Courses at TU

Below you will find essential information to help you choose and enroll in courses at TU. Please review this information carefully - getting things right at the application stage will save you time and effort later on!

Getting Started

The Study Abroad & Away Office will enroll you in classes for your first semester of study at TU. The classes/courses you request following the submission of your application are the ones that we will try to register you in once you are admitted. Students studying at TU for a full year will choose and register for courses for the second semester at a later date.

Please review the course descriptions on the TU website and seek advice and approval from your home institution prior to making your selection.

IMPORTANT: Our office will confirm receipt of your application via email. In that email, we will give you further instructions for enrolling in classes. Not all classes will be available each term. Courses offered in the fall semester are announced in March and course offerings for the spring semester are announced in October.

Search for classes (follow the instructions for "Non-Towson Students")

Choose the Right Level

Most classes at TU have prerequisites so it is important to choose classes that are right for you. The number of each course indicates the level (introductory to advanced) - the higher the level the more prerequisites.

Undergraduate students: 100, 200, 300, 400
Graduate students: 500, 600, 700

Course Load

Make sure you have covered the content of any prerequisite classes listed in the course description. For any TU course with prerequisites please submit descriptions of the relevant classes you have completed at home with your application.

Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per semester and can take a maximum of 15 without incurring any additional fees. Most courses are worth 3 units each, so undergraduate students typically take 4 or 5 courses per semester.

Graduate students must enroll in a minimum 6 units per semester and can take a maximum of 9 without incurring any additional fees. Most courses are worth 3 units each, so graduate students typically take 2 or 3 courses per semester.

Changing your Course Schedule

You may change your schedule after arrival during the first week of the semester. This is called the drop/add (change of schedule) period.

If a course is already closed (full), you may go to the class on the first day and talk to the professor about adding the course. The instructor will determine whether to allow you to add the class.

TIP: Do not drop a course until you know whether you can add another course.

ELC + International Exchange Program

Students from partner institutions who do not meet the minimum language requirements to study at Towson on exchange may take courses at our English Language Center (ELC) prior to their semester or full year on exchange. This is called the ELC + International Exchange program. Attending the ELC for one or more semesters allows them to improve proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in preparation for regular university courses on exchange. To apply simply select the ELC + International Exchange option on the International Exchange Student Application.

Note: Costs related to the semester at the ELC are not covered by the international exchange student agreement - separate fees apply.

Students participating in the ELC + International Exchange program can live in on-campus housing and participate in all activities for international exchange students. You will also have access to campus recreation services and the library. When you have passed the ELC Advanced Level 5 with a B grade or higher you may proceed with your studies at Towson as an exchange student (tuition and fees waived) the following semester. You may stay at the ELC for as many terms as needed to pass the required level.

Established in 1985, Towson University’s English Language Center is the oldest intensive English language program in the Baltimore/Towson area. Upon arrival to Towson, a placement test determines the appropriate level of English class. Designed for students who do not feel confident about their English proficiency, the ELC offers:

Integrated Core Skills Classes: Reading, Writing, Grammar and Listening, Speaking, Grammar
English Applications Classes: American University Experience, Study Skills, Presentation Skills, Vocabulary, Pronunciation/Phonics/Spelling, and New Media
Development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
Small classes averaging 15 students
Highly qualified and caring faculty
Conversation Partners Program