Fort Hays State University
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences

Fort Hays State University’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences offers a number of graduate programs with online, hybrid, and on campus courses. These flexible courses offer students the opportunity to complete a degree or certificate on their own schedule.
The College of Health & Behavioral Sciences offer degrees in communication sciences and disorders, health and human performance, nursing, psychology, and social work. Students will graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in careers in fast-growing occupations.
Get to know Fort Hays State University
Student Experience
- Online classes
- On campus classes
- Hybrid classes
- Traditional semester timing
Affordability
- Financial aid
- Scholarships
- Military education benefits
- Graduate assistantships
Campus Resources
- Technical support
- Library services
- Career services
- Advisors
Featured Programs & Degrees
Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
Students in the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance can focus their degree on their area of interest: Exercise Science, Sport Administration, or Movement and Sport Studies. All concentrations in the degree offer students hands-on experience that is vital to their success in future careers.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Health and Human Performance degree here.
Master of Liberal Studies
The Master of Liberal Studies degree from FHSU is designed for working professionals – 31-credit hours are offered in flexible formats to fit a busy schedule. The MLS degree helps students to enhance critical thinking skills as well as learning to see the world from new and different perspectives.
The MLS degree offers a number of concentrations for students to choose from that best fit their career goals and personal interests.
Concentration Options Include
Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Gerontology
The Gerontology concentration offers all courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will study aging as it pertains to wellness, rehabilitation, marketing, interior design, health care, policy development, government, and law.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Gerontology concentration here.
Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Health Sciences
The Health Sciences concentration offers all courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This concentration may be of particular interest to students pursuing careers as physical education teachers, coaches, athletic administrators, or health/wellness professionals.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Health Sciences concentration here.
Nursing Programs
Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing offers programs approved from the state of Kansas as well as an MSN accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.
Degree Options Include
BSN to DNP
MSN to DNP
Nursing Administration
Nursing Education
Certificates
Doctor of Nurse Practice – BSN to DNP
(must have Kansas RN license)
The DNP graduate is prepared to work in a variety of health care settings as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). DNP students assume key leadership roles and participate in executive decision making processes for best patient care outcomes.
Admissions
Applications for this program are due by March 1. The program is designed to be completed in four years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during the summer term. The hybrid format of this program allows working professionals to enroll full-time.
Learn More
Get more information on the BSN to DNP program here.
Doctor of Nurse Practice – MSN to DNP
(must have APRN certification/license)
The DNP graduate is prepared to work in a variety of health care settings as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). DNP students assume key leadership roles and participate in executive decision making processes for best patient care outcomes.
Admissions
Applications for this program are due by March 1. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during the summer term. The hybrid format of this program allows working professionals to enroll full-time.
Learn More
Get more information on the MSN to DNP program here.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for Nurse Administrators (NA) degree offers courses in nursing practice, theory, pharmacology, policy, research, and more.
Admissions
The fall start application due date is July 1, spring start is October 1, and summer start is February 1. This program can be completed in 2-4 years.
Program Options
This degree can be started in fall, spring, or summer terms. Full-time or part-time enrollment allows students to take online courses year round at their own speed.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration degree here.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for Nurse Educators (NE) degree offers courses in statistics, foundations, theory, health care policy, and research.
Admissions
The fall start application due date is July 1, spring start is October 1, and summer start is February 1. This program can be completed in 2-4 years.
Program Options
This degree can be started in fall, spring, or summer terms. Full-time or part-time enrollment allows students to take online courses year round at their own speed.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education degree here.
Post Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration Certificate
With 100% of course work online, this program is suitable for the working RN who desires a career in healthcare administration.
Post Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Certificate
With 100% of course work online, this program is suitable for the working RN who desires a career in nursing education.
Admissions
The fall start application due date is July 1, spring start is October 1, and summer start is February 1. This program can be completed in 1-2 years.
Program Options
Certificate programs can be started in fall, spring, or summer terms. Full-time or part-time enrollment allows students to take online courses year round at their own speed.
Learn More
Get more information on the Post Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Certificates here.
Master of Professional Studies
The Master of Professional Studies degree is multi-disciplinary. The degree is flexible so that students can combine major areas to gain the specific skills they need to advance in particular careers. The MPS degree offers a number of concentrations for students to choose from.
Concentration Options Include
Chemistry
Computer Networking
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Gerontology
Human Resource Management
Information Assurance Management
Music Composition
Music Performance
Organizational Leadership
Public Health Administration
Web Development
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Chemistry
The Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Chemistry is a full-time, on campus program. Students must complete a research project. Curriculum includes physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and more.
