Organizer Information
Towson University is a public university in Towson, Maryland, offering undergraduate and graduate education across the arts, humanities, sciences, education, business, and other disciplines. Its College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education, and programs in theatre, music, and communication. The university offers international admission pathways for eligible applicants seeking undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Towson University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, MEd, MAT, MS, PhD and other institutionally offered degrees; confirm individual program awards in the catalog
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Art Education, Design, Digital Art, Theatre, Music, Communication, Film and Media-related studies
- Relevant Programs: Art + Design; Art History; Art Education; Studio Art (MFA); Art Education (MEd); Theatre Arts; Electronic Media and Film
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Depends on admission term, applicant type, and program
- Application Deadline: Program- and term-specific; see Deadline & Timeline
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring, and, for selected programs, summer
- Application Fee: $50 for graduate applications; confirm the applicable undergraduate fee
- Tuition: 2026–2027 rates vary by level, residency classification, and course load
- Funding: Scholarships and financial aid are available under applicable eligibility rules
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Towson offers academic pathways relevant to artists, designers, filmmakers, and other creative practitioners. The Department of Art + Design, Art History, and Art Education provides undergraduate study in studio art and design, art history, and art education. Graduate applicants interested in studio practice can consider the MFA in Studio Art, while those interested in teaching art can consider the MEd in Art Education.
- The university also offers study in theatre and electronic media and film. Applicants should consult each program's official curriculum and admissions criteria to confirm the exact degree, concentration, and entry requirements.
General Eligibility
- Towson accepts eligible domestic and international applicants at undergraduate and graduate levels. International applicants may need to provide English-language proficiency evidence and a course-by-course evaluation of previous academic credentials. Requirements differ between first-year, transfer, and graduate applicants.
- Some programs impose additional screening or admission criteria after university admission. Acceptance into Towson does not automatically guarantee entry into every screened major.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for their applicant category. Graduate applicants must meet the academic prerequisites established by the relevant program.
- For the MFA in Studio Art, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; an art-related degree is preferred. Full admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00, while conditional admission may be considered at 2.75.
- For the MEd in Art Education, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The program specifies a 3.00 GPA for full admission and 2.75 for conditional admission.
Language Requirements
Applicants who attended school outside the United States must provide evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an applicable exemption or waiver. Accepted tests and minimum scores differ by study level.
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall, minimum 5.5 in each band | 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT, tests before 21 January 2026 | 70, minimum 17 in subscores | 80, minimum 20 in subscores |
| TOEFL iBT, tests after 21 January 2026 | 4.0 overall, minimum 3.5 in subscores | 4.5 overall, minimum 4.0 in subscores |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | 115 |
| PTE Academic | 49 | 57 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.0 overall, minimum 8.0 in subscores | 9.0 overall, minimum 8.5 in subscores |
Other accepted evidence includes iTEP, qualifying SAT or ACT results for undergraduate applicants, and completion of specified Towson English Language Center levels. Exemptions depend on the applicant's educational history, country, and study level.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Graduate applications | $50, nonrefundable |
| Undergraduate applications | See the applicable undergraduate admissions fee schedule |
The MFA in Studio Art application requires payment of the university application fee. The program also directs applicants to SlideRoom, which charges a separate account or submission fee.
Tuition
| Study level | Residency classification | Published 2026–2027 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, 12–15 units per term | Maryland resident | $12,690 estimated annual tuition and fees |
| Undergraduate, 12–15 units per term | Out-of-state | $32,948 estimated annual tuition and fees |
| Graduate | Maryland resident | $774 per unit, tuition and fees |
| Graduate | Out-of-state | $1,400 per unit, tuition and fees |
Certain courses incur additional laboratory or class fees. Housing, dining, books, supplies, and personal expenses are separate from the tuition figures above unless explicitly included in an estimated cost-of-attendance total. The published annual undergraduate estimates include tuition and fees for 12–15 units per term, but exclude housing and dining.
Funding & Financial Support
Towson offers scholarships and other financial support, including opportunities specifically for international students.
- International Student Scholarship: Available to eligible new undergraduate international students. Awards vary and are competitive.
- Departmental scholarships: The Department of Film, Audio, Media Arts lists scholarships for majors.
- Other scholarships: International students may apply for additional awards when their eligibility criteria permit.
For the International Student Scholarship, applicants should submit a complete undergraduate admission application and all required supporting documents. Towson recommends submitting the materials by 1 February for best consideration; funding is limited. A scholarship is not guaranteed.
International students are not eligible for certain Maryland Higher Education Commission aid programs or the university's undergraduate admission scholarships. Eligibility must be checked for each funding opportunity.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant academic opportunities include:
- Film, Audio, Media Arts: Production-focused coursework and internship opportunities under faculty supervision.
- English Language Center: Intensive academic English instruction and pathways designed to help eligible international students prepare for university-level study.
- International Student and Scholar Office: Immigration and visa-related guidance for international students.
Access to specific production facilities, studios, internships, and departmental resources depends on the program and its requirements.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the applicant category and program.
International applicants may need to submit academic transcripts, English-language proficiency evidence, and a course-by-course credential evaluation. Non-English high school transcripts must be translated by a school official.
MFA in Studio Art applicants must submit:
- Online graduate application and application fee.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A portfolio of 15–20 images, or up to 15 minutes of video or animation.
- A statement of purpose describing artistic or design practice, influences, and goals.
- A current professional résumé.
Portfolio submissions are made through SlideRoom, which charges a separate fee. The university does not require GRE scores for this program.
For undergraduate Art + Design majors, a portfolio is not required for initial university admission. Some later major-screening processes have separate portfolio requirements.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate admissions
- Freshman Early Action Deadline — Fall 2027: 1 November 2026
- Freshman Application Deadline — Spring 2027: 1 November 2026
- Transfer Application Deadline — Spring 2027: 15 November 2026
MFA in Studio Art
- Spring admission final deadline: 1 November 2026
- Fall admission final deadline: 15 January 2027
MEd in Art Education
- Spring admission priority deadline: 1 November 2026
- Spring admission final deadline: 15 December 2026
- Summer admission final deadline: 1 May 2027
- Fall admission priority deadline: 15 June 2027
- Fall admission final deadline: 7 August 2026
International Student Scholarship
- Recommended submission date for best consideration: 1 February 2027
Location
Towson University — Towson, Maryland, United States
Additional Details
- International students seeking F-1 or J-1 status must verify that their intended program meets the university's immigration-compliance requirements.
- The MFA in Studio Art requires 60 credits and can generally be completed in three years of full-time study.
- The MEd in Art Education does not lead to initial teacher certification; applicants seeking initial certification should review the university's MAT program.
- Art Education and certain Art + Design concentrations have additional screening requirements after initial university admission.