Resources for Students
The Center for the Arts building reopened its doors in August of 2005 after an extensive renovation and expansion. All Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education students students have access to computer labs, a digital print center and wireless internet connection. Each major has the equipment necessary to assure that students reach their potential. The facilities available to undergraduate and graduate students are extensive. They are designed to encourage and fully support the creative endeavors of students.
Towson is conveniently located near to many art galleries, museums and resources in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area, as well as Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York.
The Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education offers several scholarships and awards to students. Work study positions are regularly available to qualified students.
- Academic Advising
- Computer Lab 4012 Hours
- Print Center and Photo Lab Hours
- Visual Resource Center
- Area Museums and Galleries
Student Run Galleries
The fourth floor Storage Space Gallery exhibits about 10 art majors solo or group undergraduate shows each semester. A call for entries is sent to all declared Art, Art History and Art Education majors just prior to the start of each semester. Art + Design BFA Painting, Drawing and Printmaking majors exhibit their thesis work in the Storage Space Gallery during their final semester. Contact Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking area coordinator, Professor Nora Sturges for further information.
First Year Student Laptop Computer Recommendations
For entering first year Department of Art + Design majors wishing to purchase a laptop for class use, the following minimum machine, software, and peripherals are strongly recommended:
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2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
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Turbo boost up to 3.1 GHz
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4GB 1600MHz memory
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500GB 5400-rpm hard drive
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Intel HD Graphics 4000
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Built-in battery (7 hr)
Adobe Suite (two options:) ***
Creative Cloud (available through a monthly subscription)
Adobe Master Collection
Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac ***
VMWare (software that will allow a Macintosh computer to run Windows, and, subsequently, Windows only applications)
Applecare
External Hard Drive (for data backup)
***The University Store can provide software purchases at steep discounts from commercial prices through MEEC (Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium).
As you increase in proficiency beyond the foundations level, your computing needs may advance; furthermore, individual areas of study may have additional requirements beyond those listed. Contact individual areas of interest if you have questions regarding this.
The Department maintains advanced labs to accommodate needs beyond the foundations level; though laptop ownership is very helpful throughout your time at Towson, a laptop need not be your primary computer to do work on (particularly past your first or second year.)