<p>How is the Fine Arts program at Towson? I haven't heard much about it. Just wondering if it's a good program and thoughts on Towson in general. We'll be visiting in a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>I guess there are no Towson students or parents of students here to comment. I did just notice today there is a new link on the Towson website for the Department of Art with much more information on the school and its majors as well as added student and faculty artwork. Very impressive. Here's the link <a href="http://wwwnew.towson.edu/art/%5B/url%5D">http://wwwnew.towson.edu/art/</a></p>
<p>I just wanted to update for anyone looking into options for art schools or art programs in universities. My daughter is about one month into her first semester as a studio art major and seems to be enjoying her classes. She finds them challenging and really likes her professors. One of her professors as well as several others at the school also teach at MICA. I have read some comments from parents and/or kids looking into options for good art programs. Towson is a very good option for a student who knows they do not want to be at a stand alone art school and are looking for a more diverse college environment. It is also more affordable since it is a state school (even more affordable if you are a MD resident).</p>
<p>Towson's art program seems quite good. If you compound this with a brand new facility, chuck full of equipment, the school really does have potential. My only gripe is that Towson is NOT NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accredited. This is an additional accreditation,beyond what colleges normally get, for art programs. Many of the top ranked art programs have this accreditation,but not Towson.</p>
<p>Towson also doesn't require a portfolio for entrance into their university as is the case with a number of schools. Also, as with other schools, they require a portfolio after the student's sophomore year. If the portfolio isn't of acceptable quality, the student my not be allowed to continue into the art program. Be advised of this.</p>
<p>Actually, if I remember correctly, there is a portfolio review after freshman year, but it is only required for those wishing to continue on in a screened major, such as graphic design or digital media. There are at least 10 other choices of studio art majors that are not screened and do not have prerequisites in order to continue on in the program.</p>
<p>I just checked - taxguy is correct as far as the portfolio review occuring sometime during sophomore year. This as well as a minimum B- in all studio art classes is required. But again, this is only a requirement for the two screened majors of graphic design and digital art. All other studio art majors do not require portfolio reviews to continue in the program.</p>
<p>Thanks for the update, mom of alex. I'm glad to hear your daughter likes Towson so far. Towson will likely be on my son's college list, although we still need to visit.</p>