- When can I apply?
Answer:
Most Graduate School programs including the IHSM program, at Towson University have a rolling
admissions policy, meaning you can apply anytime. For a complete, up-to-date list of programs and application
deadlines, go to http://grad.towson.edu/ and click Programs Offered.
Completed applications should be received at least two to four weeks before the beginning of a term to ensure
full consideration for admission. If you are admitted after the beginning of a term, you can begin taking
classes in the next term.
- How long does it take to complete a program?
Answer:
The length of time to complete a program depends on the particular program
and how many units the student takes each term. The majority of Graduate School programs,
including the IHSM program, are offered on a part-time basis to help working professionals continue their education
and further their careers. However, full-time status is possible in some programs.
To assist you in planning your schedule of courses, please refer to the
tenative annual course schedule
- When do classes begin?
Answer:
The first day of classes and other important academic dates
are listed at http://students.towson.edu.
Click on Academic Calendar.
- What courses will be offered next semester?
Answer:
The current term’s course listings and class schedules are found
at http://students.towson.edu.
Click on "Courses and Catalogs" and then "Class Schedules". A planned
schedule of IHSM course offerings can also be found at
tenative annual course schedule.
- How much is tuition?
Answer:
Tuition (not including other fees) for the 2007–2008 academic year is
approximately $286 (for in-state students) and $600
(for out-of-state students) per credit. Most courses are 3 units each. Some programs
have independent rate structures. For the most up-to-date tuition costs, visit
the bursar’s Web site at http://www.towson.edu/bursar.
- What library services are available?
Answer:
The Albert S. Cook Library, located near the center of campus,
serves as the hub of print, media and electronic information resources
for the university. To use the facility, bring your OneCard (student identification card)
to the library and register with the circulation desk on the third floor. They will
provide you with a number, which will allow you to check out books and access the
online catalog and other databases. Copies can be made in the library by
using a copy card.
Albert S. Cook Library also offers specific services for students in online programs.
- What technology services are available to students?
Answer:
The Office of Technology Services (OTS), located on the first floor of
Cook Library, provides computer lab services to students as well as
software, virus support, and various training opportunities. The OTS
also provides students with an e-mail account at the time of admission.
This account includes Internet resources, storage space on the server and
Web page space. For more information, contact the OTS Help Center at 410-704-5151,
or e-mail helpcenter@towson.edu, or
visit the OTS Web site at
http://www.towson.edu/ots.
- Is financial aid available for graduate students?
Answer:
Contact the financial aid office for information about
scholarships and loans at 410-704-4236 or 1-888-4TOWSON.
Graduate assistantships are available, and students should
contact the graduate school at 410-704-2501 or go to
http://grad.towson.edu/finance/index.asp
for financial aid, graduate assistantship and other financial matters related information.
Additionally, potential graduate students should always check with
their employers to determine if they offer partial or full tuition reimbursement.
- What services are available for students with disabilities?
Answer:
The disability support services office provides services and accommodations
to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Students are encouraged
to make an appointment with the department even if services may not be
needed right away. The office is located on the second floor of the
Administration Building; the phone number is 410-704-2638 or 410-704-3475.
In conjunction with this office, the Testing Center provides accommodated
testing services Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Does Towson have a Graduate Student Association?
Answer:
Yes! Get involved and make your graduate experience memorable
by participating in the Graduate Student Association (GSA).
Once you are admitted to the Graduate School, you are officially a
member of the GSA. Funded in part by university fees, the organization
provides monetary support for networking opportunities and educational
experiences beyond the classroom (research, presentations and conference
attendance just to name a few). The GSA also gives graduate students a
voice within the university community. For more information, call
410-704-3967 or e-mail the GSA at gsa@towson.edu.
- Are there additional student organizations for graduate students?
Answer:
Graduate students who are interested in various organizations and
activities around campus can contact the office of student activities
at 410-704-3307 for further information.
- Do I need proof of immunization before I register for classes?
Answer:
All graduate degree candidates (EXCEPT for students in online programs),
any non-degree student taking 6 or more units, and all international
graduate students must comply with the university’s immunization
policies prior to registration. Students who do not provide proper
documentation to the Dowell Health Center will be held from further
class registration. Immunizations are available through the Health
Center or can be done at the student’s primary doctor’s office. For
information, call 410-704-2466 or visit the health center online,
http://www.towson.edu/dowellhealthcenter.
- How do I register for classes?
Answer:
Once admitted, you will receive your TU ID number in your
admission packet. This information will allow you to activate your
TU Online Services
account and provides access to your academic
record online. For additional registration information, please
go to http://students.towson.edu/.
- When is the last day to register for classes? How do I register
after the first day of class for a particular semester?
Answer:
Students may register for classes until the first day of the term.
Drop/Add registration begins the first day of class and normally
runs through the first week of classes. After the first day of class, students may register
during the Drop/Add period by sending email to the program director or to
grads@towson.edu.
- Can I meet with an adviser before I register for my first class?
Answer:
Students who would like to meet with an adviser before
registering for their first class may call the graduate program
director and request a meeting. You can find a listing of all
graduate program directors at http://grad.towson.edu/.
- Where do I get text books?
Answer:
Text books may be purchased at the University Store, located on the
first floor of the University Union, or they may be ordered online
at http://store.towson.edu/. Call the store at 410-704-BOOK
for more information.
- How do I withdraw from a course?
Answer:
You may withdraw from a course online or in person.
To withdraw from a course online, go to
http://students.towson.edu
and click on Online Services.
Proceed as if you are enrolling in a class. At the bottom of the
enrollment page click Add/Drop and follow the instructions given.
To withdraw from a course in person, go to the Enrollment Services
building, room 223. Deadlines are listed online in the Academic
Calendar, and are published in the Graduate Catalog. It’s the
student’s responsibility to withdraw from a course by the
established deadline.
- I have registered for my class. How do I now
take the class?
Answer:
Towson University uses the Blackboard platform for delivery of all online
courses. The courses scheduled for a particular semester are normally made available by the instructor
a week before the first day of classes (or on the first day of classes at
the very latest). You will need to go to the Blackboard website
and "enroll" in the classes that you have registered for. Once you go to the Blackboard
web, click on the "courses" tab at the top. Then navigate to CGSR (College of
Graduate Studies and Research) and then to IHSM (Integrated Homeland Security
Management). All IHSM classes available for that semester will be listed there.
Once enrolled in the class, follow the instructions of the instructor.
- I have never used Blackboard before, how
do I learn more about the system and how to navigate around?
Answer:
Towson University provides a variety of tutorials to help you get started
in Blackboard. More online learning resources are available at
http://wwwnew.towson.edu/learnonline/.
- I have completed the program requirements for the SASM
certificate (or the IHSM-MS degree)? How do I obtain my certificate/diploma?
Answer: If you have finished the requirements for the Security Assessment
and Management (SASM) post-baccalaureate certificate (PBC), i.e. the five core courses
that comprise the certificate, you can apply for graduation and obtain
your certificate. The above holds whether you have been admitted into the SASM-PBC program or
the Masters in Integrated Homeland Security Management (IHSM) program. If you are in the IHSM-MS
program, you will have to complete all 36 credits to be eligible for graduation. For further information
on the requirements and procedures for applying for graduation, please go to
http://grad.towson.edu/graduation/index.asp.
If you have additional questions, e-mail the Graduate School,
