The bachelor of arts in Fine Art is designed to prepare the student for entry into professional positions such as illustrator, teacher, art director, art critic, studio/commercial photographer, or independent artist, and stresses lifelong growth as an artist. The program emphasizes mastering technical processes, understanding the role of cultural history as an influence upon artistic expression, developing verbal and visual communication skills, and the importance of creative and original thinking. Students expand their studio and academic experiences through exhibitions, internships in professional settings such as the College art gallery, completion of the Professional Development Seminar, and participation in activities such as artist’s lectures and museum excursions.
Requirements for Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Fine Art must complete a minimum of 122 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.
In addition, students majoring in Fine Art are required to complete a series of foundation courses, which offer a common studio experience to all art majors. Foundation courses must be successfully completed by the end of the first semester of sophomore year. Foundation courses teach basic skills, provide a technical foundation on which to build, develop creative and problem-solving skills, and help identify professional and studio interests. The student is also required to participate in the Sophomore Portfolio Review and Senior Portfolio Review and Exhibition, both of which provide an opportunity for self-evaluation and professional evaluation. During the junior year the student participates in the Professional Development Seminar, and in the senior year the student enrolls in Fine Art Seminar and the Senior Art Major’s Exhibition. The student is required to earn a grade of 2.0 or higher in all major courses.
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