FHSU Virtual College Bachelor's Degrees

Create an Opportunity.

Earning your bachelor's degree opens doors to better jobs and higher salaries. In fact, studies show that people with bachelor's degrees earn as much as a million dollars more over the course of their working lives than those who only have an associate's degree or high school diploma.

Fort Hays State Virtual College offers affordable, fully-accredited Bachelor of Science degrees in:

Additional Degrees:

Need something tailor made for you? Our flexible, innovative Bachelor of General Studies degree lets you customize a program of study that best meets your needs. Whether you just have a few semesters left to finish that undergraduate degree or you're just getting started, work with an advisor to build a program that gives you the knowledge and skills you need for success.

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Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Have you always wanted to make a difference in the lives of children? Earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, with an emphasis in Elementary Education, gives you the opportunity to begin a new career or become licensed to teach in the state of Kansas.

The TEAM Elementary Education program is designed to:
(1) focus on themes which provide links between general education, professional education, and the practical application of field experience; (2) provide extensive field experience with measurable outcomes each semester; (3) link content, theoretical components, and field experiences through professional education which emphasize reflective thinking; (4) model integration of content and diverse teaching strategies; (5) emphasize proficiency in oral and written language skills, professionalism, and technology; and (6) provide experience in a diverse environment.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Coursework 55 hours
Professional Studies 9 hours
Major Courses (non-restricted) 18 hours
Major Courses (restricted to program admits) 30 hours
Student Teaching 15 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 127 hours

Contact Information

Germaine L. Taggart, Interim Chair
Department of Teacher Education
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
244 Rarick Hall
Hays, KS  67601

Phone:   (785) 628.4204
Email:    gtaggart@fhsu.edu
Web:     Teacher Education

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Bachelor of Science in Education-Early Childhood Unified

Interested in working with young children and families? If so, the Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Unified may be the program for you. You can earn your bachelor’s degree from home. The ECU licensure program can be used for entry into a wide variety of occupations serving children and families from zero to 8 years of age.

This is an ideal program of study for students who wish to prepare for careers in early childhood programs as a teacher, administrator and coordinator, including but not limited to: district sponsored early childhood/early childhood special education pre-kindergarten programs, kindergarten through third grade teacher in public or private school, Early Head Start, Head Start, First Start, Even Start, infant/toddler programs, Parents as Teachers, directorship/teacher of franchised daycare and preschool programs, directorship/teacher of privately owned preschools/daycare/Infant & toddler programs, early intervention special education services, military-related child care centers, etc.

The degree is structured to provide a seamless acquisition of academic requirements for various career levels. With the courses online, students are allowed the opportunity to work, raise a family, etc. while obtaining their degree.

General Education Coursework 55 hours
Professional Studies 9 hours
Major Courses (non-restricted) 12 hours
Major Courses (restricted to program admits) 36 hours
Student Teaching 15 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 127 hours

Contact Information

Judy Nixon, Early Childhood Unified Coordinator
College of Education and Technology
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Rarick Hall 241
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone: (785) 628-5845
Email: jnixon@fhsu.edu
Web: Teacher Education

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Bachelor of Science in Information Networking & Telecommunications Computer Networking

Information Networking and Telecommunications graduates are designing, implementing and supporting the communications networks of tomorrow. The concentration in Computer Networking and Telecommunications prepares graduates to work in telecommunications companies or in corporate, education, law enforcement, health care, and other computer and network positions. Graduates typically serve in engineering, production, operations, managerial, sales, consulting or regulatory positions.

Fort Hays State University offers a nationally recognized degree in Information Networking and Telecommunications that has been repeatedly designated as a "best practice" program. This concentration can include course work necessary to sit for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) and advanced Cisco certifications.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Requirements 55 hours
INT Major Core Courses 18 hours
Required Computer Networking & Telecommunications Concentration Courses 15 hours
Elective Computer Networking & Telecommunication Concentration Courses 15 hours
Cross-concentration Electives 6 hours
Free Electives 15 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications
Fort Hays State University
Heather Hall
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5373
Email: int@fhsu.edu
Web: INT

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Bachelor of Science in Information Networking & Telecommunications Web Development

