FAQ: Academics
| Quick Facts | Academics | Campus Life |
1. Is it necessary for a freshman to declare a major upon entering York College?
2. How difficult is the process of changing your major?
3. Are there opportunities to study abroad during my four years at York?
4. Are there opportunities to participate in internships at York?
6. What percentage of entering freshman will complete their studies in four years?
8. Do you have problems scheduling the required classes in order to graduate in time?
9. How do I pay for tuition? Is there a payment plan?
11. What percent of faculty hold doctorates?
12. What is the career placement rate for York College graduates?
13. Does York College accept AP credit?
14. Does York College have an Honors Program?
1. Is it necessary for a freshman to declare a major upon entering York College?
While many first year students will select a program of study, a significant number each year begin their studies at York as undeclared majors. Most baccalaureate programs can be completed in four years should a student not decide upon a major until their sophomore year. The Career Development Center is an excellent resource for those students who need assistance in evaluating and comparing career options. For the undeclared student seeking counsel and direction, York College provides both people and programs to help develop strategies for you to succeed.
2. How difficult is the process of changing your major?
You can initiate a change of major through the Academic Advising Office. For certain majors, such as nursing, admission to the program is competitive and must be approved by the department. Department approval is also needed for a major change into elementary education, respiratory care, and mechanical engineering.
3. Are there opportunities to study abroad during my four years at York?
Each year more and more York students are realizing the benefits of studying in a setting apart from the United States. Presently, York College offers its students opportunities for studies in Mexico, England, Ecuador and South Korea. Other opportunities can be pursued where a college other than York is the sponsoring institution.
4. Are there opportunities to participate in internships at York?
Internships are an important part of an undergraduate education at York College. All students have the opportunity to participate in an internship upon completion of 60 college credits, a minimum 2.5 GPA and a recommendation from his or her department. These internships provide 3-6 credit hours towards a degree program.
5. What support services does the college offer for the student who may need help with a particularly demanding course?
York's small classroom setting allows students the opportunity to easily converse with faculty before, during, and after class. This accessibility coupled with liberal office hours encourages students to seek faculty assistance with academic questions and problems. If needed, tutorials can be arranged through the Learning Resource Center which is open more than 60 hours a week.
6. What percentage of entering freshman will complete their studies in four years?
Approximately 63% of York's freshmen will complete their undergraduate degree in four years.
7. If I decide to attend a community college for one year and then transfer to York, at what point in the admissions process will I learn which credits will transfer to York?
Transfer students are welcomed from regionally accredited community colleges, as well as four-year institutions. If a transfer student is admitted to York (a minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required for most programs), a printed credit evaluation will be completed by the Registrar's Office.
8. Do you have problems scheduling the required classes in order to graduate in time?
Students have the opportunity to work with an academic advisor. The advisor will work with the student to plan his/her academic career from freshman year until graduation. This preplanning is done to avoid wasted time and will give the student the opportunity to utilize their time effectively. The flexibility of scheduling allows for a variety of course selections to meet students' individual needs.
9. How do I pay for tuition? Is there a payment plan?
Payment of tuition, minus any financial aid received, is due before the beginning of each of the two semesters. A payment plan is available through York College Business Affairs.
Cost will vary depending on course. An average cost is $300 per semester. Used books are sold through the York College Bookstore. Also, a Book Buy Back is available at the end of every semester.
11. What percent of faculty hold doctorates?
85% of York College faculty currently hold doctorates or terminal degrees. With salaries in the 90th percentile nationally, York is able to attract highly qualified faculty from all over the country.
12. What is the career placement rate for York College graduates?
York College maintains a 90% job placement rate within the first 6 months of students' graduation.
13. Does York College accept AP credit?
Advanced Placement credit is awarded with a minimum score of 3 on most AP exams. Depending on the course, credits vary from 3 to 8 credits per exam.
14. Does York College have an Honors Program?
The York College Honors Program seeks to provide challenging and engaging experiences for academically motived and accomplished students. The program offeres coursework, special academic and career advising, and extracurricular enrichment activities to this select group of undergraduate students.
To be eligible for participation, students must apply and be accepted to York College. Preference will be given to students who have achieved a combined SAT score of 1210 or higher and who rank in the top 1/5 of their high school graduating class.