Towson University - English Language Center (ELC)

Nine out of ten students come to us through recommendations from satisfied former students, family, and friends.

About Towson University

• Towson, a public university founded in 1866, is part of the University System of Maryland.
• Towson is the second largest school in the system with approximately 23,000 students.
• Towson offers 65 undergraduate, 41 master, and 4 doctoral degree programs.
• Degree programs include Computer Science, IT, Nursing, Health Sciences, Business and Accounting, Fine Arts, and Education.
• Undergraduate education emphasizes service learning, civic engagement, and internships.
• The campus is located in a safe suburban neighborhood near restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. 
• Towson is a beautiful 329 acre campus with sports facilities, library, computer labs, and more.
• A half hour shuttle bus ride gets you to downtown Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, night life, and museums.

Intensive English for Academic Purposes

• Three semesters a year give you time to show progress.
  • 15 weeks in fall and spring
  • 10 weeks in summer
• Six levels, from Beginners to Advanced and Graduate Level, prepare you for academic success.
• Placement tests for all language skills get you started in the right level.
• Integrated skills classes prepare you for realistic academic university work:
  • Reading, Writing, Grammar, Listening, Speaking, Vocabulary, Pronunciation/Phonics, Culture
• Small class sizes ensure that you get individual attention and feedback.
• Free tutoring sessions help you succeed in your classes.
• Certificates are awarded for your successful completion of each semester.

When you feel at home, you’ll do better at school.

English Language Center (ELC) Features

• Your academic progress and comfort in your new home are our number one priority.
• Highly qualified, caring, and experienced teachers and staff do all they can to help you achieve your academic goals and feel comfortable in your new environment.
• Academic, health, and safety orientation meetings help you to adjust to life at Towson. 
• Our cultural activities and annual International Festival give you the opportunity to learn about other cultures and to share your own.
• Outreach / volunteer activities enrich your understanding of American culture.
• Trips to different locations every semester give you opportunities for fun, relaxation, and learning.
• You get access to all Towson facilities and services on campus.
• Continuing students have the chance to apply for merit-based scholarships.

Prepare for success

Towson University Pathway

Undergraduate Admissions

• Applicants for Conditional Admissions must meet Towson University academic requirements.
• Qualified undergraduates who successfully complete our advanced level with a B- (80%) or better can enter Towson University without a TOEFL or IELTS score.
• If you have not completed all advanced level ELC classes, you may enroll in non-degree courses at the university as a part-time student to maintain your visa requirements. 
• Upon completion of all ELC classes, you get credit for all the non-degree courses you have passed.  
• An academic advisor works with you to guide you through the admissions process.
• The Conversation Partner Program helps you improve your English skills and develop friendships with American and other international students.
• Intercultural courses and events and university class observations prepare you for the academic life and culture at the university.
• TOEFL and IELTS preparation classes are offered every semester for interested students.  

Graduate Admissions

• Minimum required scores for acceptance are 80 for TOEFL and 6.0 for IELTS. Plus GRE and GMAT may be required for some majors.
• The ELC offers graduate level preparation classes in intensive Reading / Writing / Grammar and Listening / Speaking / Grammar plus research skills.
• If you are a student in this graduate level English class, your research project prepares you for your specific field of study.
• IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT skills are integrated into the above courses.
• You receive academic advising to smooth your transition to the university.

Downtown Towson

• Downtown Towson is a growing metropolitan center offering housing, entertainment, and shopping geared to the needs of the Towson community.
• Towson is:
  • Less than an hour to Washington, DC 
  • Less than two hours to Philadelphia, a city rich with history
  • Less than 3 ½ hours to New York City
  • Close to Delaware beaches, Atlantic City, and beautiful national parks

Housing

• If you have conditional admission to Towson, you may choose to live in campus housing.
• Off campus housing is less expensive and still convenient:
  • Within walking distance of campus
  • On the free Towson University shuttle routes
• Meal plans are available to you whether you live on or off campus