Business, government, education, entertainment, and even organizations such as health care providers are increasingly using the World Wide Web as a vital communication and transaction tool. INT Web Development Majors have the opportunity to learn web development, e-commerce, work-flow and web-based database development. Fort Hays State University is a national center for Web Development, a Cisco/Adobe Academy and an Oracle Academy. Students may seek web development, coding, database, video and animation, and/or artistic design skills in an interdisciplinary environment. Students may prepare for the Certified Web Design Apprentice (CWDSA) and Oracle Certified Associate certifications. The web development degree also allows a student to earn a certificate in Web Development and/or E-Commerce.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Requirements 55 hours
INT Major Core Courses 18 hours
Required Web Development Concentration Courses 15 hours
Elective Web Development Concentration Courses 15 hours
Cross-concentration Electives 6 hours
Free Electives 15 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications
Fort Hays State University
Heather Hall
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5373
Email: int@fhsu.edu
Web: INT

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Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the cause of crime and society’s response to crime. FHSU graduates are uniquely qualified and prepared to enter one of the many careers related to criminal justice, including state and federal special agents; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Marshals; customs agents; court administrators; law enforcement agents; security, correction, parole, probation and community correction officers; juvenile intake personnel; and victim services personnel.

The majority of distance education students pursuing a degree in Justice Studies are adult learners, going back to school to finish or start a degree in order to change careers, obtain a promotion or increase their salary. A number of our students are already criminal justice practitioners and military veterans employed at the local, state or federal level. 

The Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies is an accredited program, falling under the auspices of the Northeastern Associate of Criminal Justice Sciences.  FHSU accepts previous credit and the Department of Justice Studies provides job placement assistance. 

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses 46 hours
Academic Cognate Courses 12 hours
Justice Studies Core Curriculum 30 hours
Justice Studies Electives 6 hours
Free Electives 30 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Rob Scott,
Chair, Department of Justice Studies
Fort Hays State University
Rarick Hall 233G
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone:  (785) 628-4425
Email:  criminaljustice@fhsu.edu
Web:  Justice Studies

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN

If you are already licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, you can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completely online through Fort Hays State University. Graduating with a BSN degree opens doors to more and better career options and additional management responsibilities. The BSN also prepares you for graduate nursing study.

The RN-to-BSN degree program is designed to be flexible enough to meet your busy schedule as a working professional. With this program, you can receive credit for prior educational experience, attend the clinical course in your local area, and finish in one year after you meet all prerequisite and general education requirements.

FHSU is a leader in nursing education and offers a program that is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education(CCNE). CCNE is a national, autonomous accreditation agency, officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs.

Program Requirements Overview - Associate Degree RNs

Basic Studies 12 credit hours
Humanities Studies 12 credit hours
Natural Sciences and Math 9 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Studies 12 credit hours
Prerequisite Nursing Studies 16 credit hours
Nursing Studies 24 credit hours
Advance Standing Credit 33 credit hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 118 hours

 

Program Requirements Overview - Diploma Degree RNs

Foundation Studies 18 credit hours
International Studies 6 credit hours
Integrative Studies 3 credit hours
Humanities Studies 9 credit hours
Natural Sciences and Math 10 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Studies 9 credit hours
Prerequisite Nursing Studies 16 credit hours
Nursing Studies 24 credit hours
Advanced Standing Credit 33 credit hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 128 hours

Contact Information

Dr.Carol Moore, Coordinator, Coordinator of Baccalaureate Outreach Delivery,
Department of Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Stroup Hall 122C
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4407 or 800-684-2242
Email: clmoore@fhsu.edu
Web: Nursing

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Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership

If you are looking for an academic challenge that will enrich both your personal and professional development, consider a nationally recognized degree in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University. Organizational leadership is a broad academic field that is adaptable to organizations large and small, private and public.

The Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on the study of leadership in the context of the modern organization. It examines the theoretical foundation as well as the practical behaviors and processes that promote positive leadership and organizational development.

