What is the Master of Liberal Studies? [Top]
The MLS degree is a Master’s level graduate degree with 10 core hours of required coursework and 21 hours or customizable coursework described as an emphasis. The Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications has a recommended course track leading to an emphasis in internetworking that allows Networking Academy Instructors to include up to 12 hours of credit for CCNP courses taken at CCNP ATCs in the Networking Academy Program.
How does this work with the Cisco Certified Network Professional Instructor courses that I have taken from a CCNP ATC? [Top]
The number of CCNP ATC’s is very limited and tightly controlled for quality by Cisco Systems. Therefore, Fort Hays State University and Cisco have agreed that Cisco will provide the University with proof of passage for persons who have completed CCNP Instructor Trainings who desire graduate credit. Instructors will have to complete an additional graduate level project for each course just as graduate students on the FHSU campus would. One course is available for each of the four semesters, five through eight, in the CCNP program and each course is 3 graduate credit hours.
What will the graduate projects look like? [Top]
The faculty teaching each course will set the exact parameters; however, typically a graduate project might be:
- A case study
- A research paper
- A network design or solution
- A laboratory experiment with report
Is there a requirement that graduate students travel to campus? [Top]
There is no requirement for students in this program to travel to the beautiful Fort Hays State University campus (noted as one of the most beautiful in America by AARP Magazine). All coursework may be conducted on-line.
Is there an out-of-state tuition cost? [Top]
The tuition and fees for Fort Hays State University Virtual College courses are the same for all students receiving education through distance learning. The 2001 school year price is: $376 per three hour graduate level course.
Is there an application fee for this program? [Top]
The application fee is $25 for U.S. students and $35 for international students.
What are the requirements for admission? [Top]
A person must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. He or she will apply for admission to the Fort Hays State University Graduate School and will supply transcripts for all colleges or universities attended. Admission is granted by the Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications on a competitive basis, but the program seeks to create a diverse class of students. To apply on-line, go to: http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/process/index.shtml
I am interested in perhaps seeking a Ph.D. Does Fort Hays State University offer one and can the MLS in INT be a stepping stone toward a Ph.D? [Top]
Fort Hays State University does not offer a Ph.D. in this area. The MLS in INT can be structured as a “skills” degree or as a “research” degree. A person desiring to advance to a Ph.D. at another institution will want to structure their degree as a “research” degree and should complete a thesis. A thesis is generally composed of six hours of credit. A graduate student will typically divide a review of literature into one course and his or her original research into another course.
If I want more information, who do I talk to or email? [Top]
For information contact Kevin Shaffer kshaffer@fhsu.edu 785.628.4484 or Mark Bannister markbannister@fhsu.edu 785.628.5373.
For general information on the MLS program, contact Art Morin amorin@fhsu.edu or by phone at 785.628.5950.
For graduate school admission questions or procedural questions, contact gradschool@fhsu.edu 785.628.4236.
Visit the University's web site at http://www.fhsu.edu/ for general information on Fort Hays State University.
Who do I request an application from and where do I submit it? [Top]
The best starting point is: http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/process/index.shtml . You may also contact the Fort Hays State University Graduate School by email gradschool@fhsu.edu or call 785.628.4236 or fax 785.628.4479. The mailing address is Graduate School, Picken Hall 202, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099
When do I have to apply? [Top]
Admission is on a rolling basis. The further in advance, the better the likelihood of admission. Fort Hays State University operates on a semester basis. New MLS students are admitted each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer).
If I am an international student, do I have to take the TOEFL? Are there other admission requirements for international students? [Top]
Students whose native language is not English must score 550 or above on the TOEFL. Admission info for International Students can be found at: http://www.fhsu.edu/gradschl/international.shtml
I am interested in being a full-time student on-campus. Are there graduate teaching or research positions available in the Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications? [Top]
There are graduate teaching and research positions available based upon departmental needs and opportunities. Graduate teaching opportunities are most likely in entry level Internetworking and Web courses. Kansas Board of Regents policy requires English proficiency and the Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications will focus on content knowledge, teaching, and communication skills in selecting teaching assistants.
Research and service opportunities are dependent upon external corporate and government grants and support. The Department of Information Networking and Telecommunication’s role as a Cisco Regional Academy and as a Cisco Academy Training Center for Sponsored Curriculum provides for some paid part-time internship opportunities.
Persons interested in graduate assistantship opportunities should contact Mark Bannister, markbannister@fhsu.edu 785.628.5373.
Are summer courses offered in this program? [Top]
Each of the MLS core courses is offered on-line during the summer session. Information Networking and Telecommunications courses are generally offered during the Fall and Spring semester. However, some summer courses are offered.
I want to participate in a traditional face-to-face program. Can I do so in the MLS in Information Networking and Telecommunications? [Top]
Students are welcomed to participate in the face-to-face program. On-campus students benefit from the Advanced Technology Laboratory. The on-line and face to face programs fit different student needs. The number and variety of courses offered on-campus and on-line are similar, but are not exactly the same. Some adjunct faculty are located far from campus and are available only to teach on-line. On-campus faculty have responsibilities that prevent them from offering every on-campus course they teach on-line.
Does Fort Hays State University offer the CCNP either on-line or on-campus? [Top]
Fort Hays State University offers preparation for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (Cisco semesters 5-8) on-campus. FHSU is not a CATC for this curriculum and does not intend to qualify instructors to teach the CCNP. FHSU’s CCNP offering is for professionals or educators who seek a depth of knowledge about networking.
At some point in the future, the CCNP may be offered on-line. The CCNP’s heavy dependence on laboratory exercises has made it a challenging curriculum to take on-line. Fort Hays State University will consider working with special offerings for persons who work in an environment that provides them access to a CCNP lab.
