FHSU Virtual College Master's Degrees

Master your next move.

If you really want to get ahead of your competition in the job market, a master's degree is the way to go. And it's not as difficult as you think. By taking fully-accredited online courses you can move your career and your income to the next level without turning your whole life upside down.

The Virtual College offers several graduate degrees.

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Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)

If you have a passion for learning, intellectual curiosity and a desire to explore a subject matter in greater depth, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) is a unique, flexible degree program designed to meet your personal and educational goals. With many online courses and concentration areas to choose from, Fort Hays State University makes it easier for you to balance work and personal commitments to achieve your goals.

But what does "liberal studies" mean? Liberal studies means providing you the opportunity to systematically explore a wide realm of knowledge and wisdom to help you better understand yourself, others and the world around you. Liberal studies focus on intellectual, social, and moral growth and helps foster your love of learning. The 10-hour core curriculum is designed to address these goals in different ways, and provide you the foundation you need to more deeply explore a specific area of concentration.

Select an area of concentration from the list below, or work with an MLS advisor to customize a program of study that best meets your personal and educational goals:

  • Communication Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Educational Leadership and Management
  • English
  • ESOL
  • Gerontology
  • Health and Human Performance
  • History
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information Assurance
  • Information Networking and Telecommunications
  • Instructional Technology
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Public Administration
  • Social Science Education

FHSU's Master of Liberal Studies program is a full member of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs.

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses
(Introduction to liberal education)
10 hours
Area of Concentration 18 hours
Culminating Experience 3 hours
Comprehensive Examination
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 31 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Art Morin, Director of the MLS Program
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Fort Hays State University
Davis Hall 206
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5950
Email: amorin@fhsu.edu
Web: MLS

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Master of Science in Health and Human Performance

The online Master of Science Degree in Health and Human Performance (HHP) provides opportunities for students to continue developing their conceptual, technical, analytical, and communication skills related to careers in health and human performance. The program consists of 32 hours, with most students taking 6-8 credit hours per semester and completing their degrees within a three year period. Students may join the program at any time during the year (fall, spring or summer). Core courses are only offered during the summer and must be scheduled accordingly.

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses
17 hours
Area of Concentration 15 hours
Comprehensive Exam  
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 32 hours

Contact Information

Mr. Glen McNeil, Interim Chair
Department of Health and Human Performance
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Cunningham Hall 139
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone:  (785) 628-4376
Email:   gmcneil@fhsu.edu

Web:    HHP

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Master of Science in Instructional Technology

If you are interested in becoming a leader in the classroom by using and teaching the latest updates in the instructional field, a graduate degree in Instructional Technology may be for you. You will graduate with advanced knowledge of multimedia tools and with sound presentation and development strategies to integrate multimedia into a variety of education and training environments. This program focuses on using technology as a teaching tool. Classes are offered online, in the evening and during the summer, but it is possible to complete this degree entirely online.

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses
24 hours
School Law -or- Law of Cyberspace 3 hours
Interactive Systems Design -or- Origins and Implications of the
Knowledge Society
3 hours
Electives 6 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 36 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Robert Howell, Program Coordinator
Department of Technology Studies
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone:  (785) 628-4306
Email:   bhowell@fhsu.edu
Web:    Instructional Tech

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Master of Science in Nursing Administration Track

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares you to assume advanced nursing specialty roles, opening doors to you for promotion and increased earning power. The nursing administration track prepares you to take on leadership roles in the rapidly changing healthcare environment, and it is ideal for nurses who want to pursue leadership careers in hospitals and other healthcare agencies. Throughout your program of study, you will complete courses in healthcare management and leadership in complex organizations. You will gain further knowledge by working with expert nurse leaders and completing a research study.

The MSN program 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. This program is available throughout the United States.

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses 16 hours
Nursing Administration Courses 9 hours
Graduate Elective 3 hours
Thesis 3 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 31 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Liane Connelly, Chair
Department of Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Stroup Hall 129
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4327 or 800-684-2242
Email: lconnell@fhsu.edu
Web: Nursing Admin

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Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

The family nurse practitioner specialty is in high demand in rural states like Kansas. A family nurse practitioner provides a unique blend of nursing and medical care to families and indiviuals, including newborns, infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and postpartum women, and older adults.

The FNP degree is a hybrid program, with a combination of online classes, on-campus classes and preceptor-ship courses completed close to home. While you may take the online courses from anywhere, all on-campus and IPTV courses take place on Wednesdays. Students must have a Kansas nursing license to enroll in this program, which is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses 18 hours
Functional Role Courses 33 hours
  
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 51 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Liane Connelly, Chair
Department of Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Stroup Hall 129
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4327 or 800-684-2242
Email: lconnell@fhsu.edu
Web: Nursing Admin

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Master of Science in Nursing Education Track

Teaching the nurses of tomorrow is a growing field. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in education specializes in teaching strategies (using instructional technology and theory), curriculum development and evaluation. Throughout your program of study, you will complete courses through online course delivery systems and audio conferencing. You will gain further knowledge by working with expert nurse educators and completing a research study.