This degree program prepares students to become effective players in today's workplace. Rather than preparing graduates for a single particular career, this interdisciplinary liberal arts degree program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for a broad range of organizational and supervisory positions. Graduates find themselves in high demand for a wide variety of career choices because of skills gained in communication, team building, collaboration, problem solving, and change making.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Requirements 55 hours
Cognate Requirements 9 hours
Organizational Leadership Core Courses 27 hours
Organizational Leadership Electives 9 hours
Free Electives 27 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Brent Goertzen, Chair
Department of Leadership Studies
Fort Hays State University
Picken Hall 200
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4303
Email: fhsuleaders@fhsu.edu
Web: Leadership

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Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership

The purpose of this degree is to provide students the opportunity to advance their technical or applied degree beyond the community or technical college level. This degree is called the "Workforce Baccalaureate" because it is designed for students who have (or are pursuing) AAS degrees in technical, applied or practical areas such as auto-mechanics, electronics, computer-aided drafting, office management and telecommunications, among others.

The BTL combines the knowledge and skills obtained in an accredited AAS program with advanced courses in technology, industrial management and leadership to complete your bachelors degree. Graduates find careers in business, industry and agriculture, where their skills are vital to the success of society. Once you have completed this degree program, you will have a liberal arts education and the leadership skills to become a team leader, manager, foreman or supervisor in the work place.

Program Requirements Overview

Associate of Applied Science Degree
from Community or Technical College
64 hours
General Education Courses 31 hours
Option I Requirements
or Option II Requirements
32 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 127 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Fred Ruda, Chair
Department of Technology Studies
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4211
Email: fruda@fhsu.edu
Web: Technology Studies

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Bachelor of Business Administration in Management

The online management degree program at FHSU provides you the avenue to develop the knowledge, analytical skills, and leadership that you need to excel in today's fast-paced business environment. You will gain a broad perspective of the organization and an in-depth understanding of the operation of the modern business enterprise.

Through the online BBA program, you have the opportunity to work with full-time management professors who have acquired the highest possible degrees for university teaching, possess corporate experience, and are dedicated to providing a high quality virtual learning experience. The Virtual BBA in Management offers the same academic rigor as our on-campus program, with courses designed and taught by the same on-campus, full-time faculty or off-campus faculty with expertise and experience in their specialized field.

Your degree prepares you for the workforce through specialized training and experience in the analysis of typical problem situations. Students trained in management may find jobs in a variety of fields and geographical locations. Human resource managers, operation managers, department managers, and administrative managers are always in demand. You have chosen the right field if you enjoy planning, organizing, decision-making, staffing, and leading.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses 55 hours
College of Business & Leadership Core Curriculum 27 hours
Management Core 15 hours
Management Electives 18 hours
Free Electives 9 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Management and Marketing
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 216
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4201
Email: mgt.mkt@fhsu.edu
Web: Virtual BBA

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Business Administration in Management-Concentration in Human Resource Management

Remaining competitive in today's constantly changing business environment requires an understanding that people are company's greatest asses, and proactive steps to keep a workforce satisfied and motivated. The concentration in Human Resource Management has been structured to equip you with the skills and real world training you need to maximize the efforts and productivity of your human resources.

Through the online BBA program, you have the opportunity to work with full-time management professors who have acquired the highest possible degrees for university teaching, possess corporate experience, and are dedicated to providing a high quality virtual learning experience. The Virtual BBA in Management-Concentration in Human Resource Management offers the same academic rigor as our on-campus program, with courses designed and taught by the same on-campus, full-time faculty or off-campus faculty with expertise and experience in their specialized field.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses55 hours
College of Business & Leadership Core Curriculum27 hours
Management Core15 hours
HRM Concentration 21 hours
Free Electives 6 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Management and Marketing
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 216
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4201
Email: COBLadvising@fhsu.edu
Web: Virtual BBA

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Business Administration in Marketing

All businesses, domestic and international, are involved in marketing, which offers career opportunities in selling, advertising, wholesaling, retailing, business-to-business marketing, international marketing, marketing research, public relations, governmental marketing and much more. The program's objective is to prepare  you for marketing positions and advancement in the business world.

