Master of Fine ArtsPerhaps you would like to pursue a Master's degree with a more professional focus. A 60-credit hour degree program, the MFA is a terminal degree, preparing you to teach at the collegiate level or pursue other professional opportunities. Choose from drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography or graphic design as your area of emphasis.

Graduate School Requirements

Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Biology

The graduate program in biology provides you with the flexibility to pursue advanced study in such areas as biology, botany, conservation biology, ecology, fisheries biology, microbiology, rangeland biology, systematics, wildlife biology, and zoology.

Graduate curricula are not specified as such; rather programs are designed with your major professor and graduate committee, according to your individual needs and career goals. Your graduate study can lead to a terminal Master of Science degree or prepare you for acceptance into a doctoral program at another university. All graduate programs designed for research professions or doctoral programs include a research project and thesis developed in consultation with your major professor and graduate committee. The thesis defense consists of an oral presentation of your results that is open to the public, followed by a closed session with your advisor and thesis committee. You must also successfully complete a comprehensive oral exam. More information may be obtained from the Graduate School.If you want to pursue a graduate degree as a secondary teacher in biology, or if you desire a "general" master's degree, you may select the non-thesis option, which requires additional coursework and a research paper in lieu of a thesis. An oral presentation is not required for the non-thesis option, but the comprehensive oral exam is. For information about options for a summer-only program for secondary teachers, contact the department chair.... [-]

Master of Science in Communication

Two graduate options are available in Communication, the Thesis option, and the Research Report option. Students with an inadequate background in the field of communication are required to take leveling undergraduate coursework which does not apply toward the hours necessary to complete the graduate program of study.

Thesis OptionStudents complete a minimum of 30 hours. All thesis candidates complete a 15-hour core as part of the program of study. Students are required to write a four-hour comprehensive examination after the completion of their coursework. Upon completion of the thesis, the students orally defend the thesis to their graduate committee.... [-]

Master of Science in Geosciences

Geosciences offer graduate study for the Master of Science along two different tracks, geology and geography.

MS in Geosciences - GeologyThis program of study has two possible emphases--one for the professional geologist and the other for the earth science teacher. The former prepares the student for a career in industry or in government surveys or provides preparation for Ph.D. work at another institution. The latter prepares the student to teach geology and other earth science courses at the secondary or college level. The geology track is flexible. The student and advisor will select appropriate electives based on the area of emphasis such as environmental geology, stratigraphy, vertebrate paleontology, geophysics, petroleum geology, etc.... [-]

Master of Liberal StudiesEarning a Master of Liberal Studies degree from Fort Hays State University can help you see the world differently. As you progress through your program, you will develop (or deepen) the critical thinking skills you need to become a wiser consumer of knowledge, becoming better able to understand and evaluate the intellectual work of any discipline. Most importantly, as you begin to see the world differently, you may discover new ways to have a positive effect on the world around you.Designed with the working professional in mind, the 31-credit hour Master of Liberal Studies degree program makes it easier for you to balance work and personal commitments to achieve your educational goals. Concentrations are available in: Art Corporate Communications Digital Cinema Production Gerontology Global Management Global Studies Health Sciences International Enterprise Leadership Literary Arts Management Information Systems Mathematics Music Political Leadership and Public Service Political Science Public Administration Rural Advocacy Science Education ... [-]

The Master of Professional Studies degree is a multi-disciplinary master's degree designed to meet emerging workforce development needs.

Concentrations are available in:

It is designed to develop advanced professional skill sets in various subject areas not currently represented at FHSU by Master of Science (MS) credentials. A salient feature of the degree program is the flexibility for the student to combine a major subject area with one or more cognate areas designed to enhance professional workforce skills desired by employers in industry, government, healthcare, and information technology careers.... [-]