03/14/18
HAYS, Kan. – Programs offered through the Fort Hays State University Virtual College received nine recognitions in February from various agencies as among the best and most affordable online programs offered by U.S. colleges and universities. The Department of Leadership Studies earned two recognitions, and the Department of Teacher Education earned three.

BestCollegeReviews.org
No. 2, The 47 Best Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs Online for 2018
FHSU earned the No 2 spot on BestCollegeReviews list of the best online organizational leadership programs based on its affordability, prestige and customization options.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership. Both degrees require 124 credit hours and core leadership courses including introduction to leadership concepts, advanced leadership behaviors, principles of civic leadership, leadership and personal development and leadership and team dynamics.

“The innovative curriculum focuses on the study of leadership in the context of the modern organization,” says the FHSU website. “Standard classroom practices do not apply here. Whether in the classroom or in the field, students will constantly be challenged to adapt and overcome.”

No. 4, The 25 Best Master’s in Organizational Leadership Programs Online 2018
BestCollegeReviews also recognized FHSU’s Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in organizational leadership. The program earned praise for its affordability, flexibility and academic reputation.

Students enrolled in the 31-credit-hour program can complete the degree on their own schedule and have multiple options to customize their degree.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2FwVBSY. 

BestEducationDegrees.com
No. 11, Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in elementary education earned the No. 11 spot on BestEducationDegrees’ list based on its student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate, affordability and financial aid accessibility.

The 127-credit-hour program provides candidates opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills with measurable outcomes and feedback from university faculty. Courses include foundations of education, classroom management, educational psychology, concepts of elementary mathematics and instructional technology for elementary teachers.

“The program of study helps future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculum, pedagogical theory and clinical experience,” says the FHSU website.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2FKiDF3. 

EducationWeek.org
No. 5, 2018 Top Teacher-Preparation Programs in the United States
EducationWeek named FHSU one of the top five colleges in the nation for teacher education, noting the program’s prestige and hands-on application.

FHSU Virtual College programs include, among others, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Bachelor of Science in education (early childhood unified) and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a minor in special education.

These programs help future teachers discover the links between general education courses, professional education curriculums, pedagogical theory and clinical experience. Students can add a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

“Fort Hays State gives students the hands-on experience they need to be immediately successful in their classrooms,” says EducationWeek. “Without practical application, theory is useless, so these professors make sure students get plenty of both at Fort Hays State.”

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2Dlpe3J. 

TopMastersInEducation.com
No. 6, Best Online Master’s in Special Education Degrees
TopMastersInEducation praised FHSU’s program for its flexibility, accessibility and use of instructional technology.

FHSU’s Master of Science in high-incidence special education is a 36-credit-hour program available entirely online. Courses focus on the practical needs and challenges faced by educators of special education students.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2Ii5AZY. 

CollegeChoice.net
No. 26, 50 Best Online Colleges and Universities
CollegeChoice named FHSU one of the 50 best colleges in the nation for online education. The website praised FHSU for its degree options, affordability, accessibility and student support services.

Through the Virtual College, FHSU offers more than 50 programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor and master levels.

“Our online degree programs are fully accredited, affordable, and utilize the latest in learning technology for what we think is one of the best values in higher education today,” says the FHSU website.

“FHSU takes the accessibility of their programs so seriously that they keep their programs among the most affordable in the country,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2IhvPj7. 

No. 39, 50 Most Affordable Online Colleges
CollegeChoice also named FHSU as among the 50 most affordable online colleges in the nation. The website specifically noted the value of FHSU’s Bachelor of General Studies, which allows students to customize a degree program to their interests and career goals.

“The Virtual College at Fort Hays utilizes the most advanced learning technology to help students learn in a flexible, affordable setting,” says CollegeChoice.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2FwD2hy. 

GreatValueColleges.net
No. 6, Top 50 Affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online 2018
GreatValueColleges analyzed FHSU’s student-to-faculty ratio, affordability and prestige to award it the No. 6 spot on its list of the most affordable criminal justice bachelor programs in the nation.

The Virtual College offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In addition to taking courses including criminology, justice in the information age and comparative justice systems, students can complete certificates specializing in corrections, justice networking and victim advocacy.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2tGQ0nm. 

OEDB.org 
No. 18, The Best Online Computer Science Programs
FHSU earned a spot on OpenEducationDatabase’s list based on its graduation rate, retention rate, acceptance rate and enrollment rate.

The 120 credit-hour program requires 39 hours in computer science major courses and 24 hours in emphasis-track courses in business or networking. Students must also complete 55 credit hours of general education requirements.

“Fort Hays State University's Virtual College offers students a low-cost alternative to in-classroom learning from a reputable institution of higher education,” says OEDB.

To view this ranking, visit http://bit.ly/2tE24Wz. 

About the FHSU Virtual College
Distance education at Fort Hays State began in 1911 when faculty voted to offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western Kansas could afford to gain the continuing education required to teach. The distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.