Majors, Minors & Programs
The American Politics minor teaches students the fundamental ideas and structures of government that create the arena in which political events materialize and are debated in the United States. The minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to counsel and guide any social institution—whether it’s a government agency, decision-making body, school, interest group, non-profit organization, think tank, corporation, or voluntary association—by navigating their interconnectedness with politics.
York College of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Education (MEd) degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) prepares you with the skills and training to effectively address the different learning needs of all students.
York College of Pennsylvania’s online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate program is a graduate certificate that prepares students for careers as professional behavior therapists and for BCBA certification in less time than a full graduate degree program
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...
In the Art History Minor program, students will encounter diverse cultural histories and heritage, learn how ideas and values are visually communicated, and hone their visual literacy and communication skills.
The minor program in Arts Administration focuses on non-profit management for arts organizations such as theatres, museums, and orchestras. Students with a love of the arts who plan to pursue a career in Arts Administration and management will be able to design a program of study that fits their specific interests while also applying their academic learning through a competitive internship or independent study. Please note that a course chosen to fulfill the minor may require other pre-requisite courses that are not part of the minor.
The Behavioral Sciences Major offers a multidisciplinary exploration of human behavior and the social forces that shape it. Students gain a deep understanding of individual and group behavior, social structures, and the cultural and systemic influences that drive change. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural competence—skills essential for addressing real-world challenges and advancing social justice in diverse communities.
The minor in Behavioral Sciences offers students a comprehensive understanding of human behavior within social contexts. Integrating courses from sociology, psychology, and related disciplines, this program provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of individual and group dynamics, social structures, and the forces that drive societal change. Students will explore how behavior is shaped by social influences, cultural norms, and diverse perspectives.
Effective communication skills are vital for success in any academic discipline and career path. Employers hire college graduates who excel at communication. This minor provides an opportunity to develop these important communication skills for work and life. Students can easily include this minor in most majors at YCP.
York College creative writing courses offer students a chance to develop their writing and imaginative skills under the direction of actively publishing faculty and a series of visiting writers. The creative writing workshop classroom provides students with a learning-by-doing setting, in which students are put in control of their education and the direction of their creative development.
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.
The Digital Art and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) program is designed to equip students with the skills they need for careers in gaming, animation, and visual storytelling. Utilizing generative artificial intelligence and other digital programs as primary tools, students will express narratives visually through diverse mediums in gaming, animation, and narrative illustration.
In York College of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Education (MEd) in Diversity and Student Resilience graduate degree program, you’ll build the skills needed to help students overcome the many nonacademic factors that affect learning.
The fully online Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program at York College of Pennsylvania transforms educators, school leaders, and organization leaders into scholar-practitioners who advance their careers with specialized skill sets, research capabilities, and leadership experience.
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.
The Post-Baccalaureate Early Elementary Education (PreK-4) certificate program provides students the opportunity to prepare for a career in teaching children at the Early Elementary level.
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.
The Educational Leadership Certificate program at York College of Pennsylvania positions eligible educators to advance in their principalship and administration careers and apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Principal PK-12 Administrative Certificate.
Whether you are beginning or advancing your career as a school leader, our flexible, affordable online master’s in Educational Leadership program facilitates live interaction with our expert faculty and provides support for students to intern in an administrative setting to solidify their practice and specialized knowledge.
York College of Pennsylvania’s online Master of Education (MEd) degree program in Educational Technology equips you with the knowledge and skills to successfully integrate emerging technologies into your classroom and advance your career as a technology and education professional.
York College of Pennsylvania's Online Educational Technology (PK-12) Certificate program is an immersive, career-furthering program that readies education professionals to integrate innovative technologies in instructional design, curriculum development, and technology systems leadership.
The online Master of Education (MEd) degree program in Effective Teaching at York College of Pennsylvania allows K-12 teachers the freedom to complete a career-enhancing degree at their own pace.
At York College, the English and Writing major focuses on developing the ability to produce the kinds of written work that are valued across professional fields, ranging from technical and business writing, to creative writing and journalism.
The English minor is designed to accompany any major program of study. The minor provides students with the necessary skill sets they will need to research, evaluate, and analyze scholarly, literary, and cultural texts. Courses in the literary studies minor will explore a wide range of literary traditions with a focus on how literature relates to the history and culture of society. Within this writing-intensive minor, students will strengthen oral, written, and research-based communication skills that will be invaluable in the job market and future post-undergraduate study.
York College of Pennsylvania’s innovative Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental and Sustainability Studies degree program bridges the gap between a high-impact scientific background and an examination of the change-making, human-based policies and processes that bring the science of sustainability to life.
The student who takes this minor will have the opportunity to examine issues as varied as cheating in classes, genetic engineering, marketing to specific demographics, as well as the rich history of ethical theories in the West.