Admission to Honors

students in class

The spring 2017/fall 2017 application to the Honors College is now live! Incoming students to Towson University should apply through the main TU application. Current TU students should apply using the 2017 Internal Transfer Application.

Benefits of Joining the Honors College

The Honors College provides a challenging curriculum to meet the unique academic needs and interests of Honors students. We provide:

  • Exceptional faculty mentors and advisers
  • Social and cultural activities
  • Service learning and study abroad opportunities
  • Professional development

There a many reasons to consider joining the Honors College at Towson University. Just over four percent of the undergraduate student population belongs to the Honors College and enjoys the following benefits:

Innovative Curriculum and Small Classes


Students are encouraged to complete honors work that includes co-curricular activities such as leadership workshops, service learning experiences and civic engagement. Honors students participate in a flexible curriculum.

  • Classroom experiences: Discussion-based seminars give students an opportunity to work closely with the Honors College faculty in small classroom settings.
  • Experiential learning: Students work with select faculty within specific academic departments on honors projects, research and internships.

Engaged Community and Residential Honors

An engaged community of scholars is a defining characteristic of the honors experience. We emphasize leadership development, social and civic engagement activities and programs that build meaningful relationships in and out of the classroom.

Honors College housing is located in the Frederick Douglass House, one of Towson University's newest residence halls in West Village. Living in Honors College housing has several advantages:

  • A supportive student community
  • Access to in-hall classroom space
  • An atmosphere conducive to study

All incoming students who choose to live on campus are placed in Douglass House. This community is in partnership with the Honors College and Housing & Residence Life.

Specialized Advising

Honors College faculty work closely with students to design and to execute their honors curriculum. There are also designated Honors College advisers — FYE (First Year Experience) Advisers — in colleges and departments who help students make curriculum decisions that address their interests and needs. FYE advisers can also provide advice on:

  • Career preparation
  • Personal development
  • Leadership development
  • Undergraduate research opportunities

The Honors College also provides comprehensive advising and preparatory resources for students who wish to apply for prestigious nationally competitive fellowship and scholarship programs, such as the Rhodes, Goldwater, or Truman scholarships. Advising appointments may be scheduled by emailing or by calling 410-704-4677.

Priority Registration

Continuing students who are in good standing with the Honors College are extended the courtesy of priority registration, thus avoiding many scheduling conflicts. Honors priority registration occurs over the two days prior to the start of the ordinary pre-registration period for continuing students. With this benefit, Honors freshmen register for courses before Towson University seniors who are not in the Honors College.