![[photo, Martin Luther King, Jr., Communications Arts Center, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25univ/bowie/images/1198-1-306.jpg)
Bowie State University evolved from the first school opened in Baltimore by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People in 1865. The school reorganized in 1893 as the Baltimore Normal School for the training of teachers. In 1908, the General Assembly designated it as Normal School no. 3, a State institution (Chapter 599, Acts of 1908). After relocation to Prince George's County, the School by 1914 was known as the Maryland Normal and Industrial School at Bowie. It was renamed the Maryland Teachers College at Bowie in 1935 and Bowie State College in 1963 (Chapter 41, Acts of 1963). On July 1, 1988, the College became Bowie State University (Chapter 293, Acts of 1988). In 1988, the University also joined the University of Maryland System, now the University System of Maryland (Chapter 246, Acts of 1988).
Martin Luther King, Jr., Communications Arts Center, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, February 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
![[photo, Computer Science Building, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25univ/bowie/images/1198-1-300.jpg)
Today, Bowie State University is the regional comprehensive university serving central Maryland. The University offers masters' degrees in eleven fields, from organizational communications and human resource development to computer science and management information systems. It also provides an honors program, Army ROTC, and athletics, fielding teams in ten intercollegiate sports in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The University's interdisciplinary College of Excellence strengthens the freshman and sophomore experience, preparing students for later graduate and professional study. Bowie State University also is the nation's first historically African-American institution to offer graduate programs in Europe.
Computer Science Building, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, February 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Within the University are the Graduate School and four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Professional Studies.
GRADUATE SCHOOL
The Graduate School offers courses in the evenings and on weekends. Classes are held at the University and at off-campus sites, such as Andrews Air Force Base Center (Camp Springs); Fort George G. Meade Center (Odenton); Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (California); University System of Maryland Shady Grove Center (Rockville); Montgomery College (Rockville); and Garrett Community College (McHenry).
The College includes eight departments: Communications; Computer Science; English and Modern Languages; Fine and Performing Arts; History and Government; Mathematics; Military Science (ROTC); and Natural Sciences.
Within the College are three departments: Accounting, Finance, and Economics; Management, Marketing, and Public Administration; and Management Information Systems.
Presently, the College has three departments: Counseling; Educational Leadership; and Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development.
The Graduate School began as the School of Continuing Education and Extended Studies. In July 2000, it reformed as the School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. In 2005, the School reorganized as the Office of Graduate Studies, Research, and Continuing Education, and received its present name in January 2009.
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
The College of Arts and Sciences formed in 1995 as the School of Arts and Sciences. It reorganized as the College of Arts and Sciences in November 2008.
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
In July 2004, the College of Business originated as the School of Business. It reformed under its present name in November 2008.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Origins of the College of Education parallel the origins of Bowie State University when by 1893 it had organized as the Baltimore Normal School for the training of teachers. Later, it became the School of Education and Professional Studies. In July 2001, it reformed into two schools: the School of Education, and the School of Professional Studies. In November 2008, these schools merged to form the College of Education.
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The College of Professional Studies was created in July 2001 as the School of Professional Studies from the merger of a division of the School of Education with the School of Professional Studies. The School reformed as the College of Professional Studies in November 2008.
The College oversees four departments : Behavioral Sciences and Human Services; Nursing; Psychology; and Social Work.
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