Through the online BBA program, you have the opportunity to work with full-time management and marketing professors who have acquired the highest possible degrees for university teaching, possess corporate experience, and are dedicated to providing a high quality virtual learning experience. The Virtual BBA in Marketing offers the same academic rigor as our on-campus program, with courses designed and taught by the same on-campus, full-time faculty or off-campus faculty with expertise and experience in their specialized field.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses55 hours
College of Business & Leadership Core Curriculum27 hours
Marketing Core 15 hours
Marketing Electives 12 hours
Marketing-Related Electives6 hours
Free Electives9 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Management and Marketing
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 216
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4201
Email: COBLadvising@fhsu.edu
Web: Virtual BBA

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Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Communication

The Business Communication degree program prepares students for employment in the ever-changing technological business environment. Graduates complete a program that prepares them in the various aspects of commnication and technology that are used in today's businesses. Graduates are prepared for positions in a variety of business organizations including: management and marketing programs, corporate training specialists, public relations areas, and human resources.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses55 hours
College of Business & Leadership Core Curriculum27 hours
BCOM Core 24 hours
Business Communication Management 18 hours
or  
Information Management 18 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Accounting and Information Systems
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 302
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4099
Email: AIS@fhsu.edu

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Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems

The Management Information Systems major focuses on ethical and technological leadership in a globally, digitally, and technologically-based economy. The major fosters knowledge workers who possess an in-depth knowledge of business processes, the ability to readily translate business requirements into value-added business information solutions, and the ability to develop and implement models of excellence integrated business processes.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses55 hours
College of Business & Leadership Core Curriculum27 hours
MIS Core 27 hours
Business Applications Development 15 hours
or  
Business Systems Analysis 15 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Department of Accounting and Information Systems
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 302
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4099
Email: AIS@fhsu.edu

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Bachelor of General Studies

Offered at a distance since 1980, the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is a general degree program available through the College of Arts and Sciences that provides you a solid liberal arts education. Designed for adult students with well-defined career objectives, the BGS offers maximum flexibility to students who wish to determine the specific content of their degree program, rather than pursue one of the established majors at FHSU. The BGS prepares you to enter a wide variety of occupations and serves as a bridge to numerous graduate degree programs to further advance your education.

The program includes a cross section of upper division general education requirements and an area of concentration equaling 21 credit hours. Currently, nine areas of concentration are available online, although a BGS advisor will work with you to customize and approve a program of study to meet your educational goals. Students interested in the BGS degree may transfer up to 94 credits, with a maximum of 64 credits from a two-year school. Military personnel may transfer up to 64 units of ACE-approved credit and credit-by-exam.

Program Requirements Overview

English Composition 6 credit hours
Computer Literacy Course 3 credit hours
Distribution Courses
Humanities 12 credit hours
Natural Sciences and Mathematics 12 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences 12 credit hours
Area of Concentration 21 credit hours
Open Electives 58 credit hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 credit hours

The BGS degree serves as a bridge to numerous graduate degree programs and prepares students for employment in areas not requiring specific baccalaureate degrees. The area of emphasis or concentration can be tailored to prepare students for entry into a particular career area. Concentrations available to students through the Virtual College include, but are not limited to:

Child Development
General Business
Geographical Studies
Gerontology
Health Promotion
Human Services
Information Networking and Telecommunications
Justice Studies
Organizational Leadership

If you do not see a program you are interested in, please contact Joleen Briggs, BGS Coordinator, at jmbriggs@fhsu.edu or 1-800-628-FHSU.

Contact Information

Joleen Briggs
Coordinator, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5950
Email: jmbriggs@fhsu.edu
Web: BGS

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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Sociology is a dynamic field of study that leads to fascinating employment opportunities in fields with high social importance. If you are interested in exploring the relationships among groups and between groups and individuals, wish to prepare for an exciting professional career, and have a general desire to make the world a better place then welcome to the Sociology Program at Fort Hays State University! Sociology courses are taught via the Internet, videotape, CD-ROM, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), email and traditional correspondence methods.

As a student majoring in sociology, you have the opportunity to craft (with the aid of an individual advisor) a program of study to best suit your own interests and needs. Along with a set of core courses, you will select among many elective sociology and university courses to complete your degree. In addition, sociology majors complete a very popular internship requirement. Internships are tailored to help students sample potential careers, build resumes, learn new skills, hone current skills, and pave the way for subsequent employment.

Program Requirements Overview

General Education Courses 52 hours
Modern Language Courses 10 hours
Cognate Course 3 hours
Core Sociology Courses 18 hours
Elective Sociology Courses 15 hours
Electives 26 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 124 hours

Contact Information

Rose Marie Arnhold, Chair
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Fort Hays State University
Rarick Hall 354
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5397
Email: rarnhold@fhsu.edu
Web: Sociology

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