Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

The Master of Education degree in Elementary Education is an advanced curriculum and instruction program that provides leadership skills needed for teachers to navigate an ever more complex school and social system. The program is designed for those involved in instructional and curricular decision-making in schools and districts and those committed to quality professional growth. Course, program goals and learner outcomes are based on the professional setting to ensure transfer of theory to practice. The program of study helps the student achieve the following goals:

• Develop advanced capabilities in cultural competency, design thinking, action inquiry, equity, creative curriculum design and innovative data-focused instruction.

• Understand the diverse nature of learners, society and the impact on learning.

• Assume specialty roles in areas identified as important to the school community and the changing educational landscape.

• Use technology and media to enhance teaching and learning.

• Understand and use appropriate assessment and evaluation within the teaching process.

• Engage in scholarly activities to promote student achievement as well as one’s own professional development.

• Think, reflect, and critically analyze the educational processes and professional practices.

The goals and objectives of the degree program are based on MSDE Professional Development Standards and the core propositions endorsed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The areas addressed by the standards are reflected in the required and elective courses.

• Students will demonstrate development of communication skills using American Sign Language.
• Students will demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Students will demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
• Students will demonstrate competency in essential skills required of a college graduate by using software as appropriate for writing, spreadsheets, statistical analyses, for calculations or for presentations. (ILTC)

The Master of Science in Actuarial Science and Predictive Analytics (ASPA) will prepare students to succeed in a market landscape that has greatly adopted risk management practices and data analytics. The program combines theory, practice and predictive modeling, providing students with critical analytical tools that will enable them to have the right skills to succeed in the marketplace and continue to be industry leaders. The program reflects Towson University’s mission, vision and strategic plan and it is designed to:

• Build an interdisciplinary foundation in actuarial science with emerging technology, predictive modeling and curricular content that encourages “thinking critically and meaningfully.” 
• Provide select, high quality programs in professional fields where there is evidence both of need and of corresponding institutional strength. The Master of Science degree in Actuarial Science and Predictive Analytics will produce graduates who can meet the challenges of the actuarial profession today, prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow, and ultimately “enrich the culture, society, economy and environment of Maryland, the region, and beyond.”
• Provide the most current and advanced skill sets and knowledge in the Actuarial Science professional career that align with national trends and span the areas of STEM, business, and finance education.
• Engage students in Maryland, serving communities’ needs and providing our students with varied internship and service learning opportunities through industry relationships, networking opportunities, a capstone and professional practices course and a recommended internship.
• Empower students to achieve their career goals and “enrich the culture, society, economy and environment of Maryland, the region, and beyond” through a careful curricular plan that targets a student’s academic growth while seeking required experiences needed to support career outcomes.

Both full-time and part-time students are encouraged to enroll in the program. Core courses are usually offered in the evening, for the convenience of part-time students.

• 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.

Forensic Chemistry is a field in which many opportunities exist within law enforcement agencies and private companies. There is a critical shortage of qualified professionals in the field. Graduates of this program will be well prepared for employment in the forensic field with minimal on-the-job training or to pursue a graduate degree.

The major in Forensic Chemistry requires the completion of all the required and ancillary courses that are listed below, as well as satisfying the university’s Core Curriculum requirements.  A student may repeat no more than two courses, including multiple attempts at the same course, required for the Forensic Chemistry major. This includes all foundation courses, as well as required courses for the major.

Students in the Art Education program are eligible to apply for certification by the Maryland State Department of Education enabling them to teach art in Maryland in grades PreK-12. In addition to meeting the Core Curriculum requirements, students complete art education and professional education requirements. The entire program is approximately 138-139 units and takes five years to complete. The art education block is taken in the last three terms of the program.

• Demonstrate an understanding of specific disciplines of the social sciences, including basic and advanced concepts, the vocabulary of the disciplines, the ability to do research in the field,  and awareness of recent developments in the disciplines.
• Integrate information from the various disciplines of the social sciences and demonstrate an understanding of interdisciplinary connections.
• Write clearly and effectively on subjects related to the social sciences.
• Engage issues in the social sciences analytically and do meaningful, original work.

• 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.

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.

• Students will demonstrate competency in written communication and oral communication.
• Students will use knowledge acquired in family studies and human services courses in field experiences (community service and internship placements) and capstone courses.
• Students will demonstrate comprehensive research skills related to the discipline. Students will demonstrate informational literacy and technological competency.