Majors, Minors & Programs

Applied Youth Development Minor

The Applied Youth Development minor aims to enhance students’ understanding of young people and the systems with which they are involved. The minor offers applied coursework from multiple disciplines, including Art, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Education, Human Services, Physical Activity and Wellness, Psychology, Recreation Leadership, Sociology, Special Education, and S...

A minor in Criminalistics allows students to explore a variety of areas of forensic science. Proper investigation, evidence collection, and scientific analysis are stressed. Laboratory courses provide students with a hands-on learning experience.

A bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice does more than prepare you for a future in law enforcement. You’ll learn about the causes of crime, as well as ways to help reduce law-breaking. You’ll explore ethical codes of behavior and the legal frameworks that guide professionals in this high-demand field. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program at York College is led by expert faculty with a variety of specializations. As a student, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on the areas that interest you most, including cybercrime or forensics. 

The Associate of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice is viewed as the first step toward earning a baccalaureate degree. Courses in this associate degree program fulfill many of the course requirements in the baccalaureate program. Beyond the required courses, students are allowed to select 18 credit hours of CCJ coursework of their choosing. As a result, students develop a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and criminal behavior.

A minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides students with an opportunity to study both the adult and juvenile justice systems. Additionally, the causes of crime and victimization are explored in a variety of courses. Students must earn a 2.0 or higher in all CCJ courses.

Early elementary teachers shape the future. Our bachelor of science in Early Elementary Education prepares you to do just that, guided by professors who teach the way you want to teach: with knowledge and compassion. The skills students learn in early childhood are critical for success in elementary school — and teachers play an essential role during this time of growth and exploration. 

Students in today’s elementary schools have a wide range of needs. Their teachers must be prepared to help all children excel. 

In this dual program at York College, you’ll complete a double major in Early Elementary Education and Special Education. As you learn about educational theory and gain hands-on practice, you’ll develop an appreciation for the differences your future students may bring to the classroom. And you’ll build the skills needed to support each of them, including those with special needs and English language learners. 

With experience in these two complementary areas of education, you’ll be highly competitive in the job market upon graduation. The Early Elementary/Special Education program will also prepare you for professional teacher certification in both regular education (PreK-grade 4) and special education (PreK-grade 12).

The Education minor provides students with foundational knowledge and experiences focused on the field of Education. This minor is designed for students who are interested in working in a professional capacity with children in roles outside that of the traditional classroom teaching or for students seeking a better understanding of the educational system with the possibility of later exploring a career in Education through a non-traditional path.

In York College's Human Services degree program, you'll master the fundamentals of effectively helping diverse populations, as well as the art of advocacy. You'll have the opportunity to personalize your bachelor's degree to your unique interests and goals by choosing one of our specialty areas of study:

• Children and Families
• Gerontology
• Not-For-Profit Management

The Human Services minor provides students with an interdisciplinary view of social issues as well as the knowledge, values, and skills needed to assist people across the life course. The courses required for this minor help students acquire basic competencies such as communication, counseling and helping skills, and program development and evaluation. This minor complements many of the majors at YCP, including psychology, sociology, recreation leadership, education, and human resource management.

As a Middle Level Education major at York College, you graduate professionally certified to teach grades 4-8 and have the opportunity to specialize in a core subject: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Science. Relationships with faculty and experience working in real schools establish your confidence in educating and managing your own classroom.

Broaden your resume with a background in both general education for middle school students and special education. Middle Level majors can study one of four concentration areas: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in both middle level education (grades 4-8) and special education (PreK-grade 8).

There is nothing minor about studying the relationship between the mind, brain, and behavior. This program will teach students about the brain and behavior at the molecular level and how it presents as actions we recognize. This minor brings the unique advantage of connecting observable behavior with the brain patterns that cause them. Students enrolled in this minor can go on to have careers in a whole host of medical fields.

A degree in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania opens up a wide range of opportunities. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, research, healthcare, community health, education, or any other field—this dynamic program allows you to pursue your passion. 

As you learn the fundamentals of research and work side-by-side with professors, you’ll examine the full scope of human behavior. Psychology courses and beyond-the-classroom experiences are grounded in the scientific method, ensuring that you develop skills in evidence-based decision-making. Internships and real-world research projects are core to our program, so you’ll graduate with meaningful experience in your field. 

The Psychology minor provides students with a broad foundation in the various subdisciplines of psychology. This understanding of human behavior and mental processes complements many majors, enhancing career opportunities in a number of professions, including education, nursing, and criminal justice.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Education Biology degree program at York College of Pennsylvania prepares you to become a certified biology teacher through Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved coursework and rich student teaching experiences.

At York College, we believe a great biology teacher must have a well-rounded background in other scientific disciplines and a solid understanding of teaching and leading a classroom. Secondary Education Biology majors establish these solid foundations and receive personalized support to become certified teachers.

York is home to a community of expert educators, industry leaders, and driven students who support your journey to complete licensure requirements, pass certification exams, and become a biology teacher.

Open up the world of literature and writing to students as a secondary education English teacher. Just as you fell in love with reading the classics, writing a short story, or editing papers, you can similarly help middle and high schoolers develop as writers and critical readers.

You’ll study literature, writing, and film, ranging from classical to contemporary sources and taught by caring faculty. We balance that with extensive training in the best teaching methods for language study, reading, literature, writing, listening, and speaking. Field experience and student teaching help round out your education with real world experience. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.

Always questioning. Always learning. That’s the approach you’ll need take to become an educator for the next wave of young scientists. We encourage our students to join clubs and professional organizations, attend science and educational conferences, read science journals and more — our program is much more than just what you learn in class.

Help effectively guide middle and higher schoolers through this core academic subject, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.

We want you to confront the fundamental questions of life as you journey from student to secondary education social studies teacher. What connects us all? How does the past affect the future? What common threads can we see in politics? We help challenge you with intensive instruction in history, political science, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. And we layer that with mentoring faculty who prepare you as an educator with research-based teaching methods and concepts.

Sociology is the scientific study of social interaction and society. The sociological perspective enables students to understand how broader social forces, including cultural norms, social inequalities, and social structure, shape human experience. Sociologists employ varied theoretical perspectives and research methods to understand, generalize, and predict behavior, interaction, and institutional organization.

Courses in the Special Education program are designed to facilitate an understanding and appreciation of individual learner differences so enrolled students can best support the development and academic achievement of learners with disabilities in special education settings, both separate and inclusive. Students enrolled in the Special Education program become transformative classroom teachers able to support diverse populations of learners.

The Urban Education minor will allow students to gain more self-efficacy in working with diverse student populations.  Students in any major will acquire valuable insight into the needs of urban education and common issues found in such settings.  These skills will better prepare graduates to address such needs in their chosen careers.