Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences

at Shorelight Group - Towson University USA

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.

The Mass Communication major consists of three tracks: Advertising, Journalism, and Strategic Public Relations. Students must complete one of the three tracks. Many students complete two of the three tracks and some complete all three.

Students who complete the Mass Communication major will have many career options, especially in the broadly defined fields of print, broadcast and online journalism, advertising, and strategic public relations. Majors are expected to learn how the various fields in mass communication are structured and function.

Students may elect to become certified in both Elementary and Special Education by selecting the major. This program, specially designed to integrate both elementary and special education, prepares students as elementary classroom teachers and as elementary/middle special education teachers.

The Elementary Education & Special Education major is provided at Towson University, Towson University in Northeastern Maryland (TUNE) and The Universities at Shady Grove. The program is a screened major. The total program equals 127 units.

The field of Health Education and Promotion (HEP) explores the complexities of human behavior and identifies ways to promote healthy behaviors. Health Education and Promotion prepares students to educate and empower the public to understand their health, to make healthy choices, to improve their quality of life, and to reduce disease and disability. Health educators design, market, implement and/or evaluate health education and health promotion programs. The settings in which community health educators work include, but are not limited to health departments, voluntary health agencies, hospitals, universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and schools.

The Health Education and Promotion major gives students the foundation needed to be effective health professionals based on principles from the behavioral, biomedical and social sciences. Through coursework and a 12-unit internship, students will graduate with a solid foundation in a variety of health topic areas including public health, health education theory and practice, and program planning and evaluation.

The major in Exercise Science is intended to examine the relationship between exercise and human performance and the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Exercise Science consists of several overlapping disciplines, including biomechanics, exercise physiology and biochemistry, growth and development, exercise nutrition, measurement and evaluation, and exercise psychology. The program of study is designed to provide an effective blend of classroom instruction and practical experience. The program is intended to prepare qualified individuals for careers in clinical, corporate, commercial, and/or community exercise/wellness settings as well as to prepare students for graduate study in related fields.

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.

The Master of Education degree in Special Education is an applied professional program designed to meet the critical need for special educators. Two concentrations support this offering: Special Education and Special Education Teacher as Leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Please note: That only one degree in Special Education can be awarded; students who complete more than one concentration in Special Education will not receive two different degrees.

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.

The Sport Management major is designed to prepare students for a changing sports industry. The curriculum develops critical and ethical sensibilities as well as practical skills with the intent of producing graduates who will be responsible business leaders and community advocates able to address commercial, economic, political and social issues related to sport.