Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education

All of the department’s programs — undergraduate, graduate and certificate — provide a broad understanding of the arts across disciplines, cultures, styles and media. Courses encourage students to embrace new technologies and materials, develop creativity and critical thinking, and seek global perspectives. You can participate in study abroad programs, internships, exhibitions and a monthly lecture series, and art + design undergraduate majors can tailor their course of study by selecting from one of nine different concentrations.

The department provides:

• an enriched learning environment, promoting excellence in the classroom, studio, community and through e-learning
• a professionally oriented arts education program taught by faculty recognized as accomplished teachers, scholars, practicing artists and designers, and leaders in their disciplines
• a forward-thinking art and design curriculum emphasizing innovation, accompanied by an understanding and appreciation of art history, art education, and traditional processes and skills
• a unique metropolitan perspective, taking full advantage of Towson’s location and liberal arts tradition and providing opportunities for collaborative and interdisciplinary learning

Take a Tour

Undergraduate guided tours of the department are offered by appointment with the Academic Program Coordinator, Ginger Ross gross AT_TOWSON.  MFA graduate tours are available by appointment with the director, Prof. Tonia Matthews, tmatthews AT_TOWSON.  

Closed toed shoes are required to visit the art studios.  Anyone wanting a tour of the art facilities must wear closed toed shoes.

Exhibit On Campus

The Center for the Arts houses three galleries that exhibit works of living artists of the past 40 years, as well as emerging artists and students.

Open Live Drawing Sessions

Open life drawing sessions are offered to the community during the fall and spring semesters from 2pm to 4pm, Fridays, usually starting the 3rd week of the semester in the Center for the Arts, room 4036.