirements throughout your time at TU. Some students use the Core to explore options for a major. All Core Curriculum units are counted toward the graduation requirements, and most majors leave room for students to take additional electives.

How do I keep track of all these different requirements?

The 2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog will be your source of information throughout your time at Towson. The catalog includes all Towson University academic policies and regulations, including information and requirements for every major and descriptions of every course offered at the university. It also contains listings of campus resources, faculty members, and scholarships and honors available to students.

Access the catalog online for general information and course descriptions to aid you in completing your Academic Interest Form. You will be assigned a First-Year Experience (FYE) adviser who will be listed on your course schedule. You will work with your adviser to develop an academic plan that will help and guide you through your first year at TU. You can use this form to plan and keep track of your requirements.

How do I know if I need Placement Testing?

Students who received a Critical Reading, Math or Writing SAT score of 500 or above are exempt from placement testing in that skill. If placement testing is required, the Placement Testing Office will contact you directly about testing dates. Placement testing should be completed as soon as possible so that Academic Advisers can create your schedule using testing results.

What if I have taken AP classes?

For students who take Advanced Placement tests, AP credit is given based on your test scores. A list of eligible classes and scores is available in the Undergraduate Catalog. The Office of Admissions (410-704-2113) will award the appropriate credit. If you are taking AP or IB classes or if you are planning to earn credits from another institution, please indicate so on the Academic Interest Form.

If you would like to speak with an advisor about completing the Academic Interest Form you can chat with us now or email us. Included in your email should be your name, Towson University ID number, the phone number or email were you would like to be contacted and a brief description of your question. If you are asking to be contacted by phone, please let us know the preferred times you would like to be called.

No schedule changes may be made prior to new student orientation. At that time, you will have an opportunity to meet with your First-Year Experience (FYE) adviser to discuss your schedule in person. Please do not call or e-mail regarding schedule changes until after you have met with your FYE adviser.

Your First-Year Experience Adviser

During Welcome to Towson, TU's orientation program for new students, you will meet your First-Year Experience (FYE) adviser who will help you make any needed adjustments to your schedule. All new students are assigned to a FYE adviser, who may be a TU faculty member, professional academic adviser or staff member. Your adviser can answer questions about curriculum, majors, special opportunities (internships, study abroad) or general adjustment to college, including crucial time management and study skills.

Welcome to Towson: New Student Orientation

Orientation at Towson University is called Welcome to Towson. First-year students attend the New Student Orientation in August. The “Tiger To-Do List for Freshmen” has information about what needs to be done before you arrive on campus. If you have questions, please call 410-704-2309 or e-mail: newstudentprograms@towson.edu.

Academic Advising Center
Lecture Hall
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2472
Fax: 410-704-4020
E-mail: advising@towson.edu

Take advantage of this opportunity to choose interesting and challenging classes.You are embarking on a wonderful journey–enjoy it to the fullest!