Originally opened as a teacher's school in 1866, the university now offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 26 master's degree programs. When the students aren't invading the nearby clubs and bars, they are enjoying the lively cultural and social environment on campus. The arts are popular on campus, as well. The Center for the Arts houses the Mainstage and Studio theaters, the Concert Hall, the Holtzman Gallery , and the Asian Arts and Culture Center . The latter offers a permanent exhibit of Asian and African art in its gallery, as well as a revolving slate of concerts, lectures and films.
Most events are open to the public.
Just north of the Towson Town Center is Goucher College , a private liberal arts college with about 1,400 students from 40 states and 20 countries. Like Towson University, Goucher hosts its share of the lively arts. The Rosenberg Gallery, named for 1921 graduate Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg, hosts about five exhibits of regional artists each academic year. Bibliophiles interested in Georgian England will enjoy the Jane Austen Collection in the Julia Rogers Library. Writings about Austen's life, and materials on Georgian furniture, architecture and interior design are also available for perusal.