Towson University grants advanced credit for the successful completion of college-level course work while in high school and for high achievement on Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College-Level Examination Program, and Cambridge Credit exams.
Freshmen who have completed advanced-level work and would like academic credit and advanced placement are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement (AP) administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. The university receives the results of these tests in mid-July, and notifies students about advanced placement and credit prior to the change of schedule period. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the director of admissions or the chair of the appropriate academic department.
A bulletin of information about Advanced Placement Tests may be secured from the College Entrance Examination Board, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, N.J. 08540.
See Towson University's Advanced Placement information.
Towson University recognizes that the International Baccalaureate (IB) program represents achievement beyond the standard American high school program and regularly awards advanced standing to students who successfully complete IB course work.
Students who earn an IB diploma will be awarded 30 units toward the bachelor's degree and receive sophomore standing. Some of these units may be applied toward Towson's Core Curriculum requirements; each student's IB units will be individually evaluated for Core Curriculum applicability.
Students who earn an IB certificate will be eligible to receive units based on the results of higher level and standard level exams. Credit will be awarded on a course-by-course basis. At least 6 and as many as 8 units will be awarded for each higher level exam completed with a score of 4 or above. A score of 5 or above is required to receive units for the physics higher level exam.
Please view the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.
The CLEP is a series of standardized tests designed to assess college-level knowledge in a number of disciplines. It is intended for students who have obtained knowledge of certain subjects outside of a traditional classroom environment and who wish to earn credit for this experience. Towson University offers, and grants course credit for, a number of computerized CLEP tests, including college mathematics, natural science, social science and history, and the humanities.
Tests are also offered in accounting, business law, economics, marketing, management, computer science, freshman composition, American literature, English literature, educational psychology, and sociology. The TU Registrar's Office provides more information about the minimum passing scores for CLEP tests and the course equivalencies they satisfy, as well as how to schedule a test.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests
Towson University recognizes that the University of Cambridge International Examinations represent achievement beyond the standard American high school program and awards advanced standing to students who successfully complete Cambridge exams.
A Level
Cambridge International A Levels are recognized for matriculation purposes. Advanced Standing credit is awarded for A Level passes with a mark of D or better. Eight units are awarded for science/math A Level courses; six units are awarded for non-science/math A Level courses.
AS Level
Advanced standing credit is awarded for AS Level passes with a mark of D or better. Four units are awarded for science/math AS Level courses; three units are awarded for non-science/math AS Level courses.