The Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art is designed to prepare students for entry into professional positions such as illustrators, teachers, art directors, art critics, studio/commercial photographers, or independent artists with 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 will expand and enrich their studio and academic experiences through exhibitions, internships in professional settings such as the York College Art Galleries, 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 120 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 (FCO 103 will be a required co-requisite with FCO 105 for students who have a high school GPA below 3.20), 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. Students are 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 students will participate in the Junior Fine Art Studio Professional Development Seminar, and in the senior year students enroll in both Senior Fine Art Studio 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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