ADMISSIONS

Admission Policies for U.S. Applicants

Degree Students Admission Policy

An applicant for admission to a degree program can meet minimum admission requirements by holding (1) a master's degree or doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university, or (2) a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4-point scale) and by meeting all additional admission requirements of the program. The grade point average requirements may be satisfied by a 3.00 average for the most recent 60 credits on the applicant's baccalaureate record.

Courses taken beyond the baccalaureate degree may be included in the undergraduate grade point average if they are at least upper division undergraduate work. Courses used for admission credentials, including program prerequisites and courses used to raise the average GPA for admission, cannot be applied toward a master's degree. At the option of the program director, students in the second bachelor's degree program may be evaluated on the basis of the grade point average in that program if 30 or more credits have been completed.

Admission with conditions may be granted to applicants whose academic achievement does not meet the standards required for admission. See the specific program admission requirements page for detailed infomation. Students admitted to a degree program with conditions must satisfy requirements and correct any deficiencies as determined by the program director. Requirements that must be completed to continue in the program are listed on the admission worksheet and sent to the student with the letter of admission.

The minimum undergraduate grade point average for conditional admission may be waived for an applicant whose undergraduate degree was obtained at least ten years earlier, and who can document a minimum of five years of successful working experience in a field relevant to the applicant's program. The candidate's application to the Graduate School must be supported in writing by the program director. Candidates must meet all other entrance requirements of the program.

For a full review of admission requirements for each program, please see the Chart of Admission Requirements

Non-Degree Students Admission Policy

Students who do not wish to pursue a degree are permitted to register for courses through the 600 level. Those who do not meet standards required for admission to a program may take courses, through the 600 level, as non-degree students. Non-degree students who wish to take courses above the 600 level should request a transcript evaluation. Such students must meet the same grade point average requirements as fully admitted graduate students. Requests should be directed to the Associate Director for Graduate Admissions. A limit of 12 semester hours taken while in the non-degree status may be applied to a degree program with the approval of the program director.

Admission Prior to Receiving a Baccalaureate Degree

Admission to some programs may be granted to seniors in their final semester. Undergraduate work through the first semester of the senior year is evaluated so transcripts submitted must include all grades through that semester. Admission standing is subject to cancellation or change if the admission credentials remain incomplete or do not meet the requirements for admission.

Graduate Work by Seniors at Towson University

Seniors at TU may register for a maximum of six credit hours of graduate study if they meet the following criteria: (1) the graduate courses must be in excess of the credits required for the bachelor's degree; (2) a written request to the Director of Graduate Education from the student specifying the graduate courses is submitted in advance of registration; (3) have a 3.00 or higher cumulative average. Payment for the courses is separate from that of undergraduate courses taken in the same semester and is at the graduate tuition rate. The courses may be transferred later to the student's graduate record.