Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship)
Hours: 30 Online
About
The Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) at Fort Hays State University is a forward-thinking 30-credit program designed to empower students to drive sustainable changes through social innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. It prepares students to create and lead both nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises that tackle pressing social challenges with innovative solutions. Whether students aspire to launch new ventures or strengthen existing organizations, the program equips graduates to make a meaningful social impact in communities around the world.
Focusing on the development of entrepreneurial skills essential for managing and growing social enterprises, the curriculum covers critical areas such as nonprofit leadership, grant writing, and social innovation. By integrating business principles with social change initiatives, this program offers a distinctive approach. It is the only program in Kansas specifically dedicated to social entrepreneurship to address environmental concerns, social justice, and economic inequality.
Why pursue a Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) at Fort Hays State University?
The Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) program is the only program of its kind in Kansas. It provides specialized education that integrates social work leadership with business economics and human resource management. The program cultivates a comprehensive understanding of how to apply professional studies principles to real-world challenges, preparing students to become successful social entrepreneurs.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for:
- Aspiring and current social entrepreneurs
- Professionals in nonprofit and for-profit sectors looking to impact social change
- Individuals interested in innovative solutions to pressing global and local issues
- Working professionals seeking an online program to balance with other commitments
Real-World Applications
The program includes a required internship in advanced grant writing, during which students conduct a needs assessment for a nonprofit, draft a technical grant proposal, and may submit it to potential funders. This hands-on experience with real-world organizations enhances practical skills and ensures graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions in the field.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest advancements in social entrepreneurship and related fields. Faculty members remain current with emerging research and theories, integrating these insights into the coursework to ensure students stay at the forefront of social innovation.
Hands-on Activities
The Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) incorporates hands-on activities that are central to the learning experience. A key component is the advanced grant writing internship, which requires students to work directly with public sector and nonprofit organizations, applying their knowledge in real-world contexts.
In addition to the internship, the program offers a range of experiential learning opportunities. These include field courses that provide firsthand exploration of environmental and social issues, research projects that enable students to investigate and develop practical solutions, and participation in conferences and workshops that foster professional networking and skill development.
What You’ll Learn:
- Develop and manage innovative social enterprises
- Strategic financial and human resource management in social projects
- Build leadership skills in social entrepreneurship
- Navigate and solve pressing social problems
- Drive sustainable change through innovative solutions
How You’ll Learn:
- Engage in real-world projects with existing organizations
- Apply your knowledge through case studies and a capstone project
- Learn from experienced faculty members in social entrepreneurship
- Participate in online discussions to explore various social innovation challenges
- Choose elective courses tailored to your interests in social issues
The core curriculum encompasses courses in project management, financial management, marketing, and communication skills, all specifically designed to support the development of social enterprises. Elective courses offer opportunities for further specialization in areas such as climate change, international development, and other related fields.
SOC 664G: Social Entrepreneurship and Grassroots Social Action
This course covers social entrepreneurship, helping students 1) identify needs, 2) understand existing efforts, 3) design community projects, and 4) create a social action plan, ideal for those pursuing skills or careers in social entrepreneurship.
SOC 680G: Nonprofit Organizations
This course explores managing non-profits versus for-profits, covering nonprofit incorporation, mission development, and tax exemption. Students will learn about leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and marketing for nonprofits.
SOC 679F: Community Theory and Development
This course offers a dynamic exploration of community from a sociological perspective, including human relationship patterns, ecology, social networks, and social capital. Students will engage in theoretical analysis and apply their knowledge through assignments and activities.
Discover the full Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates are equipped for diverse career paths where they can apply their skills in project management, leadership, and social innovation. Alumni have successfully transitioned into roles across multiple sectors, using their expertise to create and sustain socially responsible ventures and initiatives. Career opportunities include:
Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit executive directors are responsible for overseeing the operations, fundraising, and strategic direction of nonprofit organizations. Graduates in this role align organizational goals with community needs, ensure effective service delivery, and maintain long-term impact.
Social Enterprise Consultant
Social enterprise consultants advise startups and established organizations on incorporating social innovation into their business models. They assist companies in implementing strategies that generate positive social impact while sustaining profitability.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
CSR managers work within corporate settings to develop and implement strategies that strengthen the company’s social responsibility. Their role often includes managing community outreach programs, sustainability efforts, and ethical labor practices.
Community Development Manager
Community development managers focus on enhancing community infrastructure and services through collaborative projects involving local government, the private sector, and residents. They plan and execute development initiatives that address critical social issues such as housing, education, and healthcare.
Policy Analyst for Social Policy Organizations
Policy analysts research, analyze, and develop solutions to social challenges at the municipal, state, or national level. They play a vital role in shaping legislation and public initiatives addressing issues such as poverty, educational inequality, and healthcare reform.
Fort Hays State University values diverse backgrounds and the unique perspectives that students bring. The admissions process is designed to identify individuals who are committed to social change and prepared to thrive in a rigorous academic environment. To be considered for the Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Achievement
Prospective students must demonstrate academic capability by maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA in their final 60 undergraduate credit hours. This requirement ensures that all students possess a strong educational foundation for advanced studies in social entrepreneurship.
Personal Statement
Applicants are required to submit a 1–2-page personal statement outlining their interest in social entrepreneurship, career goals, and how the program will help them achieve these objectives. The statement should also demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of social issues and their motivation to address these challenges through the Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship).
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation that provide insight into their abilities and character. One letter should come from an academic source, such as a professor or advisor, who can speak to the applicant’s scholarly strengths and potential for graduate study. The second letter should be from a professional contact, such as a supervisor or colleague, who can attest to the applicant’s leadership skills and dedication to social entrepreneurship.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University recognizes the interdisciplinary nature of social entrepreneurship. The Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) is part of a broader academic community offering complementary programs that provide diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge to enhance entrepreneurial skills for driving social change.
- Certificate in Grant Writing and Program Evaluation
- Master of Liberal Studies (Public Administration)
- Certificate in Building a Career in a Nonprofit Corporation
This program is unique as the only fully online, self-paced option in its field. It emphasizes practical, real-world applications and offers flexible elective courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. The curriculum integrates current theories and practices, keeping students up to date with the latest advancements in social entrepreneurship.
Our program offers practical knowledge through a mix of required and elective courses. Core classes focus on essential skills like project management, financial management, and grant writing, while electives explore topics such as sustainable business, international social entrepreneurship, and public sector challenges. This comprehensive approach provides students with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.
While the Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship) does not offer formal concentrations or tracks, the program offers flexibility through elective courses. This allows students to tailor their studies to align with their career goals, whether in environmental issues, nonprofit management, or for-profit social ventures.
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as nonprofit executive directors, social enterprise consultants, and corporate social responsibility managers. They may also pursue careers in community development and policy analysis, influencing social policy and planning. The degree equips students to launch and sustain impactful ventures that address critical social needs, fostering a meaningful and purpose-driven career.
Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology
The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.
The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.
Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests. Volunteer options are available through local groups such as:
- Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
- Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
- Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
- Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.
Criminal Justice Centers
- National De-escalation Training Center:
In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.
- Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
- Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
- Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.
The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.
FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.
NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).
- Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:
Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.
The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.
Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.
Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.
- VALUE Program:
The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.
- CNN Heroes Advisory Board:
The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.
- Master's
- Online
