Troy State University

Troy State University Summary

Troy University (formerly Troy State University) is a public university located in Troy, Alabama and founded in 1887. The campus itself consists of 35 major buildings on 460 acres (1.9 km²) plus the adjacent Troy University Arboretum. The Troy University system consists of 60 sites in 17 U.S. states and 11 other countries. On April 16, 2004, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name of the institution from Troy State University to Troy University. The name was changed once again in 1967 to Troy State University. The Troy University System includes three other campuses in the state of Alabama in Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City. Troy University is one of the only schools in the country that offers a masters level degree in Health Care Administration and a Masters in Human Resource Management. Also located in Wallace Hall is Troy University Television, also referred to as TrojanVision. Troy University Television is unique in that it broadcasts two live entirely student produced newscasts at noon and five o’clock daily, one of the few universities in the area to do so. The Troy University baseball team won two Division II national championships in 1986 and 1987 under the leadership of legendary baseball coach, Chase Riddle. There are also currently seven fraternity organizations on campus: Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Chi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Tau Kappa Epsilon, FarmHouse fraternity, Sigma Chi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Pi Kappa Phi. Recently, the Kappa Sigma fraternity has had a colony established at Troy University. Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and Phi Beta Sigma make up the NPHC fraternities at Troy University. Also recently, Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity has established a chapter at Troy University as well.

Summary content courtesy of Wikipedia.

Troy State University History

Troy State University is located in Troy, Alabama, with numerous branch campuses throughout the United States (not just Alabama) and several international campuses, for a total of 60 sites. Like many state universities, Troy University (“State” was dropped from the name in 2004) began as a normal school, or a teacher’s college, in 1887.

The institution that would become Troy State was founded in 1887 as a teacher’s college. The institution was renamed and relocated a number of times before settling in its present location in 1929 and constructing a number of buildings. The prosperity of post-World War II saw much growth, as did the 50s and 60s. Control was removed from the State Board of Education and entrusted to a Board of Trustees in 1967. The Troy State University system was established in 1982.

Troy State University Academics

Troy is unique from many other state universities in the number and location of its branch campuses, many of which are located on military bases and operated in conjunction with the Department of Defense. Troy also offers distance learning courses on both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Troy has five undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Communication and Fine Arts, the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, and the Sorrell College of Business. Troy offers a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Music Education, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Education and in Business Administration. There are a total of 46 majors, some with special concentrations or areas, and 37 minors.

Undergraduate studies are offered through five different colleges, including Arts & Sciences, Communication & Fine Arts, Education, Health & Human Services, and Business. TSU offers such diverse programs of study as Aerospace Studies, Broadcast Journalism, Criminal Justice, Geomatics, Health Science, Military Science, and Sports & Fitness Management.

Troy State University Unique Programs

Graduate programs are offered in all five colleges as well, with a total of 13 degree programs. The emphasis in graduate work is on the vocational; the College of Arts and Science graduate programs are in computer science, criminal justice, environmental analysis, international relations, and public administration. There are no graduate programs offered in the humanities. The Sorrell College of Business offers an MBA and three other Masters degrees, the College of Fine Arts offers a Master of Science in Conducting, and the College of Education has teacher certification and non-certification options. A Master of Science in Nursing is available through the College of Health and Human Services.

Institute for Leadership Development develops ethical leaders in all disciplines to serve society in a responsible manner. The Institute provides advanced course work and mentorship to a variety of departments on campus, and also performs various public services and seminars in the interest of cultivating leaders outside the TSU campus.

The Troy State Arboretum is 75 acres of forest adjacent to the University’s campus, available for ecological study, relaxation, and reflection. Students benefit from hands-on experience with environmental education programs and the 3,100 square foot Forest Resources Educational Complex.

Troy State University Financial Aid

A medium-sized university, Troy has approximately 8000 students on both the graduate and undergraduate level at the Troy campus. Students who are under 19 must live on campus if they are not commuting from their home. There is no set application deadline for admission, but it must be done “well in advance of proposed entrance”. The ACT or SAT is required, as is a non-refundable application fee and transcripts. Application can be done on-line (for the Troy campus only). Tuition for 9 months is $3850, with additional fees of $674. Troy offers some merit-based academic scholarships, and provides some Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Loans and work-study programs are also available. Students receiving financial aid must meet certain academic standards.

Incoming freshmen must apply for financial aid during their senior year of high school. Scholarship awards are approved by the University’s scholarship committee. Scholarships include various academic awards, the Millennium Scholar’s Award, and the Chancellor’s Award, all of which carry various academic requirements. More abstract qualifications such as demonstrated leadership in high school also may be awarded by different scholarships. Fields of music, nursing, military, and athletics all offer their own scholarship opportunities and the respective department should be contacted for inquiries related to that field.

Troy State University Students

Besides academic and administration buildings, dormitories, and athletic facilities, the campus includes married student housing, a chapel, a lake, a golf-course, and a pre-school. There is also a nearby arboretum.

The Troy State campus includes eleven different halls, including Shackleford Hall, one of the campus’ original buildings dating back to its founding. Students who are under the age of 19 must live on campus, unless their family lives locally or other special circumstances apply. Special dorms have waiting lists once they fill up for the semester. Troy State is home to over 10,000 undergraduates. Students also may participate in many of the student organizations or Greek groups on campus.

Troy State University Local Community

The town of Troy is located in southeastern Alabama, approximately 53 miles from Montgomery, which is the location of the nearest airport. There are approximately 14,000 residents.

Troy, Alabama is a charming southern city with tree-lined streets and friendly faces. The population is continuously growing. The majority of residents are under the age of 19 (due to the presence of Troy State University). Civic organizations include the American Association of University Women, Cattleman’s Association, Jaycee’s and Kiwanis. The Troy Industrial Park is used for heavy industry and rail and air transport.