Admissions
Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis for fall or spring start times. This degree can be expected to be completed in about 2 years.
Program Options
This program runs during fall and spring terms on campus. Students can only enroll as full-time.
Learn More
Get more information on the Chemistry concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Computer Networking
The Computer Networking concentration offers all courses on campus and through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will explore coursework in network security, routing, law, cellular systems, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Computer Networking degree here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice concentration offers all courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This program explores criminology, situational ethics, administrative practices, corporate crime, justice studies, and more.
Admissions
Applications for fall and spring starts are April 1 and November 1, respectively. This degree can be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall or spring terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online or hybrid courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Criminal Justice concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity concentration offers all courses on campus and through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will explore coursework in research methods, informatics, system security, network defense, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Cybersecurity degree here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Gerontology
The Gerontology concentration offers all courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This program explores the issues surrounding the growing population of adults in our society. Students will learn how to identify, understand, and create solutions for growing issues.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online course.
Learn More
Get more information on the Gerontology concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management concentration offers all courses on campus and through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will explore coursework in sociological research, labor relations, recruitment, training and development, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Human Resource Management degree here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Information Assurance Management
The Information Assurance Management concentration offers all courses on campus and through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will explore coursework in web security, informatics, risk management, law of cyberspace, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Information Assurance Management degree here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Music Composition
The Music Composition concentration offers all courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This program explores information literacy, hypermedia, composition, multimedia applications, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall or spring terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Music Composition concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Music Performance
The Music Performance concentration offers courses that explore analytical techniques, major ensemble, instruction, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall or spring terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Music Performance concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership
The Organizational Leadership concentration offers courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This program explores theoretical foundations of leadership, qualitative research methods, organizational intervention strategies, and more.
Admissions
Application deadlines for fall and spring start times are March 1 and October 1, respectively. The program is designed to be completed in 18-24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall or spring terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Organizational Leadership concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Public Health Administration
The Public Health Administration concentration offers courses through FHSU’s Virtual College. This program explores health and human performance, statistical analysis, legal issues, administration in health care, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Public Health Administration concentration here.
Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Web Development
The Web Development concentration offers all courses on campus and through FHSU’s Virtual College. Students will explore coursework in web scripting languages, databases, mobile application development, and more.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start the program during fall, spring, or summer terms and have the option to take courses year-round. Working professionals can choose full-time or part-time enrollment to best fit their schedules – as well as taking convenient online, hybrid, or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in Web Development degree here.
Psychology Programs
The Department of Psychology offers hands-on experiences, courses that explore theory, and faculty that will help hone practical skills.
Track Options Include
Clinical Emphasis
Education Specialist
Experimental Emphasis
School Psychology Emphasis
Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical Emphasis)
Graduates of the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program will be prepared for licensure as a psychologist in Kansas and/or licensure as a mental health provider in other states.
Admissions
The application deadline for this program is March 15. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Program Options
Students can start the full-time program during fall term. Working professionals can take convenient on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical Emphasis) here.
Education Specialist (36 hours)
Both Education Specialist and Master of Science in Psychology (School Psychology Emphasis) degrees are required in order to seek licensure as a school psychologist (66 graduate hours).
Admissions
The application deadline for this program is March 15. The program is designed to be completed in one to two years.
Program Options
Students can start a full-time or part-time program during fall term. Working professionals can take convenient online or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Education Specialist program here.
Master of Science in Psychology (Experimental Emphasis)
The Master of Science in Experimental Psychology program is flexible for students. The coursework can be designed to prepare students for a doctoral degree program or research-based careers.
Admissions
The application deadline for this program is March 15. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Program Options
Students can start a full-time program during fall term. Working professionals can take convenient on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Psychology (Experimental Emphasis) here.
Master of Science in Psychology (School Psychology Emphasis – 30 hours)
Both Master of Science in Psychology (School Psychology Emphasis) and Education Specialist degrees are required in order to seek licensure as a school psychologist (66 graduate hours).
Admissions
The application deadline for this program is March 15. The program is designed to be completed in one to four years.
Program Options
Students can start a full-time or part-time program during fall term. Working professionals can take convenient online or on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Psychology (School Psychology Emphasis) here.
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
The Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students for clinical certification by ASHA and professional licensure by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability.
Admissions
Applications for this program are accepted until February 1. The program is designed to be completed in 20-24 months.
Program Options
Students can start the full-time program during fall term. Working professionals can take convenient on campus courses.
Learn More
Get more information on the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology here.
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Contact Fort Hays State University
Contact Admissions
Main Campus
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
785-628-4236