The MSN program 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. This program is available to those who are registered nurses in the United States, as well as, a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing from an accredited school.

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses 16 hours
Nursing Education Courses 9 hours
Apprenticeship 3 hours
Thesis 3 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 31 hours

Contact Information

Dr. Liane Connelly, Chair
Department of Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Stroup Hall 129
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-4327 or 800-684-2242
Email: lconnell@fhsu.edu
Web: Nursing Education

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Master of Business Administration in Leadership

Take the next step to reach your personal and professional goals with FHSU's Virtual MBA in Leadership program. Designed for working professionals who may or may not have a business degree, this program combines core MBA coursework with the study of organizational leadership. You will examine the theoretical foundation and the practical behaviors that promote positive leadership and organizational development.

FHSU's MBA program combines academic rigor, real-world experience, convenience and flexibility to enhance your leadership potential in a dynamic and exciting business world. The degree consists of 37 credit hours with an additional nine hours (three Foundation courses) for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business. Six to nine hours of graduate credit may be transferred in from other accredited institutions, subject to approval.

Program Requirements Overview

Foundation Courses
(for non-business undergraduates only)
9 hours
Core Courses 25 hours
Critical Issues Seminar 3 hours
Specialization in Organizational Leadership 9 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 37-49 hours

Contact Information

College of Business and Leadership
Fort Hays State University
McCartney Hall 101
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Phone: (785) 628-5339
Email: mba@fhsu.edu
Web: Business Admin.

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Master of Science in Education

The newly designed Master of Science in Education (MSE) offered through the Department of Teacher Education has a core of 20 credit hours infused with the educational philosophy and strategies associated with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).  This core also supports the goal of preparing candidates for instructional leadership roles at the elementary, middle school or secondary level. 

In your program of study, you may choose an 18-19 credit-hour area of emphasis in areas like ESOL, library media specialist, reading specialist, school improvement specialist or subject area specialist. The emphasis areas may lead to an endorsement or a program of professional improvement.

An action research project conducted in a school environment is required of all MSE candidates. 

Program Requirements Overview

Core Courses
20 hours
Elective Courses (Emphasis Area) 18-19 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 38-39 hours
   
Emphasis Areas  
ESOL 18 hours
Reading Specialist 19 hours
Library Media Specialist 18 hours
Other Areas Approved by Graduate Committee 18 hours

Contact Information

Dr.Michael Slattery,Interim Chair
Graduate Programs,
College of Education and Technology
Fort Hays State University
232 Rarick Hall
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone: 785.628.4546
Email: maslattery@fhsu.edu
Web: Education

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Master of Science in Educational Administration

The principal is the person responsible for all the activities that occur in and around the school building. It is
the principal’s leadership that sets the tone of the school, the climate for learning, the level of professionalism and morale of teachers, and the degree of concern for what students may or may not become. Completing the building leadership degree program will enable school leaders to demonstrate competency in the standards as developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC).

Program Requirements Overview

EAC 803 Education Research 3 hours
EAC 850 School Law 3 hours
EAC 851 Supervision and Evaluation of School Personnel 3 hours
EAC 854 Educational Finance 3 hours
EAC 855 Educational Leadership 3 hours
EAC 856 School-Community Relations 3 hours
EAC 859 Curriculum Planning & Evaluation PK-12 3 hours
EAC 875 Seminar in Education II: Data Analysis and Assessment 3 hours
EAC 875 Seminar in Education II: Introduction to School Administration 3 hours
EAC 875 Seminar in Education II: Special Education for School Leaders 3 hours
EAC 875 Seminar in Education: (Leadership Topics - Camp Aldrich) 3 hours
EAC 879 Practicum in Education: Building Leadership 3 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 36 credit hours

Dr.Michael Slattery,Interim Chair
Graduate Programs,
College of Education and Technology
Fort Hays State University
232 Rarick Hall
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone: 785.628.4546
Email: maslattery@fhsu.edu
Web: Education

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Master of Science in Special Education

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of children, you should consider an advanced degree in special education. Teachers licensed in special education and/or English for Speakers of Other Languages are in high demand throughout Kansas and across the country.

The goal of the Department of Special Education is to prepare exceptional professional educators for today’s schools. The Special Education teaching programs are fully accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.

Program Requirements Overview

Pre-requisite: Educating Exceptional Students 3 hours
Core Courses 32 hours
Elective Courses 4 hours
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE 36 hours

Dr.Michael Slattery,Interim Chair
Graduate Programs,
College of Education and Technology
Fort Hays State University
232 Rarick Hall
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601-4099

Phone: 785.628.4546
Email: maslattery@fhsu.edu
Web: Education

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