Fine Art
Explore your potential as a professional artist with a B.A. in Fine Art degree.
In the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Fine Art degree program at York College of Pennsylvania, you’ll master technical artistic processes to communicate your ideas visually and become a well-rounded artist ready for a wide array of professional positions, from independent artist to illustrator, teacher, art critic, or art director.
As a Fine Art major, you’ll immerse yourself in creating a polished portfolio, then exhibit your work at a public gallery and deliver a lecture about your art. This practical experience is supported by coursework that promotes creative and original thinking, explores historical and contemporary cultural contexts, and develops your skills in communicating about art.
Are you ready for a lifelong career as an artist? Engage in hands-on exploration of mediums ranging from photography to painting, drawing, and sculpture in the B.A. in Fine Art program.
About the Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art
Fine Art Degree Requirements
The comprehensive Fine Art major curriculum covers elements of world art, design principles, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and fundamental graphic design. Then, in-studio class time and supporting coursework provide the blank canvas for in-depth artistic inquiry, mastery of a selected medium or approach, and applied experience in professional situations.
Requirements for the four-year degree include:
- General education courses
- Studio art foundations
- Focus area studio courses
- Art history electives
- Professional courses
The B.A. in Fine Art degree program thoughtfully prepares students for various career opportunities in the art world through professional development seminars, consistent portfolio reviews, exhibition opportunities, and internships in settings ranging from nearby art galleries to art-related organizations oriented toward mental health, community outreach, or education.
Fine Art Areas of Study
Fine Art majors at York College take focus area courses in one of the following disciplines, discovering their artistic language and developing a rich body of work. You can take electives in one or more of the following areas:
- Art Therapy
- Drawing
- Figure Drawing
- Illustration
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Admissions and Aid
Review complete undergraduate admissions information.
York College is proud to offer affordable private education with access to robust financial aid and scholarship resources. Explore undergraduate costs and financial aid at YCP.
Apply to the B.A. in Fine Art at York College of Pennsylvania
Get closer to your artistic career aspirations through the practical training, creative mindset, and dynamic community of York College of Pennsylvania’s Fine Art major program.
Prepare for Careers in Studio and Visual Art
York College's B.A. in Fine Art program provides a strong artistic foundation, allowing students to explore their creative voices. This dual focus prepares graduates for a wide range of artistic and creative career paths, including:
- Becoming an independent painter, photographer, or multimedia artist
- Operating their own photography or art studio
- Managing galleries, museums, and other arts organizations
- Pursuing roles in film, television, media, and communications
- Teaching art at various levels from K-12 to college
- Working as an art consultant
- Specializing in printmaking, public art installations, or silkscreen
- Illustrating or graphic design for publications, advertising, and more
With a versatile skill set that combines creativity, technical abilities, and an artistic perspective, the career opportunities for Fine Art majors are boundless. Our graduates have gone on to work for Capital Blue Cross, Dentsply International, The George Washington University, Under Armour, York Wallcoverings Inc., and more.
Fine Art Major Salaries
The life of an artist offers rewards unlike those of any other profession. Artists may find full-time employment in art departments of businesses, museums, or nonprofit or community organizations related to art. Many also find gratifying self-employment as they hone their craft and sell their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), arts and design occupations are expected to grow from 2022 to 2032. Average annual salaries for Fine Art major career possibilities, according to the BLS, can range from:
- Craft and fine artists—$52,910/year
- Graphic designers—$58,910/year
- Fashion designers—$79,290/year
- Art directors—$106,500/year
Art therapists, counselors, art professors, and nonprofit executives with additional training or education can potentially earn higher salaries than those attainable at the entry level.
Professional Internships for Art Majors
In addition to career-focused seminars and professional development of a portfolio starting in the second year, students in the York College major program complete internships in galleries or other art industry settings with logistical assistance from the Career Development Center.
Gallery and Exhibition Experience
York College Art Galleries offers a dynamic home for curated art exhibits, nationally touring exhibitions, invitational shows, and gallery shows for student and faculty art. Fine Art students engage with the space by showcasing their talent, welcoming acclaimed artists from across the globe, and taking on available internships to work in the galleries.
Art Events and Activities
In addition to the on-campus art gallery, the downtown Marketview Arts building is a hub for art studios, exhibition spaces, and community gatherings, where Fine Art majors can attend Alumni Art Exhibitions and attend or organize other inspiring events and happenings like shows and artist lectures.
Guidance From Artists and Industry Professionals
Fine Art majors at York College learn directly from professional artists on our faculty. Our experienced artists and educators regularly review students' work, providing informed feedback and guidance. Additionally, students can pursue independent study semesters, undertaking a long-term studio art project and taking the lead in their learning process, with faculty members serving in an advisory role.
Skills for Lifelong Art Careers
York College’s B.A. in Fine Art degree program grounds students in a range of studio art mediums and develops specialized skills in a chosen focus area. Graduates successfully pursue their dreams equipped with a toolkit to market themselves and successfully pursue new professional opportunities in art:
- Proficiency in techniques, materials, principles, processes, and tools across varied mediums
- More profound expertise in a chosen medium or focus area through real-world experience
- Thoughtful development of artistic concepts based on research and symbolic tradition
- Knowledge and understanding of various art movements, historical contexts, and influential artists
- Ability to employ strong visual literacy and critical analysis to critique works of art and media
- Methods for building connections with the art community and promoting and selling artwork
Fine Art Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Design Fundamentals | ART 210 | 3 Credits |
| Drawing I | ART 215 | 3 Credits |
| Painting I | ART 220 | 3 Credits |
| Sculpture I | ART 230 | 3 Credits |
Careers in Fine Art
A bachelor’s degree in Fine Art opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Art Consultant
Independent Artist
Gallery Owner
Illustrator
Photographer
Public Artist
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor’s degrees in art (B.A., B.S., B.F.A.) open opportunities across creative industries, arts education, community outreach, and advanced academic and professional careers. Graduates become professional artists or museum workers or pursue graphic design or illustration roles in media or advertising settings. These degrees also provide a strong foundation for pursuing teacher certification or advanced studies in art history, art therapy, fine arts, or arts administration, leading to specialized careers in education or cultural institutions.
Fine Art majors take a wide range of art classes in on-campus studios and gain professional experience through internships or independent study, all supplemented by the development of a robust personal art portfolio. With a focus on studio art, students in the Fine Art major also learn about art history and interdisciplinary contexts and build a network of professional contacts through our on-campus events and art gallery internships.
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Fine Art in Action
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