Frequently Asked Questions

          "I wish I could find a program that I could complete during my free time."                    "I want a graduate education that I can readily apply to my workplace."                    "I want to enjoy my next degree and not feel pressured to compete with other students."                    "I don't have time to come to campus every week for classes, so my classes have to be designed for the distance learner."          

As with any program of this nature, there are always questions that students have that are both important and common. If you have specific questions about the program that are not addressed below, please feel free to contact us.

Below you'll find some of the common answers to questions that prospective students have about the Master of Liberal Studies at Fort Hays State University. The Windows Media Player is required to view these video and audio clips. Please click here to download the Windows Media Player if you do not have it installed on your computer.

An Introduction to the MLS...

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Who is the MLS for and what are the expected outcomes from the MLS?

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How do I apply for admission to the MLS?

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What are the hardware and software requirements to complete the MLS?

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An overview of the MLS curriculum...

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What concentrations are available through the MLS?

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How are the courses delivered and scheduled?

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What is the culminating experience?

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What can the MLS do for me?

Many graduate students like the flexibility of the MLS to study in an emerging discipline without a full graduate program. The MLS degree is commonly used by graduates that want to come back to school to retool or to experiment with a new area of inquiry. Though the MLS does not necessarily certify you for any particular advancement, many of our graduates have successfully used the MLS as an advancement step within their organization or into new careers. More.

How soon can I start the MLS program?

FHSU is on a semester schedule. Classes normally begin in late August, mid-January, and early in June. Sometimes, if demand is significant and the coursework allows such accommodations, courses can be compressed. These dates will always be listed in the FHSU schedule of classes or Virtual College catalog.

What is the cost?

Cost of education is always a factor. At FHSU we have always tried to control the cost of tuition and fees. For example, while the other large public universities in our state raised tuition, on average, about 25%, FHSU raised tuition a minimal 6% this year. Currently, graduate tuition and fees for Virtual College students in Spring 2005 was $164.00 per credit hour. Some special programs (Assistive Technology) may have a slightly higher rate given the special contracts that are required. Consider the following rough estimate of cost for the MLS degree:

Tuition and fees - $5394 ($174 x 31 credit hours)

Books and materials - $1650 (assuming a cost of $150 per class)

Computer and software - $1000 (optional, if you have one or are not taking online classes)

Approximate total cost for MLS degree - $8044

Do I need to be admitted before I can take classes?

Since the graduate faculty of departments make the final choices on your acceptance for their program it is always advisable to be admitted before enrolling in classes.

Can I change my program of study after I start?

It is fairly common for graduate students to change a course or two in their program of study for the MLS. This must be done in consultation with your graduate advisor. Changing an entire concentration will require that the student reapply for admission to the new department (and with a new advisor), but not readmission to the Graduate School. Contact the Graduate School or the Director for more information if you want to change concentrations. Once you have been admitted to this concentration, please follow the MLS Checklist and carefully read The MLS Student Handbook.

Is Fort Hays State University accredited?

Most important, FHSU is accredited by the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools and is granted the authority to award degrees by the Kansas Board of Regents. Fort Hays State University is also accredited by several specialized agencies. The Master of Liberal Studies is currently undergoing review for full membership in the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs, our national organization.

Can I receive financial aid for my studies?

Yes, FHSU is a Title IV compliant institution. Contact our Financial Aid department for more information and an application.

Do I need to maintain a certain GPA?

As with nearly every graduate school program you'll need to have a 3.0 to graduate. When departments accept you they may have other stipulations.

Where do I find more information about the general policies for graduate education?

• www.fhsu.edu/gradschl/faq.shtml
• www.fhsu.edu/gradschl/policies.shtml

Can I transfer credit from ACE or another graduate school?

In many cases if the graduate credit is intrinsic to the course of study you are proposing, credit can be applied to your MLS concentration. In some cases 6 to 9 hours can be applied toward the concentration. All graduate work considered for transfer (a) must be no older than six years by the time the student finishes the MLS; (b) must be taken at the graduate level; (c) must have a grade of "B" or better; (d) must be offered by a regionally accredited institution; and (e) cannot be part of another post-graduate degree.