Fort Hays State University Virtual College Basics:
Website: www.fhsu.edu/virtualcollege
Phone: 785-628-FHSU
Address: 600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601-4099
Fort Hays State University Virtual College Academics:
Unlike many other prominent online colleges, Fort Hays State University Virtual College is part of a public state university system. While this means the schedules and programs are more traditional, it also means the tuition is lower than that of many of its competitors. Some 4,500 online students in 27 countries attend more than 600 Fort Hays State University Virtual College courses each semester, a number which often exceeds the on-campus student population. The same professors teach both virtual and campus-based courses, with most using online course management systems such as Blackboard. Some faculty also use DVDs, videos or CD-ROMs.
Fort Hays State University Virtual College Accreditation:
Fort Hays State University Virtual College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accreditor.
Fort Hays State University Virtual College Degrees and Programs:
Undergraduates can earn a degree in business, computer science, criminal justice, education or sociology. An associate degree in general studies allows undecided students to complete their general-education requirements. The college's master's programs include business administration, education, nursing and liberal studies. Certificate programs, including one in grant-writing, are also available. Licensed teachers can earn "endorsements" in such areas as English as a second language, reading or library media.
Fort Hays State University Virtual College Admissions:
Before applying, Fort Hays State asks prospective students to complete a self-assessment to help applicants judge whether their learning style and life commitments make the virtual college a good fit. Students can apply to take classes either independently or as part of a degree-seeking program. Transcripts from previous colleges are necessary. Graduate candidates must have a 2.5 GPA for the last 60 credits and must send proof of their bachelor's degree. U.S. undergraduates pay a $30 admissions fee; international and graduate candidates pay $35. Semester-long classes begin in mid-January and late August. Selected courses are also offered in two four-week summer sessions.
Fort Hays State University Virtual College Costs:
Undergraduates pay $148 per credit, MBA students pay $400 per credit, and other graduate students pay $197.25 per credit. Unlike some for-profit online universities, bachelor's degrees generally require a traditional 124 credits, for a total cost of $18,352. Most master's programs include about 31 credits; about a $6,115 price tag. For students without a bachelor's degree in business, the 49-credit MBA degree would cost $19,600; those who do not need business foundation courses require only 37 credits for a total of $14,800. Nearly 80 percent of students receive financial aid, and the university offers more than 500 scholarships, including many that students can apply for online.
Interesting Fact:
Some 2,000 Fort Hays State students are based out of partner universities in China. The virtual college also has partners in Hong Kong and Turkey.
