Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

Information technology involves the selection, application, integration and administration of computing and communication technologies to meet the informational needs of individuals, organizations and society at large. The IT program prepares students to enter the workplace as IT professionals and grow into leadership positions or pursue graduate studies in the field.

The program provides advanced study in the theory of writing, writing techniques and style, principles/techniques of editing, and the functions of written communication within the professional/occupational setting. Courses aim to develop the communication skills of people seeking to enter or to advance in occupations requiring extensive writing and/or the analysis and reporting of data. Students choose from tracks in writing for the public and private sectors, technical writing and information design, teaching writing, journalistic writing, scientific writing and creative writing.

Majors must complete 54 units. The program is divided into four parts, and writing skills are emphasized throughout.

• First, students must complete two introductory courses, one each in political science and economics, which acquaint students with the nature of law and its role in American society.
• Second, students will take four required courses: one at the lower-division, two at the upper-division level and an advanced writing course. These courses further situate students in American culture, politics, judicial policymaking and logical thinking.
• Third, students will have several options in choosing electives, which will be offered by several departments: Accounting, Mass Communication and Communication Studies, English, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Political Science.
• Fourth and finally, students will undertake a 6-unit capstone experience of their choice and, if possible, design. Advanced students may wish to undertake a project in the workplace and then write an evaluative essay on that experience as it fits into the overall program. Other students will participate in a senior seminar, in which they will write a research paper on some aspect of the law or develop a thesis supervised by the program director.

• READ: Interpret written materials flexibly: understand that although multiple meanings are possible, textual evidence needs to support individual interpretations of the literature being read as well as the implications drawn from it.
• WRITE: Write in a variety of forms (e.g. expository, argumentative, imaginative, business/technical) as appropriate to audience, purpose, and occasion, using evidence to support interpretations.
• RESEARCH: Use research skills that include understanding of methods, technology and conventions.
• REFLECT: Be reflective and lifelong learners.
• INFORMATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETENCE: Use software as appropriate to writing and research.
• GLOBAL AWARENESS: Engaging intellectually in the experiences and views of people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

• Marshal and arrange appropriate historical evidence from primary and secondary sources to support historical arguments.
• Demonstrate command of a body of historical knowledge related to major political, economic, social, and cultural events and issues in Western culture.
• Demonstrate command of a body of historical knowledge related to major political, economic, social, and cultural events and issues in non-Western cultures.
• Demonstrate information literacy, which includes technological competency.

The Master of Science in Health Science is designed to meet needs within the state of Maryland for graduate-trained professionals to work in health care, community, worksite, and nonprofit settings. The program is intended both for people with academic or work experience in the health sciences or related fields as well as those seeking to expand their expertise to include the field of health science. It is particularly well suited to people who have been in the work force and now wish to receive additional education to enhance their performance as well as their competitiveness on the job.

Students may select a concentration in Community Health or Health Administration. Students may also elect to take a dual concentration.

A graduate of the Community Health concentration might pursue a career as a health education specialist in a variety of public or private sector organizations. Students holding current credentials in pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, dietetics and other professions may wish to combine their skills from prior training and redirect their careers toward community health. A graduate of the Health Administration concentration, on the other hand, is prepared for positions in a variety of settings that require a sound background in the business and organizational aspects of health care.

The program of study in Athletic Training is designed for students who are interested in a career in allied health care specializing in injury and illness of the physically active population. Athletic trainers function as integral members of the health care team in secondary schools, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports organizations, industrial settings, military, occupational health, performing arts, public safety, and other health care settings. The athletic trainer specializes in evidence based practice, prevention and health promotion, clinical examination and diagnosis, acute care of injury and illness, therapeutic interventions, psychosocial strategies and referral, health care administration, and professional development and responsibility. 

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) is designed to provide an effective blend of ­theoretical and practical learning experiences in athletic training by incorporating extensive academic and clinical education experiences. The ATP is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Successful completion of the Athletic Training Program prepares an individual as a candidate for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of ­Certification examination.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting fosters the growth of the whole person through a sequence of courses that develop a solid foundation of acting skills. The program is for students who are seeking rigorous preparation for graduate study or for entry-level opportunities in the acting profession. An audition/interview is required for entry into the acting program.

The Physical Education program (Teacher Education concentration) prepares students to become competent physical educators consistent with developmentally and instructionally appropriate guidelines provided by the Society of Health and Physical Educators-SHAPE America. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification by the Maryland State Department of Education as a PreK-12 Physical Education teacher.

To meet university, college and Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements in Core Curriculum and professional education courses, students must complete a unit program for graduation. 

Early Childhood Education majors must confer with assigned adviser from the department each term to ensure that their planned program of study meets college, university and state requirements. This is particularly important if students are pursuing minors or if they are planning for additional certifications. Students also need to check with their departmental adviser prior to taking a course on a Pass grading option as courses in the major and courses required for certification cannot be taken using the Pass/Fail grading option.